What are the most spectacular roads in Kazakhstan?

Sprawled across Central Asia, Kazakhstan is a mesmerizing tapestry of landscapes and history. As the world's ninth-largest country, it uniquely blends the vast expanses of its steppes with the rugged majesty of its mountain ranges, presenting driving enthusiasts with an array of experiences.

The Austrian Road stands as a poignant reminder of the nation's history, constructed by Austro-Hungarian WW1 prisoners in 1915. It winds through the countryside, offering a combination of scenic vistas and a journey back in time. The challenging Ozerny Pass, meanwhile, is not for the faint-hearted. It tests drivers with its unpredictable terrains, all while rewarding them with unparalleled views.

Then there's the M32, dubbed the Modern Silk Road. This iconic route captures Kazakhstan's strategic importance in connecting the East to the West, reminiscent of the ancient trade routes. Additionally, the Almaty-Bishkek highway is a testament to nature's grandeur, snaking its way through the impressive Tian Shan Mountains, and the A-2 highway, stretching towards the Russian border, provides a panoramic experience of the iconic Kazakh steppe.

Pereval Ketmen' is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.037m (9,963ft) above the sea level, located in Almaty Region, in south-eastern Kazakhstan, near the Chinese border.

Pereval Maydantal is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.544m (11,627ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The climb is a series of narrow zigzags, with some impressive drops to the valley below.

Pereval Chon-Kokkiya is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.790m (9,153ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Pereval Chunkuris an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.111m (10,206ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Located in the Almaty region of southern Kazakhstan, Charyn Canyon has been carved by the Charyn (Sharyn) River over millions of years.

Pereval Talgarskiy is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.164m (10,380ft) above the sea level, located in the Talğar District of Almaty Region in Kazakhstan.

Pik Lokomotiv is a high mountain peak located in the Talğar District of Almaty Region in Kazakhstan.

Pereval Ak-Kiya is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.027m (9,931ft) above the sea level, located in Talgar District of Almaty Region in the southeastern part of Kazakhstan.