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URC → ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a spectacular and continuous panorama of the high Tianshan Mountains, featuring massive glaciers and some of Central Asia's highest peaks throughout the flight.
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Bogda Peak
The snow-capped 5,445-meter summit of Bogda Feng is visible shortly after departure from Urumqi.
Tianshan Glaciers
Vast fields of permanent ice and rugged jagged ridges spanning the border between China and Kazakhstan.
Trans-Ili Alatau
The dramatic mountain range that forms a vertical wall directly behind the city of Almaty.
Glacial Lakes
Small, turquoise alpine lakes tucked into high-altitude valleys along the southern flight path.
For the most dramatic views, book a morning flight to have the sun illuminating the peaks from the south. This side provides a front-row seat to the 'Celestial Mountains.' Ensure you have a window seat away from the wing for unobstructed views of the vertical relief as you descend into Almaty.
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Urumqi Urban Sprawl
A comprehensive view of the massive Xinjiang capital and its surrounding industrial hubs during takeoff.
Dzungarian Basin
The vast, arid plains to the north contrasting sharply with the mountain ranges to the south.
Ili River Valley
The winding river and fertile green corridor that facilitates life in this otherwise dry region.
Almaty Steppe
The transition from the foothills into the flat, expansive Kazakh grasslands during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or evening flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. It offers a better perspective of the geographic transition from the high-altitude deserts of China to the lower, greener steppes of Kazakhstan. Look for the contrast between the northern plains and the southern foothills.
Book Hotels in Alma-ataDistance: 841 km (523 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: International
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