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ESB → IKA
Which side of the plane to sit from Esenboğa International Airport (Ankara) to Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic landmarks, including the majestic peaks of Mount Ararat and the snow-capped Alborz range during the descent into Tehran.
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Mount Ararat
Turkey's highest peak and the legendary resting place of Noah's Ark, featuring a massive snow-capped volcanic cone.
Alborz Mountain Range
Dramatic, jagged peaks that run along the northern border of Iran, often covered in snow year-round.
Mount Damavand
The highest peak in the Middle East and a prominent dormant volcano visible during the approach to Tehran.
Eastern Anatolian Plateaus
A high-altitude, rugged landscape in Eastern Turkey characterized by deep valleys and sharp ridges.
Northern Tehran Districts
The dense urban sprawl of Tehran's affluent northern neighborhoods nestled against the mountain foothills.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see Mount Ararat roughly two-thirds through the flight. Early morning flights provide the clearest views as afternoon haze often obscures the Alborz mountains. During winter, the snow coverage makes the mountain photography particularly striking.
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Lake Van
The largest lake in Turkey, famous for its deep turquoise soda waters and volcanic islands.
Lake Urmia
A massive hypersaline lake in Iran that often displays vibrant red or white salt-crusted shores from above.
Zagros Mountains
Impressive parallel limestone ridges that define the geography of western Iran.
Tabriz
A bird's eye view of the historic city of Tabriz, one of Iran's ancient cultural and commercial centers.
Dasht-e Kavir Fringes
The northern edges of Iran's Great Salt Desert, showing unique geological formations and arid beauty.
The right side is unbeatable for seeing the color transitions of Lake Urmia, which can range from turquoise to blood-red depending on salt levels. Choose an afternoon flight for warm light on the Zagros ridges, but be aware of the sun's glare in the south-facing windows.
Book Hotels in TehranDistance: 1,676 km (1,041 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 14 min
Departure: ESB (40.1281013489, 32.995098114)
Arrival: IKA (35.416099548339844, 51.152198791503906)
Route Type: International
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