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 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.

The country is bordered by 8 countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Turkey. If you are in the region, or considering travel to the region, monitor news updates. Due the geography of the country, ranging from mountainous regions to deserts, there are many spectacular roads to drive. The most remarkable ones 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 the country. Another popular drive is the road to Dizin resort, at 2.695m (8,841ft) above sea level in the Alborz mountain range. A prime example is 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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