Roads of Iran

Situated in the heart of Western Asia, Iran is a country that perfectly marries the majesty of natural landscapes with profound historical depth. For the avid traveler, its roads present a captivating journey.

A prime example is the Chalus Road, which, despite its consistent traffic, offers mesmerizing scenic views, especially as it weaves its way through the rugged mountain ranges. A drive through the Kandovan Pass, on the other hand, is both a test of one's driving skills and an invitation to be awed by the mountain's majestic presence. Then there's the route to the Dalani Pass, a raw, untamed path that beckons the adventurous with its promise of untouched beauty and unexpected terrains.

But beyond the spellbinding natural beauty, Iran's roads are also gateways to its storied past. Landmarks such as the ancient grandeur of Persepolis and the lively, teeming bazaars of Tehran spring to life, telling tales of empires of yore and a rich cultural tapestry that continues to evolve. Add to this the allure of Gilan's mountains and the tranquil beaches of the Caspian Sea, and it's clear that Iran offers a road trip experience unlike any other.

Encountering local challenges, like navigating traffic or adapting to local road conditions, only adds to the authentic experience. In essence, driving in Iran is both an exploration and a revelation, a chance to delve deep into the country's many off-the-beaten-track treasures while immersing oneself in a panorama of natural wonders and resonating historical echoes.

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

Perched at an elevation of 2,989m (9,806ft), Kandovan Pass is a significant mountain landmark located on the cusp of Alborz and Mazandaran provinces in Iran. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Dalani Pass, also known as Tateh Pass, is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 2,601m (8,533ft) above the sea level. This breathtaking pass is nestled in the Kurdistan Province of Iran, near the border with Iraq.

Dizin Road is a stunning paved road climbing up to Dizin ski resort, the largest ski area in Iran. The resort sits at an elevation of 2.695m (8,841ft) above the sea level in the Alborz mountain range.

Mount Damāvand is a stratovolcano located in Amol County, Mazandaran Province, in northern Iran. A gravel road south of the peak ends at an elevation of 3.025m (9,924ft) above the sea level. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Salambar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.204m (10,511ft) above the sea level, located in the Elburz Mountains Range in Mazandaran Province, northern 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 of the country.

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

Shemshak Road is a stunning asphalted road climbing up to Shemshak, the second largest ski area in Iran.

Amir Kabir Dam is a high mountain dam at an elevation of 1.610m (5,280ft) above the sea level, located in Alborz Province, northern Iran.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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