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IST → DEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for its dramatic views of the world's highest mountain ranges, including the Hindu Kush and the distant Himalayas, especially during the latter half of the journey.
Black Sea Coast
Early in the flight, catch glimpses of the lush northern Turkish coastline and the deep blue Black Sea.
Caspian Sea
View the vast expanse of the world's largest inland lake as the flight crosses from Azerbaijan into Central Asia.
Hindu Kush
Fly parallel to the spectacular, snow-dusted peaks of northern Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Pamirs
Distant views of the 'Roof of the World' mountain range to the far north during the mid-flight phase.
The Himalayas
As you approach Delhi, the northern horizon showcases the majestic peaks of the western Himalayan range.
Opt for the left side on daytime flights to capture the high-contrast shadows of the Hindu Kush. During winter, these ranges are fully snow-covered, providing a brilliant white panorama. Avoid seats directly over the wing for unobstructed views of the mountain horizons.
Lake Van
See the turquoise waters of Turkey's largest lake, famous for its alkaline properties and scenic surroundings.
Mount Ararat
Look for the legendary snow-capped dormant volcano near the junction of Turkey, Armenia, and Iran.
Dasht-e Kavir
Witness the surreal patterns of the Great Salt Desert in central Iran, featuring vibrant earthy tones.
Zagros Mountains
Fly over the rugged, folded mountain belts of western Iran, showcasing unique geological formations.
Thar Desert
As you enter Indian airspace, the landscape transitions into the vast, arid dunes of the Great Indian Desert.
The right side is best for seeing Mount Ararat, which usually appears about 1.5 to 2 hours after takeoff. If flying during the afternoon, the sun will be on this side, so bring sunglasses or a polarizing filter for photography to manage the glare over the desert.
Distance: 4,565 km (2,837 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 22 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: DEL (28.5665, 77.103104)
Route Type: International
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