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.

Sichal Peak

A wild 4x4 road to Sichal Peak in the Alborz Mountains

Sichal is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,701m (12,142ft) above sea level, located in Iran. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Atash Sang Peak

Driving the defiant road to Atash Sang Peak

Atash Sang Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,460m (11,351ft) above sea level, located in Iran. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Gardaneh Sar

How to drive to Gardaneh Sar: Is the road too steep for your car?

Gardaneh Sar is a mountain settlement at an elevation of 2,935m (9,629ft) above sea level, located in the Mazandaran Province of northern Iran. The route to this village climbs the Alborz mountain range, running on the southern slopes of Mount Damāvand.

Great Kandovan Pass

How to drive the high mountain road to Great Kandovan Pass?

Great Kandovan is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,296m (10,813ft) above sea level, located in Iran. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Lal Haz Peak

A wild unpaved road to Lal Haz Peak

Lal Haz Peak is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,375m (11,072ft) above sea level, located in Amol County of Mazandaran Province, Iran. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Anbarkesh Pass

A beautiful mountain road to Anbarkesh Pass

Anbarkesh Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,776m (9,107ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Mazandaran and Qazvin provinces in northern Iran.

Mount Espi Kouhak

How to drive to Mount Espi Kouhak? A 15-hairpin 4x4 challenge

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