What are the most spectacular roads in Russia?
Spread across the vast expanse of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, Russia is a land of contrasting landscapes and gripping tales. A drive across its most iconic roads is akin to turning the pages of an epic novel that tells stories of history, hardship, and sheer human determination.
Among the most legendary is the Kolyma Highway, more ominously known as the "Road of Bones." This hauntingly beautiful route in Russia's Far East stands as a chilling testament to the Gulag prisoners who built it, with many of their remains lying beneath the very road itself.
Daring souls seeking a brush with the wild side will find the BAM Road a thrilling challenge. Stretching for over 4,300 km, this off-road trek takes you deep into the heart of Siberia, traversing terrains that few dare to tread, revealing the raw beauty of Russia's untamed wilderness.
Then there's the colossal Trans-Siberian Highway. Beginning from the historic streets of St. Petersburg and stretching to the Pacific port city of Vladivostok, this 6,800-mile-long journey is a kaleidoscope of Russia's diverse cultures, climates, and terrains. Every mile driven is a testament to the country's vastness and variety.
In Russia, roads aren't mere stretches of asphalt. They are timelines tracing the nation's heartbeats, arteries connecting its vast body, and pathways to its soul. As you traverse these routes, you don't just travel across land; you journey through time and tales that have shaped the largest nation on Earth.
The paved road to the Special Astrophysical Observatory of Russia
The Special Astrophysical Observatory is an observatory at an elevation of 2.098m (6,883ft) above the sea level located in the Zelenchuksky District on the north side of the Caucasus Mountains in southern Russia.
Chuya Highway
Chuya Highway is one of the most beautiful highways in the world, going through the Altay Mountains, in the heart of Siberia, Russia. Bear in mind that it’s not an easy trip: the road can be quite steep and winding.
Pereval Durbet-Daba
Pereval Durbet-Daba is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.482m (8,143ft) above the sea level, located on the Russian-Mongolian border. At the pass there’s a 23 km wide neutral zone.
The Karmadon Canyon Road is said to be the scary of scaries
Karmadon canyon is the name of a stunning gorge located in Prigorodny District, in the North Ossetia–Alania Republic of Russia. The area suffered a deadly slide of a gigantic iceberg in the mountains killing 125 people.
Driving the remote A331 road on the edge of the Arctic Circle
A331 is the name of a very remote and lonely road located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, in Russia.
The remote road to Gamsutl, a Soviet ghost town
Gamsutl is the name of an abandoned ancient village located in the mountains of Dagestan, Russia. It is said to be one of the oldest settlements in the republic.
The Ultimate Road Trip From Rogachevo to Belushya Guba
Located on Yuzhny Island, Novaya Zemlya, in Russia's Arkhangelsk Oblast, the road from Rogachevo to Belushya Guba is a bumpy, though scenic drive. It's one of the world's northernmost roads.
Most Extreme Off-Road Truckers of Russia
Russian truck and car drivers have to prove their driving skills on some of the most challenging roads on Earth. Muddy and frozen roads are a challenge for these drivers.
The narrow Kazbegi Tunnel, an international border
Kazbegi Tunnel is an international high mountain tunnel on the Russia-Georgia border, on the northern slopes of the mighty Caucasus range.
A memorable road trip to Pereval Balyk
Pereval Balyk is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.525m (11,564ft) above the sea level, located in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic of Russia. It’s one of the highest roads in Europe.
Pereval Mukhinskiy, a steep remote road only for experienced drivers
Pereval Mukhinskiy is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.148m (10,328ft) above the sea level, located in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, in Russia.
Botlikh-Andi Road
Botlikh-Andi road is a high mountain road located in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia.
98K-015 is a remote road across the Sakha Republic
98K-015 is the name of a very defiant road located in the Sakha Republic, on the edge of the Arctic Circle, in Russia.
Akhuk-Dara Pass
Pereval Akhuk-Dara is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.104m (6,902ft) above the sea level located on the border of Georgia and Ruassia, in the Caucasus Mountains.
How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Olchansky Pass
Olchansky Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.183m (3,881ft) above the sea level, located in Oymyakonsky District, in the Sakha Republic, Russia.
Western Europe-Western China Highway is the New Silk Road
The Western Europe-Western China (WE-WC) Highway is a transcontinental expressway linking China's Yellow Sea coast with Western Europe.
Pereval Gumbashi, one of the most picturesque roads in the Caucasus
Pereval Gumbashi is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.051m (6,729ft) above the sea level, located in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Russia.
Buguzun Pass: experienced drivers only
Buguzun Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.610 m (8,562ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Tuva and Altai republics of Russia. The track is totally unpaved with a few shallow fords.
Chegetjara Pass is a thrilling (scary) off road experience
Chegetjara Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.123 m (10,246ft) above the sea level, located in Chereksky District of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic in Russia. The road to the summit is brutal, with 30% gradients.
Georgian Military Road: a major route from Georgia to Russia
The Georgian Military Road, part of the E117 road, is a highlight of any trip to Georgia and one of the South Caucasus' most scenic roads, steeped in trade, wars, and legends. This ancient passage from Georgia to Russia is a spectacular adventure.
Kurtatinsky Pass: a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure to the summit
Pereval Kurtatinskiy is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.297m (10,816ft) above the sea level, located in Alagirsky District, North Ossetia–Alania Republic of Russia.
Driving the memorable 4x4 road to Bald Mountain in Teberda
Mount Bald (Gora Lysaya) is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.583m (8,474ft) above the sea level, located in the Karachay–Cherkess Republic of Russia.
Ulan-Daban Pass, an international pass only for 4x4
Ulan-Daban is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.697m (8,848ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Russia and Mongolia.
Driving the breathtaking road to Roki Pass
Pereval Rokskiy is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.981m (9,780ft) above the sea level, located on the border of North Ossetia–Alania Republic of Russia and Georgia.
Conquering the true summit of Mount Elbrus by car
Located in the highlands of Kabardino-Balkarian Republic of Russia, Mount Elbrus is a dormant volcano. Set high in the western part of the Caucasus, it’s one of the highest roads in Europe.
Driving the Delightful Road to Dzhily-Su in the North Caucasus
Located in Zolsky District of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic in Russia, driving the delightful road to Dzhily-Su is a great experience. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful roads of the country.
How to Have the Ultimate Road Trip to Pereval Chekhovskiy?
Pereval Chekhovskiy is a mountain pass at an elevation of 466m (1,528ft) above sea level, located in the Sakhalinskaya Oblast of Russia.
The Ultimate Road Trip to Kyazi Pass
Kyazi Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,097m (6,879ft) above sea level, located in the Republic of Ingushetia, Russia.
The Triangulo de la Pantaloneta in Spain terrifies Russian and Ukrainian truck drivers
Triangulo de la Pantaloneta is an area, located in the La Rioja region of Spain, that has gained notoriety as authorities frequently need to intervene to rescue trucks stuck amid steep roads, trees, and thick vegetation.