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BGG destination photo
ESB destination photo

BGGESB

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the dramatic Munzur Mountains and the spectacular winding path of the Kızılırmak River as you approach Ankara.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏔️

Munzur Mountains

A stunning range with sharp limestone peaks and deep valleys that remain snow-covered for much of the year.

🐍

Upper Euphrates Gorges

Observe the dramatic deep-cut canyons where the river winds through ancient geological formations.

🛶

Kızılırmak River

As you enter Central Anatolia, watch for the 'Red River' as it loops through the landscape towards the north.

🌲

Elmadağ National Park

The final green mountain ridge before descending into the urban sprawl of the Turkish capital.

🏙️

Ankara Urban Spread

A great perspective of the dense residential areas and the expanding northern suburbs of Ankara during the final approach.

The right side is ideal for morning flights as the sun will be on the opposite side, providing perfect lighting for the Munzur Mountains. Watch for the sharp contrast between the rocky eastern peaks and the flatter steppe near Ankara. During the descent into ESB, this side usually offers a better view of the city perimeter.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
💧

Murat River Valley

Visible shortly after takeoff, this major tributary of the Euphrates carves through the rugged Eastern Anatolian terrain.

🌊

Keban Dam Reservoir

View the massive turquoise waters of one of Turkey's largest man-made lakes, often shimmering under the sun.

🏔️

Mount Erciyes

On clear days, the distant snow-capped peak of this massive stratovolcano near Kayseri dominates the southern horizon.

🚜

Central Anatolian Plateau

The landscape transitions from jagged peaks to the vast, golden, and geometrically patterned agricultural plains of the interior.

Sit on the left for better views of the Keban Dam. For morning flights, this side will be sunnier, which is great for seeing the blue of the reservoir but may cause glare for photography. Look south mid-flight to spot the distant silhouette of Mount Erciyes.

Top Activities in Ankara
Route Information

Distance: 667 km (414 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 7 min

Departure: BGG (38.8592605591, 40.5959625244)

Arrival: ESB (40.1281013489, 32.995098114)

Route Type: Domestic

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