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KBL → ESB
Which side of the plane to sit from Hamid Karzai International Airport (Kabul) to Esenboğa International Airport (Ankara)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers unparalleled views of the towering Hindu Kush mountain range shortly after takeoff, followed by a panoramic perspective of the Caspian Sea coastline and the dramatic Greater Caucasus peaks in the distance.
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The Hindu Kush
Spectacular close-up views of 6,000-meter snow-capped peaks immediately after departing Kabul.
Baku Skyline
The Absheron Peninsula and the modern architecture of Azerbaijan's capital visible across the sea.
Greater Caucasus
The jagged, icy wall of the Caucasus mountains visible to the north while flying over the Caspian.
Pontic Mountains
Lush, forested ridges that separate the Anatolian plateau from the Black Sea coast.
Ankara Approach
A sweeping view of the expanding Turkish capital as the aircraft descends into Esenboga.
For the most dramatic mountain photography, the right side is essential during the first 45 minutes of the flight. If traveling during the winter months, the snow coverage on the Caucasus to the north is exceptionally vivid. Try to book a seat ahead of the wing for an unobstructed view of the engine against the mountain backdrop.
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Western Afghan Plateaus
Expansive views of the rugged, arid terrain and deep valleys of western Afghanistan.
Southern Caspian Sea
Vast blue horizons as the flight crosses or skirts the world's largest inland body of water.
Lake Van
A stunning turquoise soda lake in eastern Turkey, one of the largest endorheic lakes globally.
Mount Ararat
The iconic snow-capped dormant volcano, a legendary landmark near the Turkey-Armenia border.
Anatolian Highlands
Terraced landscapes and historical settlements scattered across the high Anatolian plateau.
Sitting on the left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and for viewing Mount Ararat if the pilot takes a more southerly route into Turkey. Keep your camera ready as you enter Turkish airspace for the high-altitude lakes.
Get eSIMs for Afghanistan
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 3,238 km (2,012 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 49 min
Departure: KBL (34.565899, 69.212303)
Arrival: ESB (40.1281013489, 32.995098114)
Route Type: International
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