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HEA → KBL
Which side of the plane to sit from Herat Airport (Herat) to Hamid Karzai International Airport (Kabul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Hindu Kush and Koh-e-Baba mountain ranges, providing a more dramatic and iconic Afghan landscape.
Great Mosque of Herat
Upon takeoff, look for the vibrant blue tiling of the 13th-century Friday Mosque in the city center.
Koh-e-Baba Mountains
Dramatic views of the central Afghan highlands, including the highest peaks of the range near Bamyan.
Hari River Valley
The green ribbon of the Hari River contrasts sharply with the arid mountain terrain as it heads north.
Hindu Kush Peaks
Jagged, snow-covered ridges stretching toward the horizon, offering some of the most rugged terrain in Central Asia.
Kabul North Districts
During the descent, view the dense urban layout and the surrounding hills of the Shomali Plain.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the glare of the southern sun. The lighting on the Koh-e-Baba peaks is particularly sharp and clear during early morning hours. Keep a lookout for the transition from the arid plains of the west to the high-altitude alpine terrain of the center.
Herat Citadel
The ancient Qala Iktyaruddin fortress is visible shortly after departure on the southern edge of the city.
Ghor Highlands
A vast expanse of ochre and reddish mountains known for their deep canyons and remote settlements.
Siah Koh Range
The 'Black Mountains' provide a stark, dark contrast to the lighter sediment of the surrounding valleys.
Wardak Valleys
Glimpses of green, irrigated valleys and traditional mud-brick qalats scattered throughout the rocky terrain.
Darul Aman Palace
On the final approach to Kabul, you can often see the historic palace and the massive newly built Parliament building.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to capture the 'golden hour' glow on the Ghor mountain range. While slightly less mountainous than the north, it provides better views of the traditional rural architecture and terraced farming in the valleys of Wardak and Logar during the final 20 minutes of flight.
Distance: 642 km (399 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 4 min
Departure: HEA (34.209999084472656, 62.22829818725586)
Arrival: KBL (34.565899, 69.212303)
Route Type: Domestic
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