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SHJ → MHD
Which side of the plane to sit from Sharjah International Airport (Sharjah) to Mashhad International Airport (Mashhad)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled vantage point of the Musandam Peninsula's fjords early in the flight, followed by the dramatic yardangs of the Lut Desert and the Binalud mountain range upon arrival.
Musandam Fjords
Spectacular jagged limestone peaks and deep blue inlets of the Omani enclave visible shortly after departure.
Strait of Hormuz
A clear view of the narrow strategic waterway separating the Arabian Peninsula from the Iranian coast.
Lut Desert Yardangs
The 'Kaluts' or massive wind-carved sand ridges of the UNESCO-listed Dasht-e Lut, known as the world's hottest spot.
Khorasan Plateaus
Layered geological formations and high-altitude plateaus that define the landscape of Northeast Iran.
Binalud Mountain Range
The final descent offers close-up views of the 3,000-meter peaks that guard the holy city of Mashhad.
This is the superior side for morning flights as the sun illuminates the desert textures and mountain folds. The Musandam Peninsula view happens within the first 15-20 minutes of flight, so stay alert. On the descent into Mashhad, the right side often provides a clearer view of the Binalud peaks and the sprawling suburbs of the city before landing at MHD.
Sharjah Skyline
Panoramic views of the Khalid Lagoon and the dense urban architecture of Sharjah immediately after takeoff.
Persian Gulf
Expansive views of the turquoise waters and heavy maritime traffic navigating toward the Strait of Hormuz.
Central Zagros
The western horizon features the distant, rugged ridges of the Zagros Mountains, often dusted with snow in winter.
Dasht-e Kavir
Aerial perspective of the Great Salt Desert, showcasing intricate salt crust patterns and vast desolate basins.
Evening Sunset
On late afternoon flights, this side provides front-row seats to the sun setting over the Iranian plateau.
Choose this side for afternoon departures to minimize direct solar glare. Keep a keen eye out for the historic city of Yazd if the flight path swings slightly west; its ancient wind towers are sometimes visible as small clusters in the desert landscape. During winter months, the contrast between the tan desert and the white mountain peaks to the far west is particularly striking.
Distance: 1,275 km (792 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 42 min
Departure: SHJ (25.32859992980957, 55.5172004699707)
Arrival: MHD (36.235198974609375, 59.64099884033203)
Route Type: International
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