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TSE → ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Astana International Airport (Tselinograd) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the massive Lake Balkhash and the most dramatic perspective of the Tien Shan mountains during the final descent into Almaty.
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Astana Skyline
A view of the futuristic capital's skyline, including the Bayterek Tower, shortly after takeoff.
The Kazakh Steppe
Vast, undulating plains of the Saryarka region that stretch to the horizon in shades of gold and green.
Lake Balkhash (East)
The eastern, saline half of one of Asia's largest lakes, notable for its distinct turquoise hue.
Trans-Ili Alatau
The magnificent snow-capped peaks of the northern Tien Shan mountain range appearing on the horizon.
Almaty Approach
Dramatic views of the rugged mountain ridges as the aircraft descends towards Almaty International Airport.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. The highlight of this route is Lake Balkhash; look out for it roughly 45-50 minutes into the flight. As you approach Almaty, the mountains will appear suddenly and provide a stunning backdrop for photography. In winter, the frozen steppe and white-capped mountains are particularly photogenic.
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Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Ishim River
The winding curves of the Ishim River as it snakes through the northern Kazakh plains.
Betpak-Dala
The western edge of the 'Hunger Steppe,' a rugged and arid desert region known for its harsh beauty.
Lake Balkhash (West)
The western freshwater section of the lake, which often appears a different shade of blue than the east.
Almaty Urban Sprawl
A bird's-eye view of Kazakhstan's largest city and its grid-like street pattern against the mountain foothills.
Kaskelen Valley
Views of the deep valleys and foothills leading away from the city towards the west.
The right side is ideal for sunset flights, as the sun sets over the vast steppe, creating a golden hour effect over the landscape. While you still see Lake Balkhash, the perspective is often less central than the left side. During the final approach, you'll get a better sense of the city's scale and its proximity to the massive mountain walls to the south.
Book Hotels in Alma-ataDistance: 951 km (591 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 35 min
Departure: TSE (51.02220153808594, 71.46690368652344)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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