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PVG → IKA
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the Tien Shan mountains and the Caspian Sea, while avoiding the harsh glare of the southern sun during westbound flights.
Search flights from PVG to IKA
Yellow River Bends
The iconic silty curves of the Yellow River carving through the Loess Plateau in north-central China.
Tien Shan Mountains
The 'Celestial Mountains' provide a jagged, snow-filled horizon for hundreds of miles along the Silk Road.
Caspian Sea
The vast horizon of the world's largest inland body of water visible during the descent into Iran.
Mount Damavand
On a clear approach, see the iconic dormant volcano and highest peak in the Middle East to the north of Tehran.
Alborz Mountain Range
A dramatic wall of mountains that separates the Iranian plateau from the Caspian Sea.
The right side is ideal for westbound travel as it faces north, providing soft, indirect lighting perfect for photography. Watch for the Tien Shan range roughly 4-5 hours into the flight. In winter, the mountain views are significantly more dramatic due to heavy snow cover. During the descent into IKA, keep your eyes peeled for the towering peak of Damavand.
Book Hotels in TehranTibetan Plateau Fringe
The northern edge of the world's highest plateau featuring desolate high-altitude terrain.
Taklamakan Desert
Massive shifting sand dunes of the Tarim Basin visible during the mid-flight segment.
Xi'an Urban Area
Aerial view of one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals shortly after reaching cruise altitude.
Kunlun Mountains
A long chain of snow-capped peaks forming the backbone of the Central Asian landscape.
Dasht-e Kavir
The Great Salt Desert of Iran, showcasing unique geological patterns as you approach Tehran.
The left side faces south; if you are on a daytime flight, expect significant sun glare which can make photography difficult. However, it is the better side for viewing the vastness of the Tibetan plateau. For the best lighting, look out during the late afternoon as the sun begins to drop lower behind the aircraft.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for IranDistance: 6,443 km (4,003 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 35 min
Departure: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Arrival: IKA (35.416099548339844, 51.152198791503906)
Route Type: International
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