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.

98K-015 Road

Tucked away in the Siberian region of eastern Russia, the road is totally unpaved. It’s 215 km (133 miles) long, running south-north from Lensk (Lensky District) to Mirny (Mirninsky District). Ideal time to travel is daylight. Not advised night drive. To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 3 and 4 hours.

The road is not easy. It features steep sections and tops out at 467m (1,532ft) above the sea level. Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey: adverse conditions are common. Winters are severely cold and long. The area is known for its extreme climate. The average temperature in January is -46 degrees Fahrenheit (-43.5 degrees Celsius). It’s heavily used by mine trucks. After rains or snow, a 4x4 vehicle is required.