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IST → KBL
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Hamid Karzai International Airport (Kabul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of dramatic landmarks including the massive Lake Van, the snow-capped peak of Mount Ararat, and a thrilling descent over the rugged ridges of the Hindu Kush mountains.
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Istanbul Skyline
Views of the city's sprawl and the Bosphorus strait during the initial climb and turn toward the east.
Lake Van
The massive, deep blue alkaline lake in Eastern Turkey, surrounded by stark volcanic peaks.
Mount Ararat
Turkey's highest peak, a dormant volcano capped in permanent ice, visible near the border with Armenia.
Iranian Plateau
The vast, desolate beauty of the central Iranian deserts with unique wind-eroded geological patterns.
Hindu Kush
The spectacular, jagged mountain ranges surrounding Kabul during the final descent and airport approach.
Sit on the right for the iconic view of Mount Ararat roughly 2 to 2.5 hours into the flight. The approach into Kabul is one of the most scenic in the world; ensure your window is clear for the dramatic mountain passes. Morning flights are preferred to avoid the afternoon haze often found over the Iranian plateau.
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Black Sea Coast
Glimpses of the lush green coastline of Northern Turkey shortly after departure from Istanbul.
Pontic Mountains
Rugged, forested peaks stretching across the northern horizon of the Anatolian plateau.
Caspian South Shore
The hazy coastline of northern Iran where the Elburz mountains meet the world's largest inland sea.
Mount Damavand
The majestic, cone-shaped volcanic peak of the Elburz range, the highest point in the Middle East.
Balkh Plains
The transition from high mountain ranges to the fertile, historical plains of northern Afghanistan.
Daytime flights are essential for this route. Look north mid-flight to see the turquoise sheen of the Caspian Sea. Keep your camera ready as the plane enters Afghan airspace for the dramatic color shifts of the terrain from brown to deep ochre.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for AfghanistanDistance: 3,593 km (2,233 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 14 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: KBL (34.565899, 69.212303)
Route Type: International
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