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IST → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic Caucasus peaks, the high-altitude glaciers of the Tian Shan range, and the expansive golden dunes of the Taklamakan Desert.
Search flights from IST to PEK
Caucasus Mountains
Spectacular snow-capped peaks, including Mount Elbrus, the highest point in Europe.
Southern Caspian Sea
Aerial views of the world's largest inland body of water and the Iranian coastline.
Tian Shan Range
Breathtaking views of the 'Celestial Mountains' with massive glaciers and high-altitude lakes.
Taklamakan Desert
The shifting orange and gold dunes of one of the world's largest sandy deserts.
Gobi Desert
The stark, rocky landscapes of northern China as the flight approaches Beijing.
Beijing Approach
On a clear day, views of the mountainous terrain surrounding the capital and the Great Wall's path.
Choose the right side for the most dramatic mountain scenery. For the best experience, try to catch the sunrise over the Tian Shan mountains—it's a highlight of this route. Be aware that the sun will be on this side for much of the morning, so a window shade may be necessary to prevent glare.
Book Hotels in BeijingBlack Sea Northern Coast
Stunning views of the deep blue waters and the coastal landscapes of Georgia and southern Russia.
Kazakh Steppes
Vast, seemingly endless plains with unique geological patterns and remote settlements.
Lake Balkhash
A massive, crescent-shaped lake in Kazakhstan known for its distinct semi-fresh and saltwater sections.
Altai Foothills
Distant views of the rugged mountains where Russia, China, and Mongolia meet.
The left side is best for observing the vastness of the Central Asian steppes. Since this flight heads east, the northern window avoids the direct, harsh glare of the sun for most of the journey, making it easier to take photos of the Caspian Sea and the Siberian borderlands.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 7,059 km (4,386 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 18 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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