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KTM → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the high Himalayan massifs shortly after takeoff, followed by the dramatic Hindu Kush, Mount Ararat, and the stunning blue waters of Lake Van.
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Annapurna Massif
Incredible views of the high Himalayas, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, shortly after departure.
Hindu Kush
The sharp, jagged, and snow-capped peaks of Afghanistan's primary mountain range.
Mount Damavand
The iconic, perfectly shaped volcanic cone which is the highest peak in Iran.
Lake Van
A massive, deep-blue alkaline lake surrounded by volcanic peaks in Eastern Turkey.
Mount Ararat
The legendary snow-capped peak near the border of Turkey and Armenia, often visible from a distance.
Bosphorus Strait
As you descend into Istanbul, the waterway separating Europe and Asia is often visible.
The first 30-45 minutes are critical for the Himalayas; keep your camera ready immediately after takeoff from Kathmandu. For the best clarity of the Karakoram and Hindu Kush, choose a flight that departs in the early morning. Be aware that the sun will be behind you when flying westward, providing excellent illumination for the northern peaks.
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Kathmandu Valley
Lush terraced hills and the dense urban sprawl of Kathmandu immediately after takeoff.
Indo-Gangetic Plain
The vast, shimmering agricultural patchwork of Northern India and the Ganges basin.
Thar Desert
Golden sand dunes and arid landscapes near the border of India and Pakistan.
Zagros Mountains
Distinctive folded rock formations and rugged ridges across southern and central Iran.
Taurus Mountains
The dramatic limestone peaks of southern Turkey as the flight approaches the Mediterranean coast.
Sit on the left for softer lighting during morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the southern sun. This side is better for observing the geometric beauty of the Iranian plateau and the sprawling cities of the Middle East. Note that visibility over the Indian plains can be limited by seasonal haze or smog during winter months.
Get eSIMs for Nepal
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 5,305 km (3,296 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 14 min
Departure: KTM (27.6966, 85.3591)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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