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TSE → VKO
Which side of the plane to sit from Astana International Airport (Tselinograd) to Vnukovo International Airport (Moscow)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides ideal lighting for photography on this westbound route, avoiding the direct southern sun while offering views of the Southern Urals and a superior perspective of the Moscow skyline during the Vnukovo approach.
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Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve
A complex of salt and freshwater lakes home to the northernmost population of pink flamingos.
Southern Ural Mountains
Ancient, weathered peaks and ridges marking the transition from the Siberian plains to the European plain.
Volga-Kama Confluence
The massive water junction where Russia's most iconic rivers meet near the city of Kazan.
Moscow City Skyline
The glass skyscrapers of the International Business Center and the historic Kremlin visible during the descent into VKO.
The right side is the 'cool' side for photography, as you are looking away from the sun. The Ural crossing is often more visually distinct on this side. During the final 20 minutes of flight, the aircraft often circles the southern outskirts of Moscow; the right side typically offers the best distant views of the city's 'Seven Sisters' skyscrapers and the modern financial district.
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Central Kazakh Steppe
Vast, seemingly endless golden plains stretching to the horizon immediately after departing Astana.
Ural River
The winding silver thread that acts as a symbolic border between the continents of Asia and Europe.
Zhiguli Mountains
Scenic limestone hills and the dramatic 'Samara Bend' where the Volga River makes a sharp turn.
Meshchera National Park
Dense, dark green forests and wetlands that signal the approach into the Russian heartland.
On this westbound flight, the left side faces south, meaning you will deal with direct sunlight and glare for most of the duration. If flying in winter, the snow-covered steppe creates a high-contrast landscape, but keep your window shade partially down to prevent cabin overheating. Look for the industrial sprawl of the Volga region roughly mid-flight.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for RussiaDistance: 2,304 km (1,432 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 4 min
Departure: TSE (51.02220153808594, 71.46690368652344)
Arrival: VKO (55.591499328599994, 37.2615013123)
Route Type: International
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