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IST → KSH
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani Airport (Bakhtaran)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the most iconic landmarks, including the Bosphorus, the immense turquoise expanse of Lake Van, and the higher altitudes of the Eastern Anatolian mountain ranges.
Search flights from IST to KSH
Istanbul and Bosphorus
Breathtaking views of the strait separating Europe and Asia immediately following takeoff from IST.
Lake Van
A massive, high-altitude soda lake featuring vibrant turquoise waters and the volcanic silhouette of Mount Nemrut.
Mount Süphan
A soaring stratovolcano located on the north shore of Lake Van, often capped with snow year-round.
Zagros Mountain Peaks
Sharp, folded limestone ridges that define the rugged border crossing between Turkey and Iran.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of Lake Van. On morning flights, the sun will be behind you, providing perfectly illuminated views of the Northern Anatolian mountains. Keep your camera ready about 60 to 75 minutes into the flight for the best mountain panoramas.
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Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake)
One of the world's largest hypersaline lakes, appearing as a brilliant, shimmering white expanse in the heart of Anatolia.
Taurus Mountains
The dramatic southern mountain chain of Turkey, showcasing deep canyons and jagged limestone peaks.
Euphrates River and Dams
Aerial views of the massive Atatürk and Keban reservoirs, which are engineering marvels of the region.
Mesopotamian Transition
The visual shift from the high Anatolian plateau to the fertile plains and rolling foothills near the Iranian border.
This side is spectacular during late afternoon or sunset flights, as the low sun creates long shadows across the Taurus canyons and reflects off the salt flats. It is also the best side to observe the complex irrigation networks of the Upper Mesopotamian region during the mid-flight phase.
Book Hotels in BakhtaranDistance: 1,786 km (1,110 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 23 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: KSH (34.3459014893, 47.1581001282)
Route Type: International
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