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CGN → IKA
Which side of the plane to sit from Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne) to Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a spectacular sequence of geographic transitions, from the lush Rhine Valley and the rugged Carpathians to the striking contrast of the Black Sea and the iconic snow-capped peaks of the Alborz range.
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Rhine River Valley
Aerial view of the industrial and historic heart of the Rhineland immediately after takeoff from CGN.
Carpathian Mountains
The dramatic, forested ridges of the Romanian Carpathians provide high-altitude scenery over Eastern Europe.
Black Sea Coastline
A long stretch of the northern Turkish coastline where the deep blue sea meets the Pontic Alps.
Alborz Mountain Range
Massive, jagged peaks that separate the Iranian plateau from the Caspian Sea.
Caspian Sea Horizon
On clear days during the descent, the world's largest inland body of water is visible to the far north.
Mount Damavand
Iran's highest peak and the highest volcano in Asia, standing as a majestic cone northeast of Tehran.
The left side is essential for the arrival phase; as the flight approaches Tehran from the northwest, the Alborz Mountains dominate the view. To see Mount Damavand, look out during the final 20 minutes of the flight. For early morning departures, this side avoids the direct glare of the sun, making photography easier.
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Cologne Cathedral
Depending on departure direction, the twin spires and Hohenzollern Bridge may be visible to the west.
Bavarian Alps
Distant views of the northern edge of the Alps while transiting southern Germany and Austria.
Anatolian Plateau
The vast, high-altitude arid landscapes of central Turkey with unique geological formations.
Lake Van
The largest lake in Turkey, known for its stunning turquoise soda waters and surrounding volcanoes.
Northern Zagros
The folded mountain belts of Western Iran appearing as the flight crosses the border from Turkey.
Select the right side if you enjoy high-desert geography and the stark beauty of the Anatolian interior. During the winter months, the Taurus Mountains to the south are beautifully snow-covered. Be aware that on morning flights heading east, the sun will be on this side, which can cause significant cabin heat and glare.
Book Hotels in TehranDistance: 3,889 km (2,417 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 35 min
Departure: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)
Arrival: IKA (35.416099548339844, 51.152198791503906)
Route Type: International
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