What are the most spectacular roads in Iran?

Situated in the heart of Western Asia, on the Persian Plateau, Iran is a country covering 1,648,195 km2 (636,372 sq mi). While the country hosts hundreds of challenging roads to enjoy, travelling there is currently not safe, due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of citizens. Any military action could escalate quickly and could pose risks for the wider region. If you are in the region, or considering travel to the region, for your safety monitor news updates.

The country is bordered by seven countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Turkey. Due to its geography, ranging from mountainous regions to deserts, there are about 30 roads listed as the most spectacular in the world. The most remarkable roads are Kandovan Pass, a mountain pass at 2,989m (9,806ft) asl located between Alborz and Mazandaran provinces. At this elevation it’s one of the highest roads of Iran. Another popular drive is the road to Dizin resort, at 2.695m (8,841ft) above sea level in the Alborz mountain range. And you can’t miss driving the Chalus Road, which, despite its consistent traffic, offers mesmerizing scenic views. Iran experiences a variety of climates, from arid and semi-arid in the central regions to subtropical along the Caspian Sea coast.

Chalus Road (Road 59) is a stunning drive located in Chalus, a suburb of Tehran, the Iranian capital. It is one of the busiest roads in the country

Kandovan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,989m (9,806ft) above sea level, located on boundary between Alborz and Mazandaran provinces in Iran. It's one of the highest roads in the country.

Dalani Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,601m (8,533ft) above sea level, located in the Kurdistan Province of Iran, near the border with Iraq.

Mount Damāvand is a stratovolcano located in Amol County of Iran. A gravel road south of the peak climbs to an elevation of 3,025m (9,924ft) above sea level. It's one of the highest roads in the country.

Dizin Ski Resort is situated at an elevation of 2,695m (8,841 ft) above sea level, in Iran's Alborz Province.

Salambar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,204m (10,511ft) above sea level, located in Iran. The road to the summit is a narrow dirt road, a steep serpentine, with a deep abyss to the right hand. It's one of the highest roads in the country.

The Haraz Road, known as Road 77, is a treacherous road linking Tehran, the capital of Iran, and Mahmudabad, a city on the southern Caspian Sea.

Shemshak is a ski resort at an elevation of 2,600m (8,530ft) above sea level, located in Rudbar-e Qasran District of Shemiranat County, Tehran Province, Iran.

Amir Kabir Dam is a high mountain dam at an elevation of 1,610m (5,280ft) above sea level, located in Alborz Province of Iran.

Mount Sabalan, situated in Meshgin Shahr County, Ardabil province of Iran, stands as a semi-active stratovolcano. A rugged gravel road leading north of its summit reaches an impressive altitude of 3,675m (12,057ft) above the sea level. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Kazerun pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.203m (7,227ft) above the sea level located in the Zagros Mountain, in Fars province, Iran.

The Maranjab Caravansary is located in the most northern part of Isfahan Province, in Iran.

The Hormuz Island loop road is a very scenic drive located in the south of Iran, in the Persian Gulf.

Sahand Ski Resort is perched at an elevation of 2,942m (9,652ft) above the sea level, nestled within the East Azerbaijan province of Iran. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Dag mountain range road is a scenic high mountain road located in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran.

Kūh-e Asbī is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.766m (9,074ft) above the sea level, located in the Province of Isfahan, in central Iran. The average gradient is 11.56%.

Almass Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.360m (7,742ft) above the sea level, located in Ardabil Province, Iran.

Ganjnameh pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.801m (9,189ft) above the sea level, located in Hamadan province of Iran It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Mount Gargash is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.578m (11,738ft) above the sea level, located in Isfahan province, in central Iran. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Kandovan Tunnel is a high mountain tunnel at an elevation of 2.662m (8,733ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Alborz and Mazandaran provinces, in Iran.

Kelashin Pass (Gardaneh-ye Kalashīn) is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.942m (9,652ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Iran and Iraq. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Situated at the juncture of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, Iran boasts a unique blend of geographical wonders. Its vast expanse, as the second-largest nation in the Middle East, unfolds from rugged mountain ranges, like the Alborz and Zagros, to vast central deserts like Dasht-e Kavir. With its contrasting lush Caspian plains and golden desert sands, Iran offers a rich backdrop of history, culture, and natural beauty. This varied topography has given rise to some of the region's highest roads, inviting travelers to journey through its breathtaking landscapes.

Gardaneh-ye Galeh Badush is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,954m (9,691ft) above the sea level, located in Iran's Lorestan province.

Gardaneh-ye Bijan is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.215m (10,547ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Isfahan Province and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, in the Isfahan Region of Iran. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Siyah Kamar is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.335m (10,941ft) above the sea level located in Alborz province of Iran. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Gardaneh-ye Garin is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,357m (7,732ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between the Lorestan and Hamadan provinces of Iran.

Cheekha Dar is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,592m (11,784ft) above sea level, located on the border of Iran and Iraq. A military road to the summit has been recently built.

Qandil Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.411m (11,190ft) above sea level, located on the border of Iran and Iraq. A military road to the summit has been recently built.

Running along Pakistan's Arabian Sea coastline, the Makran Coastal Highway is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.

Kuhe Haji Ebrahim is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.568m (11,706ft) above sea level, located on the border of western Iran and eastern Iraq. A military road to the summit has been recently built.

Shahi Road, also known as Rahi Shahi, is one of Iran’s most perilous and spectacular mountain roads. Nestled in the wild and remote terrain of Lorestan province, this unpaved cliffside path is infamous for its narrow width, hair-raising drops, and breathtaking views. Combining natural beauty with real danger, it offers a driving experience that’s not for the faint-hearted. This road is a relic left over from the construction of the national railway, which was built for the purpose of logistics. 

Gholleh Siah Sang is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,527m (11,571ft) above sea level, located in Iran.

Mount Espi Kouhak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,315m (10,875ft) above sea level, located in Mazandaran Province, Iran. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Lavash Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,151m (10,337ft) above sea level, located in Mazandaran Province, Iran. It’s one of the highest roads in the countryhighest roads in the country.

Ashkourat Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,076m (10,091ft) above sea level, located in the Central District of Ramsar County, in Iran. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Tang-e Galu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,376m (11,076ft) above sea level, located in Kelardasht-e Gharbi Rural District, Kelardasht District, Chalus County of Iran. The pass is known for its steep and winding road. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

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