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TQLSLY

Which side of the plane to sit from Tarko-Sale Airport (Tarko-Sale) to Salekhard Airport (Salekhard)?

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the most dramatic views of the vast Ob River system and the distant, rugged peaks of the Polar Ural Mountains during the descent into Salekhard.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🌊

Pyakupur River

Witness the intricate meandering loops and oxbow lakes of the Pyakupur River shortly after takeoff from Tarko-Sale.

🧊

Thermokarst Lakes

Thousands of circular permafrost lakes dot the landscape, creating a unique 'swiss cheese' pattern across the tundra.

🏔️

Polar Ural Mountains

On clear days, the jagged, snow-dusted peaks of the Polar Urals rise sharply on the western horizon as you approach the destination.

⛴️

Ob River Basin

Experience the massive scale of the Ob River, one of the world's longest waterways, as the plane aligns for its final approach.

🏠

Labytnangi View

See the city of Labytnangi across the water from Salekhard, connected by a vital ferry system and winter ice road.

To see the Polar Urals, ensure you have a window seat behind the wing for an unobstructed view of the horizon. In winter, look for the glowing lights of the 'ice road' tracks across the frozen Ob River. If traveling in June or July, the 'Midnight Sun' provides 24-hour visibility of the landscape.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
🏘️

Tarko-Sale Town

A great aerial perspective of the town's industrial layout and its position at the confluence of the Pyakupur and Ayvasedapur rivers.

🛤️

Yamal Wilderness

Vast stretches of untouched Arctic tundra, often showing patterns of reindeer migration paths and nomadic Nenets settlements.

🔥

Gas Field Infrastructure

Spot the remote infrastructure and occasional flares from the region's massive natural gas extraction sites.

🌉

The Torch Bridge

As the plane banks toward Salekhard Airport, look for the iconic 'Fakel' (Torch) Bridge, a landmark of the city.

📍

Arctic Circle Crossing

You are flying directly into the only city in the world located exactly on the 66th parallel north.

The right side is excellent for spotting industrial infrastructure and the city skyline of Salekhard itself during the final turn. Keep your camera ready during the last 10 minutes of the flight for the best urban shots. During winter nights, this side often provides prime viewing for the Aurora Borealis away from the city lights.

Top Activities in Salekhard
Route Information

Distance: 543 km (337 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 54 min

Departure: TQL (64.9308013916, 77.81809997559999)

Arrival: SLY (66.59079742431639, 66.61100006103516)

Route Type: Domestic

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