The Trans-Ili Alatau approach dominates the landing experience and is the flight's most visually striking segment. Takeoff is secondary, making left the better overall choice for this route.
Flown SVO to ALA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Moscow to Almaty is 1,940 miles (3,122 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Kazakh steppe for roughly 2 hours after leaving Moscow's forest belt. Notable features include the Betpak-Dala semi-desert plateau (flat, sparse vegetation), occasional salt lakes and seasonal water bodies, and the gradual transition from birch-steppe to true steppe. The Chu River valley becomes visible in the final descent phase. No major mountain ranges interrupt the midpoint; the terrain is uniformly low and open.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SVO
RIGHTSVO typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Moscow River's northern loops and the suburban sprawl transitioning to forest. Left side faces the city center, which quickly becomes obscured by altitude and haze.
Landing at ALA
LEFTDescent into ALA from the north typically uses runways aligned roughly east-west. Left-side seats capture the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range's dramatic northern escarpment as you descend, with the Almaty basin and city spreading below. Right side shows only flat steppe.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sheremetyevo (SVO) to Almaty (ALA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Moscow to Almaty. The Trans-Ili Alatau approach dominates the landing experience and is the flight's most visually striking segment. Takeoff is secondary, making left the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Sheremetyevo in Moscow?
During takeoff from Sheremetyevo (SVO), sit on the Right side for the best views. SVO typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Moscow River's northern loops and the suburban sprawl transitioning to forest. Left side faces the city center, which quickly becomes obscured by altitude and haze. Notable sights include: Moscow River (northern bends), Khimki Reservoir to the northwest, dense birch and coniferous forest belt, suburban dacha communities.
What can I see when landing at Almaty in Almaty?
When landing at Almaty (ALA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Descent into ALA from the north typically uses runways aligned roughly east-west. Left-side seats capture the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range's dramatic northern escarpment as you descend, with the Almaty basin and city spreading below. Right side shows only flat steppe. Notable sights include: Trans-Ili Alatau peaks (Turgen and Assy ranges), Almaty city grid with Panfilov Park visible, Big Almaty Lake (turquoise alpine lake), Ili River valley floor.
How long is the flight from Moscow to Almaty?
The flight from Sheremetyevo (SVO) to Almaty (ALA) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,940 miles (3,122 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Moscow to Almaty flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Kazakh steppe for roughly 2 hours after leaving Moscow's forest belt. Notable features include the Betpak-Dala semi-desert plateau (flat, sparse vegetation), occasional salt lakes and seasonal water bodies, and the gradual transition from birch-steppe to true steppe. The Chu River valley becomes visible in the final descent phase. No major mountain ranges interrupt the midpoint; the terrain is uniformly low and open.