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TAS destination photo
IKT destination photo

TASIKT

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a spectacular vantage point for the Tien Shan and Altai mountain ranges, culminating in a breathtaking view of Lake Baikal during the descent into Irkutsk.

Right Side Highlights
9.5
🏔️

Tien Shan Mountains

Dramatic snow-capped peaks of the 'Celestial Mountains' visible shortly after departing Tashkent.

🌊

Lake Balkhash

A massive, crescent-shaped lake in Kazakhstan known for its distinct half-fresh, half-saline water composition.

⛰️

Altai Mountains

Rugged, high-altitude terrain where Russia, China, and Mongolia meet, offering stunning glacial vistas.

🌲

Sayan Mountains

The pristine wilderness of the Sayan range, featuring steep valleys and untouched Siberian forests.

💎

Lake Baikal

The world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake; its southern tip is often visible during the banking maneuver for landing.

For the best experience, book a window seat on the right. During morning flights, the sun illuminates the Altai peaks perfectly. As you approach IKT, the plane often turns over the southern shore of Lake Baikal, offering a world-class photo opportunity of the crystal-clear water and the surrounding Khamar-Daban mountains.

Left Side Highlights
6.5
🌾

Kazakh Steppes

Infinite horizons of the Central Asian steppe featuring unique geological formations and remote settlements.

💧

Irtysh River

The winding silver ribbon of the Irtysh River as it flows through the Kazakh-Russian border regions.

🌲

Siberian Taiga

The beginning of the dense, dark green coniferous forests that define the Siberian landscape for thousands of miles.

🏘️

Irkutsk Outskirts

View of the Angara River and the industrial and residential sprawling of western Irkutsk during the final approach.

The left side is better if you prefer the soft light of the northern sky. It offers a clear view of the Angara River as you descend, but lacks the high-contrast mountain scenery found on the opposite side.

Top Activities in Irkutsk
Route Information

Distance: 2,904 km (1,804 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 52 min

Departure: TAS (41.257900238000005, 69.2811965942)

Arrival: IKT (52.268001556396, 104.38899993896)

Route Type: International

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