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 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 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.

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.

Gardaneh Sar is a remote high-mountain settlement at an elevation of 2,935m (9,629ft) above sea level, located in the Mazandaran Province of northern Iran. Tucked away in the Alborz mountain range, the route to this village is one of the highest and most demanding drives in the country, serving as a vital base for those attempting to explore the slopes of the iconic Mount Damāvand.

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 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.

Iran offers some of the most diverse driving landscapes in the Middle East, from the humid shores of the Caspian Sea to the scorched dunes of the Lut Desert. For overlanders, it is the essential bridge between Europe and Asia. However, driving your own vehicle in Iran is not as simple as crossing a border; it involves complex international customs documents and strict regulations on what type of vehicle is even allowed to enter the country.

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