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MHD → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Mashhad International Airport (Mashhad) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled sequence of dramatic landmarks, including Iran's highest peak, the Caspian coastline, and the legendary Mount Ararat.
Search flights from MHD to IST
Mount Damavand
The majestic, snow-capped volcanic cone of the Alborz range, visible shortly after reaching cruise altitude.
Hyrcanian Forests
The lush green belt between the Alborz Mountains and the Caspian Sea coast.
Caspian Sea Coast
Clear views of the world's largest inland sea and the coastal cities of northern Iran.
Mount Ararat
The legendary twin peaks of Ararat dominate the horizon as you cross the border into Turkey.
Bosphorus Strait
On clear northern approaches, see the bridges connecting Europe and Asia just before landing.
The right side is essential for seeing Mount Damavand, which appears approximately 45-60 minutes after takeoff. For the best lighting on Mount Ararat, choose a morning flight. During winter, the Alborz and Pontic mountains provide a continuous spectacular view of snow-covered peaks throughout the journey.
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Dasht-e Kavir
View the northern fringes of Iran's Great Salt Desert with its unique geological patterns.
Tehran Outskirts
Depending on the flight corridor, catch glimpses of the southern sprawl of the Iranian capital.
Lake Urmia
Witness the striking white and reddish hues of this massive hypersaline lake in northwestern Iran.
Anatolian Plateau
The rugged, high-altitude terrain of eastern Turkey with its deep valleys and winding roads.
Sea of Marmara
Watch cargo ships and tankers queuing for the Bosphorus as the plane descends into Istanbul.
Sit on the left for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography of Lake Urmia. This side is also excellent for seeing the southern descent path over the Sea of Marmara, which often provides views of the Princes' Islands during the final approach to IST.
Get eSIMs for Iran
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 2,721 km (1,691 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 38 min
Departure: MHD (36.235198974609375, 59.64099884033203)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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