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SCO → ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Aktau Airport (Aktau) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer a stark, beautiful look at Central Asian geography, the right side is superior for the spectacular arrival into Almaty, where the massive snow-capped peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau range dominate the horizon.
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Mangystau Chalk Cliffs
Breathtaking white chalk formations and 'moon-like' landscapes of the Mangystau region early in the flight.
Syr Darya River
The winding ribbon of the Syr Darya river cutting through the arid Kyzylkum desert landscape.
Kyzylkum Desert Dunes
View of the reddish-sand dunes and desert vegetation characteristic of Southern Kazakhstan.
Trans-Ili Alatau
Magnificent close-up views of the 4,000+ meter peaks of the Tian Shan mountain system as you approach Almaty.
Almaty City Center
A stunning panoramic view of the city nestled right against the base of the towering mountains during landing.
The right side is the 'mountain side.' For the best experience, choose a seat behind the wing to capture the contrast between the city and the peaks. Be aware that on midday flights, the sun will be on this side, so window shades may need to be adjusted until the descent begins. The mountain view on approach is one of the most scenic in Central Asia.
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Caspian Shoreline
Aerial view of the rugged Caspian Sea coastline and the industrial port of Aktau immediately after takeoff.
Ustyurt Plateau
Expansive views of the high-altitude desert plateau featuring unique limestone escarpments and canyons.
Aral Sea Basin
To the north, you can see the white salt crusts and remnants of the shrinking Aral Sea basin.
The Golden Steppe
Vast stretches of the Kazakh Steppe that change color from green to gold depending on the season.
Northern Almaty
Views of the expanding northern residential districts and industrial zones during the final descent.
Sit on the left if you want consistent, soft lighting for photography, as you will be facing north away from the sun for most of the flight. This side is better for spotting the northern tip of the Aral Sea remnants and the vastness of the steppe without the glare of the southern sun.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for KazakhstanDistance: 2,081 km (1,293 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 46 min
Departure: SCO (43.8601, 51.091999)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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