Chuysky Tract in the Altai mountains is one of the world’s most beautiful roads
The Chuya Highway, also known as the Chuisky Tract, is a road located in the Republic of Altai that connects Russia and Mongolia. It is part of the federal highway R-256. Originally part of the Great Silk Road, it follows a route used for centuries.
How long is the Chuya Highway (Chuisky Tract)?
The Chuya Highway is 616 kilometers (382 miles) long. It is the section of the R256 road that runs from Biysk to Tashanta, connecting Russia with Mongolia. Bear in mind that it’s not an easy trip: the road can be quite steep and winding.
Where does the Chuya Highway (Chuisky Tract) start and end?
The Chuya Highway starts at the bridge over the Biya River in Biysk and runs through the Altai Mountains, ending at the state border between Russia and Mongolia. Along the way, it crosses several mountain passes, including Seminsky Pass (1.894m-6,213ft), Chike-Taman Pass (1.246m-4,087ft) and Pereval Durbet-Daba (2.482m-8,143ft).
When was the Chuya Highway (Chuisky Tract) built?
The historical Chuya Highway is an important connection between Russia and Mongolia. It has been mentioned in Chinese chronicles for over a thousand years and in Russian sources since 1788. The first road suitable for carts and carriages was completed at the end of the 19th century. Plans for a new road began in the early 20th century but were interrupted by the revolution and civil war in Russia. Construction resumed in the 1920s using the labor of prisoners and gulag inmates, and it was officially opened in 1935. The road was covered by crushed stone and only one car could to move on it. Drivers often had to give a signal to warn other cars, because cars could to pass one another only at special pockets. The dual highway was built in 1984 only. The road can be pretty crowded with trucks, on the way from Russia to Mongolia.
Is a drive on the Chuya Highway (Chuisky Tract) worth it?
It’s considered one of the most scenic roads in the world. Traveling along you can see a variety of landscapes, with cities, villages, taigas, rivers, mountains, and steppes. National Geographic listed the Chuisky Tract among the top-10 most beautiful roads in the world in 2014.
How difficult was to build the Chuya Highway (Chuisky Tract)?
The construction of the Chuya Highway was difficult, especially during the early 20th century. The road had to cross narrow, rocky sections of the Altai Mountains. The intensive work often involved prisoners and gulag inmates.
How to drive the Chuya Highway (Chuisky Tract)?
Today, the Chuya Highway is a popular route for drivers from Russia and abroad. The road is now fully paved and in good condition, making it accessible for all types of travelers. Along the road, you’ll find hotels, petrol stations, and cafés offering European, Altai, and Kazakh dishes. However, since the southern part of the Chuysky Tract is more isolated and has no hotels, it is advisable to carry a tent, a sleeping bag, and a camping stove.