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TBS → ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Tbilisi International Airport (Tbilisi) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular approach into Almaty with direct views of the towering Tian Shan mountains and the Trans-Ili Alatau range, plus early glimpses of the Greater Caucasus and the Absheron Peninsula.
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Greater Caucasus
Distant views of the high snow-capped peaks along the border of Georgia and Azerbaijan shortly after takeoff.
Baku & Absheron
The industrial and urban landscape of Azerbaijan's capital and the oil rigs dotting the Caspian Sea.
Karakum Desert
The vast 'Black Sands' of Turkmenistan, featuring rolling dunes and remote desert outposts.
Tian Shan Range
The majestic 'Heavenly Mountains' appearing on the horizon as you approach the Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border.
Trans-Ili Alatau
An incredibly close-up view of the 4,000m+ peaks that form the dramatic backdrop of Almaty during the descent.
The right side is the undisputed winner for the landing. As the plane descends into Almaty, the mountains will be exceptionally close to the aircraft. For the best photos of the Tian Shan range, choose a seat in front of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. On clear days, the contrast between the flat steppe and the sudden vertical rise of the mountains is breathtaking.
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Northern Caspian Sea
The transition from the Georgian highlands to the vast, deep blue expanse of the world's largest inland body of water.
Mangystau Cliffs
Stunning white and ochre limestone formations and canyons in the Western Kazakh desert.
Aral Sea Basin
The unique and somber geography of the dried-up northern Aral Sea bed, visible as textured salt flats.
Syr Darya River
A winding ribbon of life and vegetation cutting through the arid Southern Kazakh steppe.
The left side is preferable for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. It provides a better perspective of the unique geological 'moonscapes' of the Ustyurt Plateau. Watch for the dramatic color change when the plane crosses the Caspian coastline into the Kazakh desert.
Get eSIMs for Georgia
Get eSIMs for KazakhstanDistance: 2,620 km (1,628 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 30 min
Departure: TBS (41.6692008972, 44.95470047)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: International
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