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REN destination photo
LBD destination photo

RENLBD

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides the most dramatic transition from the southern Ural foothills to the majestic Western Tien Shan mountain ranges upon approach to Tajikistan.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Ural River Meanders

Immediately after takeoff from Orenburg, observe the winding river that serves as the symbolic border between Europe and Asia.

⛰️

Mugodzhar Hills

View the southern-most extension of the Ural Mountains, appearing as ancient, weathered rocky ridges in western Kazakhstan.

🌾

Turgay Steppe

Experience the vast, seemingly infinite expanse of the Kazakh steppe, characterized by unique seasonal colors and nomadic patterns.

🏔️

Tien Shan Peaks

During the descent, the snow-capped peaks of the Chatkal and Kurama ranges provide a stunning backdrop to the Fergana Valley.

Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the soft golden light hitting the Mugodzhar hills. As you approach Khudzhand, keep your camera ready for the high-altitude glacial peaks that define the Tajik border. Window seats away from the wing are essential for the best mountain panoramas during the final 20 minutes of flight.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏜️

Kyzylkum Desert

A vast 'Red Sand' desert landscape featuring intricate dune patterns and arid plateaus visible for a large portion of the cruise.

💧

Aral Sea Basin

On clear days, you can spot the distant, shimmering salt flats and remnants of the eastern Aral Sea basin to the far west.

🐍

Syr Darya River

Follow the course of Central Asia's second-longest river as it carves a green corridor through the surrounding desert landscape.

🏙️

Khujand Cityscape

A clear view of the ancient city and the Kayrakkum Reservoir (the 'Tajik Sea') just before landing at LBD.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid direct glare while viewing the Kyzylkum Desert. This side offers a better perspective of the Kayrakkum Reservoir and the Syr Darya river as the plane banks for its final approach into Khudzhand. Use a polarizing filter if photographing to cut through the desert haze.

Top Activities in Khudzhand
Route Information

Distance: 1,687 km (1,048 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 15 min

Departure: REN (51.795799255371094, 55.45669937133789)

Arrival: LBD (40.21540069580078, 69.6947021484375)

Route Type: International

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