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IST → KTM
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled panorama of the world's highest mountain ranges, including the Hindu Kush, the Karakoram, and the final approach parallel to the main Himalayan range.
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Black Sea Coast
Early views of the rugged northern coastline of Turkey as the flight departs Istanbul.
Pontic Mountains
The snow-capped peaks of the Kaçkar Mountains in Eastern Turkey.
Caspian Sea
Vast views of the southern shores and the deep blue expanse of the world's largest inland sea.
Hindu Kush Range
Dramatic views of the high-altitude peaks across the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Karakoram
On clear days, distant but majestic sightings of K2 and other 8,000-meter giants.
The Himalayas
A continuous wall of snow-capped giants including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs during the descent into Kathmandu.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing for unobstructed views. For morning flights, the sun will be behind you, providing perfect lighting for photography of the Himalayas. The best visibility occurs from October to December when the air is crisp and free of monsoon haze. Keep your camera ready during the last 45 minutes of the flight.
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Central Anatolia
The high, rolling plateaus of the Turkish heartland and the outskirts of Ankara.
Lake Van
Stunning views of Turkey's largest lake and its surrounding volcanic peaks like Mount Süphan.
Iranian Plateau
The mesmerizing patterns and colors of the Dasht-e Kavir salt deserts.
Indus River
Watching the massive river system carve through the landscape of Pakistan.
Gangetic Plain
The vast, fertile green expanse of Northern India and the winding rivers feeding the subcontinent.
The right side is excellent for observing the unique geology of the Iranian deserts and the transition from arid mountains to the lush plains of India. While it misses the high peaks, it offers better lighting during afternoon flights to avoid the harsh southern sun glare. Ensure your window is clean as desert dust can sometimes obscure the view.
Book Hotels in KathmanduDistance: 5,305 km (3,296 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 14 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: KTM (27.6966, 85.3591)
Route Type: International
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