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PWQ → ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Pavlodar Airport (Pavlodar) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer views of the massive Lake Balkhash, the right side provides a more dramatic perspective of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains and the Almaty city skyline as you descend from the north.
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Saryarka Steppe
The vast, golden 'Yellow Range' upland, a UNESCO site known for its unique steppe flora and fauna.
Betpak-Dala Desert
The rugged 'Hungry Steppe' desert landscape, appearing as a stark, reddish-brown expanse to the west.
Lake Balkhash (West)
The western freshwater basin of this unique lake, appearing remarkably different in color from the eastern side.
Trans-Ili Alatau
The spectacular northern range of the Tien Shan mountains rising abruptly from the plains to over 4,000 meters.
Almaty Skyline
A bird's-eye view of the city's grid layout and the iconic TV Tower against the backdrop of massive peaks.
Sit on the right for the most iconic approach into Almaty. In the winter, the contrast between the white steppe and the mountain wall is breathtaking. Try to book a window seat away from the wing to fully capture the scale of the Tien Shan range during descent.
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Irtysh River
Immediately after takeoff, witness the winding blue path of the Irtysh River cutting through the Pavlodar region.
Bayanaul National Park
Look for the ancient granite rock formations and pine-covered hills of Kazakhstan's first national park in the distance.
Lake Balkhash (East)
The eastern saline portion of the lake, known for its distinct turquoise and azure water tones.
Dzungarian Alatau
On clear days, the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Dzungarian Alatau near the Chinese border are visible to the far east.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight, providing clear views of the Irtysh and the saline half of Lake Balkhash. Watch for the 'Devil's Finger' rock formations if the path skews near Bayanaul.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for KazakhstanDistance: 983 km (611 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: PWQ (52.19499969482422, 77.07389831542969)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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