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SVO destination photo
PEK destination photo

SVOPEK

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior combination of major Siberian landmarks, the most dramatic views of Lake Baikal's southern tip, and a better chance to see the Great Wall during the approach into Beijing.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
🏙️

Kazan & Volga River

Early in the flight, look for the historic skyline of Kazan where the Volga and Kazanka rivers meet.

❄️

Lake Baikal & Irkutsk

Unrivaled views of the southern crescent of Baikal and the mouth of the Angara River, a highlight of the journey.

🇲🇳

Mongolian Steppes

The endless, rolling green and brown grasslands of Mongolia, occasionally dotted with nomadic settlements.

🏜️

Gobi Desert

The stark, beautiful transition into the arid dunes and rocky outcrops of the northern Gobi.

🧱

The Great Wall

During the final descent into PEK, segments of the Ming-era Great Wall are often visible snaking across mountain ridges.

For the best experience, monitor the flight map about 5 to 6 hours after takeoff to prepare for Lake Baikal. During the approach into Beijing (usually from the north), the right side is significantly better for spotting the Great Wall. Use a morning flight to avoid the harsh glare of the afternoon sun.

Left Side Highlights
7.9
🌲

West Siberian Taiga

Vast stretches of untouched coniferous forests and winding river systems typical of the Russian North.

🏔️

Northern Ural Mountains

The ancient geological border between Europe and Asia, featuring rugged, snow-capped peaks.

🌊

Lake Baikal North Shore

The deep blue expanse of the world's deepest lake, often frozen in intricate patterns during winter months.

⛰️

Yanshan Mountains

Jagged mountain ridges that define the northern edge of the North China Plain as you descend.

Choose this side if you are flying at night during winter for a potential glimpse of the Aurora Borealis over the Siberian wilderness. In summer, the late evening sun provides a golden glow over the massive river deltas of the Ob and Yenisei.

Top Activities in Beijing
Route Information

Distance: 5,795 km (3,601 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 49 min

Departure: SVO (55.972599, 37.4146)

Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)

Route Type: International

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