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IST → OSS
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Osh Airport (Osh)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, including potential sightings of Mount Elbrus, and provides a better perspective of the dramatic transition from the Black Sea to the high peaks.
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Black Sea Coastline
Aerial views of the northern Turkish coast and the vast expanse of the Black Sea shortly after departure.
Greater Caucasus Peaks
Dramatic, snow-capped summits of the Caucasus, often featuring Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe.
Caspian Sea Basin
A wide-angle view of the world's largest inland body of water as the flight crosses into Central Asia.
Ustyurt Plateau
The stark, lunar-like landscapes of the desert plateau between the Caspian and Aral Seas.
Fergana Valley Entrance
The lush, irrigated agricultural lands of the Fergana Valley as the plane approaches the Kyrgyz border.
Sit on the left for the most iconic mountain photography. The Caucasus range appears approximately 2 hours after takeoff. For daytime flights, the sun will be behind you or overhead, providing excellent lighting for the northern slopes. Keep your window shade open as you cross the Georgia-Russia border region for the most rugged terrain.
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Bosphorus Strait
Panoramic views of Istanbul's historic peninsula and the bridges connecting Europe and Asia during takeoff.
Lesser Caucasus
Rugged, rolling mountain scenery across eastern Turkey and southern Georgia.
Kyzylkum Desert
Vast stretches of red sand and ancient Silk Road geography across Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Amu Darya River
The winding path of one of Central Asia's most significant rivers snaking through the desert landscape.
Pamir-Alay Range
Stunning jagged peaks and deep valleys visible on the final descent into Osh Airport.
The right side is ideal for capturing the approach into Osh, where the Pamir-Alay mountains create a dramatic horizon. If flying in the late afternoon, the southern view experiences beautiful 'golden hour' lighting over the Uzbek deserts. Be sure to look for the Sulayman Mountain, a UNESCO site, as the plane circles for landing in Osh.
Book Hotels in OshDistance: 3,660 km (2,274 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 18 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: OSS (40.6090011597, 72.793296814)
Route Type: International
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