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OSS destination photo
IST destination photo

OSS β†’ IST

Which side of the plane to sit from Osh Airport (Osh) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side is the clear winner for this route, offering a front-row seat to the towering Greater Caucasus range and the dramatic peaks of the Tien Shan shortly after takeoff.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
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Tien Shan Mountains

Spectacular views of the 'Celestial Mountains' and the Fergana Valley as you climb out of Kyrgyzstan.

🏜️

Kyzylkum Desert

The red-sand desert of Uzbekistan, showing intricate wind-blown patterns and isolated oasis settlements.

🌊

Caspian Sea Crossing

A long stretch of turquoise and deep blue water as you transition from Central Asia to the Caucasus.

⛰️

Greater Caucasus Range

Unrivaled views of the high Caucasus peaks, including Mount Elbrus, if the flight path tracks through Georgia.

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Black Sea Coastline

A beautiful view of the meeting point between the dark waters of the Black Sea and the rugged Turkish shore.

πŸŒ‰

Third Bosphorus Bridge

On approach to IST, you can often see the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and the northern entrance to the Bosphorus.

The right side offers the most consistent mountain scenery. For westward flights, this side also stays in the shade during the afternoon, reducing glare and heat for better photography of the Greater Caucasus. Keep an eye out for the distinct line where the desert meets the Caspian Sea.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
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Alay Mountains

Dramatic views of the jagged, snow-capped peaks bordering Tajikistan immediately after departure from Osh.

πŸ•Œ

Ancient Silk Road Path

Aerial views of the fertile Zarafshan Valley and the historic landscapes surrounding Samarkand and Bukhara.

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Karakum Desert

The vast, golden-black expanse of the Turkmenistan desert, featuring unique geological ripples and salt flats.

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Baku Peninsula

The Absheron Peninsula and the city of Baku extending into the Caspian Sea, often visible on the southern corridor.

🌲

Pontic Mountains

Lush, green forested ridges of the KaΓ§kar Mountains in northeastern Turkey meeting the clouds.

The left side is best for morning flights to catch the sunrise lighting up the Alay range. It is also the side to choose if you want a chance to see the urban layout of Baku and the southern Bosphorus bridges if the pilot approaches Istanbul from the Sea of Marmara.

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Route Information

Distance: 3,660 km (2,274 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 18 min

Departure: OSS (40.6090011597, 72.793296814)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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