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SVO → KGF
Which side of the plane to sit from Sheremetyevo International Airport (Moscow) to Sary-Arka Airport (Karaganda)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally preferred as it avoids the harsh southern sun glare and provides a superior angle for viewing the Southern Ural Mountains and the unique lake systems of Northern Kazakhstan.
Moscow Skyline
Clear views of the Moscow International Business Center and the sprawling northern suburbs shortly after takeoff from SVO.
Volga-Oka Confluence
Aerial view of the massive Volga river system as the flight path passes near Nizhny Novgorod.
Southern Ural Mountains
The rugged, forest-covered peaks marking the boundary between Europe and Asia, particularly striking in winter months.
Chelyabinsk Lake District
A dense cluster of glacial and tectonic lakes scattered across the landscape near the border of Russia and Kazakhstan.
Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve
A glimpse of Lake Tengiz, a massive salt lake and UNESCO site known for its migratory bird populations and pink flamingos.
Choose a window seat on the left (typically 'A') to enjoy consistent lighting conditions throughout the day. The most dramatic scenery occurs about 90 to 120 minutes into the flight when crossing the Ural Mountains. In summer, the late evening flights offer a perpetual twilight glow over the northern horizon.
Samara Bend
The spectacular 180-degree loop of the Volga River around the Zhiguli Mountains, visible if the flight takes a southerly track.
The Kazakh Steppe
An endless expanse of semi-desert and grassland, offering a minimalist beauty that changes color with the seasons.
Ural River Meanders
The winding path of the Ural River as it flows south toward the Caspian Sea, creating intricate patterns in the earth.
Karaganda Mining Complex
The massive open-cast coal mines and industrial infrastructure surrounding Karaganda become visible during the final descent.
While the right side (typically 'F') offers views of the Samara Bend, be aware of high glare during daytime flights as the sun is positioned to the south. This side is exceptional for sunset views on evening departures from Moscow, where the steppe landscape turns deep shades of orange and red.
Distance: 2,482 km (1,542 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 19 min
Departure: SVO (55.972599, 37.4146)
Arrival: KGF (49.670799255371094, 73.33439636230469)
Route Type: International
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