It's amazing how many turns there are: the steepest road in the world. The most beautiful roads in the world - the best routes for traveling by car The most beautiful roads with descriptions
Just driving along any road on our list is enough to have an amazing vacation! After all, along the way you can see most beautiful places our planet and feel the spirit of life on wheels. You will never be able to forget these places. We are publishing an article about the most stunningly beautiful roads in the world.
1. On the edge of the abyss. France: Verdon Gorge
The Grand Canyon, but not in the USA? Rocky gorge, but not in the desert? Whatever the Verdon Gorge is called, the fact remains that today it is the most grand canyon throughout Europe: its length is 25 kilometers and its depth reaches 700 meters! Although the Verdon Gorge is inferior in scale to the Arizona canyon, it clearly surpasses it in beauty: in spring and summer, trees and shrubs cover the slopes with a thick layer, grazing only in front of the steepest cliffs. It will take a whole day to go around the gorge, although there are only a hundred kilometers. But they all consist entirely of bends, descents and ascents, man-made tunnels and passages under rocks hanging overhead and hiding the sky.2. High in the mountains. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan: Pamir Highway
Travelers are always attracted to places marked “the very best”: the most northern point Europe, the westernmost point of Russia, the most high mountain, the most deep depression. The Pamir Highway is one of these places. After all, the most high mountain road in the territory former USSR.
One of the most exciting stops along the way is the largest lake in Tajikistan, Karakul, located at an altitude of 3914 meters above sea level. From here begins a steep climb to the spurs of the great Pamirs. Rocks, gorges, tunnels, dirt road, dust, lack of vegetation, rare villages and flocks of sheep - this almost Martian landscape stretches all the way down to the valley on the Tajik side. 3. From north to south. USA: Dalton Highway
This is Alaska, gentlemen! A harsh and at first glance unfriendly region, which will give only to a prepared and responsible traveler unforgettable experience and will reveal his riches.
Alaska really has something to share: the most large staff The USA is still almost unspoilt by civilization; on its territory there are 23 (!) national parks and a nature reserve. Through some of them: "White Mountains", national reserve wild Arctic nature, nature reserves on the banks of the Yukon River, the Gates of the Arctic Nature Reserve - this is exactly what the Dalton Highway passes through, sometimes getting lost in a flat snow-covered or grass-covered plain, sometimes winding between wooded mountains encircling on all sides. 4. To the homeland of Dracula. Romania: Transfagarasan Highway
Transfagaras is one of the rare examples of how an object created for military purposes becomes famous throughout the world and attracts many tourists to the country. The 261-kilometer-long highway passes through picturesque valleys and fields of wheat, which Romanians sometimes still reap by hand, past lakes and reservoirs, through cute Romanian villages with identical dark stone houses. Not far from the start of the highway is the pretty town of Sibiu, with classic Romanian architecture and, like the Romanian language, a mixture of Latin, Romanesque and Slavic heritage.
5. The expanses of Altai. Russia: Chuysky tract
This ancient road is the first line that connected Russia and China many centuries ago. Driving along the Chuysky tract is like crossing the whole of Russia. The path begins in Biysk, with birch groves and villages, in one of which the writer Vasily Shukshin was born. And after a hundred kilometers, once you pass Gorno-Altaisk, it seems as if you are in the times of the development of Siberia: the stormy waters of the Katun, rocky gorges and green valleys. The mountain taiga begins.
Turn left - you will get to Lake Teletskoye, right - to the foot of Belukha, where Roerich looked for Shambhala on the way to the Himalayas. And if you drive straight all the time, you will see the Kurai steppe at the foot of the North Chuysky ridge. If you wish, you can drive a few kilometers and walk up to the eternal snow. In the Kurai steppe there are the last islands of the taiga, and already beyond the pass the real steppe begins, where nomadic yurts stand and camel caravans roam. 6. Visit the trolls. Norway: Atlantic Road
Atlantic Road(No. 64) walks almost along the ocean itself, jumping from island to island using bridges and tunnels. This is a unique technological structure: the route is only 8.5 kilometers long - as many as six bridges! The main one is the Storseisundet Bridge, which is also called the “Bridge to Heaven”. If you approach it from the mainland, it seems as if the road surface ends at highest point and the traveler can only jump straight into the sky.
However, the Atlantic Road is only part of the route along the fjords. Moving along it further towards Oslo, you will come to one of the most famous serpentines in Europe - the “Troll Staircase” climbing the mountainside. Harmful trolls often curtain their stairs with thick fog, but this makes the serpentine even more beautiful: gray stones and bizarrely shaped rocks, densely overgrown with lush bright green grass and moss, appear through the “milk”. 7. Stand above the clouds. China: Great Gate Road
This road is one of the steepest serpentines in the world in every sense. She climbs Tianmen Mountain, which is located 8 kilometers from the city of Zhangjiajie in southeast China. This asphalt ribbon, only 11 kilometers long, rises to a height of 1300 meters, making 99 turns along the way! For the Chinese, the number 9 is sacred: it is the number of the emperor, as well as the number of palaces that, according to legend, await a person in heaven.
The main attraction of the route is the cave " Heaven's Gate" It was formed in the 3rd century, when a huge block broke off from the rock. The 131.5 meter high "Gate" is often completely shrouded in fog. Locals they believe that by passing through them, one can truly go to heaven. 8. Through the pampas. Argentina: Route 40
Route 40 (Ruta 40) crosses almost the entirety of Argentina from north to south and runs along the high Andean ridges. This is one of the longest roads in the world: 5000 kilometers - no joke! Especially if they go through several climatic zones. The landscape around is constantly changing: forests, rocks, lakes, fields, meadows, deserts, almost uninhabited pampas, asphalt and gravel, dust and red sand, sun and knocking wind...
In Los Glaciares Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, you can visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, home to the third largest reserve fresh water in the world. Its area is quite comparable to the area of the entire Buenos Aires, while the glacier is in constant motion, changing its location by an average of 2 meters every day. You can admire them like observation platforms, and went for a walk right on the ice crumbs, accompanied by a climber. 9. Colorado Plateau. USA: Great Circle
The American Wild West is the territory west of the Rocky Mountains. When the pioneers first began to explore the Indian territories, they came across unique natural attractions that they could not appreciate. Today this area is called the "Great Circle".
The most convenient way to travel from Denver is to first go up to the national park " Rocky Mountains”, where the Colorado River begins, and continue through Aspen to the Colorado Plateau. On the way, it is worth seeing Arches Park and the famous Monument Valley in the territory of the Navajo Indians. Near the town of Page, you can't miss the inconspicuous Antelope Canyon - on the side of the road there will be a simple wooden sign with the corresponding inscription. It’s also worth going on a boat trip on Lake Powell; fortunately, you can rent a boat. Just south of Page the famous Grand Canyon begins. If you drive along its southern part, then in addition to views of the canyon you will be able to catch a preserved piece of the first trans-American Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. 10. Along the edge of the continent. Australia: Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is 243 kilometers long and runs along the Pacific coast of Australia. The road has no practical significance - it was built by soldiers returning from the First World War as a monument to the victims of the battles. After its opening in 1932, the road became the largest war memorial in the world, and thirty years later it was recognized as one of the most picturesque on the planet. And for good reason: the route runs almost along the very coast, offering views of endless expanses of water and quiet secluded lagoons. Among the main attractions along the way is the mysterious “Shipwreck Coast”, where 638 ships have crashed. And the “Twelve Apostles” is a group of limestone rocks standing separately in the ocean up to 45 meters high. In fact, there are only eight rocks here, and until recently they were called nothing more than “Pig and Pigs.”
Sometimes the charm and delight of a journey arises not from contemplating the sights at the final destination, but during the journey itself. This review presents the most beautiful roads in the world, a trip through which is already an exciting, unforgettable adventure. The aesthetics of the trails lie directly in the natural surroundings. Many paths are laid in mountainous areas, surrounded by a ring of mountain ranges. Here beauty is closely associated with danger, and speed with recklessness. However, the moments spent on the road will not make you regret the chosen route. So, 10 of the most beautiful roads in the world.
1. Route 163
You can cross the desert in Arizona and end up at one of the most famous landmarks in the territory of the Navajo Indians along this route. The surrounding landscapes amaze with their colors and spaciousness, just like a huge deserted perimeter, covered with sand and rare plants, fanned by dry winds and heated by the merciless sun, can do. Monument Valley is a concentration of bizarrely shaped rocky boulders. These natural sculptures are named according to their shape (Mitten, Mother Superior, Mother Hen). The formations arose over time, when the seas dried up, hills arose, and sand deposits were sharpened by winds. Everyone will agree that Route 163 is one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
The Great Ocean Road is located in Australia, in the state of Victoria, and was conceived as a monument to the soldiers who did not return from the battlefields of the First World War. The route bordering the continental side of water Pacific Ocean, carries a purely aesthetic meaning. This is one of Australia's most picturesque attractions, emphasizing its vastness and seclusion. The length of 243 km covers a lot mysterious places, for example, a stretch of coastline where over 600 ships sank. During the trip along this road you can see the famous limestone cliffs that grow directly from the depths of the ocean 40 meters above its surface.
The Atlantic Road is a true Norwegian landmark and one of the most scenic roads on the planet. The path, just 8 km long, runs between the islands, bypassing tunnels, fjords and dams. The bridge that attracts the attention of many tourists is called Storsezandet. This is one of six bridges, but the most popular among tourists. There are different versions of the interpretation of the translation: “bridge to nowhere”, “bridge to heaven”, “drunken bridge”. The Atlantic Road rises 23 meters above water level and, when viewed or driven from the mainland, ends at the peak. The striking view and original idea contributed to the name of Route 64 as the most exciting road in the world according to authoritative publications.
The Chuysky tract is the most beautiful road in Russia. Traveling along such a route (starting in Novosibirsk and ending at the border with Mongolia) will allow you to see the beauty of Siberia and once again admire the territorial scale and diversity of the country’s natural landscape. Walking for kilometers (963 in total), you can see how mountain ranges give way to valleys, and the taiga reluctantly gives way to steppe regions. Running through the Altai lands, the path is of great importance not only from an aesthetic, but also from a practical point of view. The Chuysky tract is the main transport line of the Altai region. There is not a single tunnel and only two passes (Chike-Taman and Seminsky). In the city of Biysk there is a museum whose exhibition is entirely dedicated to the stages of construction and development of this federal highway.
In the picturesque Alps, in close proximity to the border between Italy and Switzerland, there is an incredibly beautiful track that attracts a huge number of high-speed enthusiasts. The reason: the complexity of the route (there are 60 sharp turns along the way) and bright opportunities to demonstrate the rider’s skills. Only 2.7 kilometers separate the pass from sea level, but when you find yourself on a narrow serpentine road in the middle of rocky cliffs and snow-covered peaks, everyone recognizes the driving conditions as dangerous. Overcoming a 44 km journey is like fighting your own fear and often involves more than one attempt.
The most mystical, mysterious, legend-shrouded areas of Romania are connected by a track that until recently was called “the most driving” by the permanent host of the Top Gear program. 261 km among the Carpathian peaks, ridges, gorges - all this is the Transfagarasan Highway. The length of the longest tunnel is 900 meters. To build the road, it was necessary to clear and level the space in the mountains; explosive devices were used for this. Even at the construction stage, about 40 people died on the road. The path along the highway will allow you to observe pastoral pictures of the life of local residents. Nearby is the epic castle of Count Dracula. A huge number of turns while being on a narrow serpentine road requires extreme concentration, confidence and a developed ability to quickly react and make decisions. This is a real test for the rider, and for a simple tourist- a true challenge to personal capabilities. And the Transfagarasan Highway deservedly takes its place in the list of the top 10 most beautiful roads in the world.
In an effort to see the most beautiful roads on the planet, one cannot ignore, literally and figuratively, the treacherous serpentine Col de Turini, in a mountainous region in the south of France. This road was noted by many testers of high-speed sports cars and participants in the Monte Carlo Rally. This is a kind of connecting link, bypassing which you can get from Nice to Monaco. Serpentine is literally carved into the rock. The 30 km route is covered in forests. Traffic participants prefer to move one after another, every turn is a risk of getting into an accident, because on one side there is a sheer wall, on the other there is a steep cliff.
This picturesque road received such a poetic and orientally sophisticated name as a result of the collapse of a rocky block, which formed a cave on the way. People often descend to this area from mountain range Tian Men fogs, making visibility difficult and creating the illusion of a transition to another reality. The Chinese themselves believe that the portal to the heavenly palaces is located here, having built this extremely steep track on their territory in Hunan Province in 2006. The length is about 10 km, at the highest point the serpentine goes 1.3 km from the absolute mark. The number 9, sacred to local residents, is marked here in the number of sharp turns. There are exactly 99 of them, as well as the chances to experience the thrill of driving.
The Pamir Highway is a 1,100 km paved highway connecting Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. This road was built along the border with Afghanistan in the 19th century. The need for construction was due to the importance of communication between remote areas Russian Empire. Today it is foreign territory. The route is divided into two sections: from Dushanbe to the city of Khorog and further to settlement Osh. The danger on the way lies not so much in the difficult geographical conditions, how much is the condition of the road surface. On many sections it is damaged due to the constant movement of loaded trucks from China. It is not recommended to go on a trip alone, especially if your driving experience is short. For many kilometers there are no service stations or gas stations, and you can wait several hours for help from those passing by! But, despite the danger, this road is very beautiful and deserves to be on the list of the best.
One of the most difficult and picturesque routes in the Alps is located within Switzerland. At the highest point, the distance to sea level is 2.1 km. The road is actively used by motorists and cyclists. There is a separate lane for the latter. There is also a railway tunnel of the same name, 15 km long. The tunnel for cars exceeded this figure only by 1000 meters. The total length of the pass does not exceed 48 km. For Russian citizens, the pass has historical significance; it was the pass that was overcome by commander Suvorov in 1799.
Winding directions, unexpected turns, steep descents and ascents, stunning landscapes - this is what awaits travelers whose path runs through the most beautiful roads in the world. Here the natural perfection of nature and the triumph of human engineering are combined.
TOP 10 most beautiful roads in the worldClimb mountains, raft along stormy streams, wander narrow historical streets or plow the oceans on a yacht - everyone chooses their own way to explore their home planet. However, mountaineering, rafting, yachting - all these types of sports tourism require certain skills and experience. Therefore, if you are not a fan of traveling on your own, a trip by car to picturesque areas will be the ideal compromise for you.
Truly, the Earth is replete with unique, breathtaking and simply unimaginable places that you can drive around in a car with the wind and your favorite music. The main thing is to stock up on fuel, because the journey will be long...
We bring to your attention 10 of the most beautiful, sometimes dangerous, but certainly worthy of your attention highways, a trip along which will turn into an unforgettable adventure. Let's start, as expected, from 10th place.
10. Big Gate Road, China
Great Gate, or Road to Heaven in China, located in Hunan Province. This highway is called Big Gate Road, but it is more commonly called the road of 99 turns, since nine is a lucky number in China symbolizing heaven and 9 palaces.
The highway stretches for 10 kilometers. Its maximum point is at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. The road took 8 years to build and was completed in 2006.
If the winding and height of the path scares you, and you are afraid to travel along it by bus or car, there is an alternative. To the very top of the mountain there is a magnificent cable car almost 8 kilometers long, one of the longest cable cars peace.
9. Atlantic Road, Norway 
Norway has the Atlantic Road, which consists of several bridges. Its opening took place in 1989. This painting would be unremarkable if it were not for the Storseisundet bridge, unique in its architecture. Locals call it the “drunken bridge” or simply “the road to nowhere.”
The bridge is built in such a way that at a certain angle, when you approach it from the mainland, an illusion is created as if there is no bridge at all - it seems that it is a huge springboard. The section of the bridge located above the strait is raised 23 meters from sea level, and the length of the bridge itself is 260 meters.
The unusual architecture of the bridge is, first of all, caused by the need to ensure the passage of ships under it, and secondly, by the desire of the architect to create a unique object to attract tourists.
8. Blue Ridge Parkway, Northern California, USA 
The Blue Ridge Parkway in Northern California is also called “God's Highway North.” This is one of the most beautiful roads in the United States, it runs through the Apalachian Mountains, its length is almost 750 km. If you love winding roads, leisurely driving and want to enjoy the beauty of the nature around you, then this road is for you.
Part of the road passes through the state of North Carolina, where the highest point of the journey is located and one of national parks Smokey Mount. It ends with the “Tail of the Dragon”, a unique road with 386 turns over 17 km.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a delight for any traveler. It connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. More than one guide to the best roads nothing would be complete without mentioning this amazing boulevard.
7. The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, UAE 
Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road - this road stretches from the icy waters of the North Atlantic into the heart of the scorching desert along a mountain 1249 meters above sea level, which offers stunning views throughout the entire route.
The mountain road was built in such a way as to make it possible to drive up the highest mountain in the UAE - Jebel Hafeet. Administratively, the mountain belongs to the city of Al Ain. It has an 11.7 km road that has 60 bends and corners, which, however, does not pose any problem for cars - like most large-scale projects in a country that does not have problems with financing, Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road represents the latest achievement engineering thought. The quality of the road does not cause the slightest criticism, and the perfectly smooth asphalt can shock any foreigner.
6. The Overseas Highway, Florida, USA 
Do you love the ocean? In Florida, you can literally drive across the surface of the water - this was made possible by the Overseas Highway, built directly above the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. In 1938 there was held here Railway, then it was destroyed by a hurricane. The highway now connects the islands in southwest Florida. Several bridges cross the road.
The roadway is 113 miles (approximately 180 kilometers) long, one of the longest highways in the world, connecting the islands to the mainland.
For three unforgettable hours you can enjoy the unique views of the ocean from the windows of your car. The view here is especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
5. Combe Laval, France 
The Combe Laval Road offers motorists 13 kilometers of breathtaking alpine scenery at dizzying heights French Alps. It was built back in 1897 to transport timber, and today the road is a major attraction for cyclists who brave the steep climbs.
The most spectacular section of the road stretches between St. Jean-en-Royans and Col de la Machine. Here you crash into a rock almost at the edge of the cliff, and then go through a series of narrow and short tunnels. Almost 13 kilometers of luxurious alpine beauty and dizzying heights.
4. Red Rock Scenic Road, Arizona, USA 
It is called the Quiet Road of the Red Rocks. Beginning in Sedona and ending in Oak Creek, Arizona, the highway passes through amazing scenery: monolithic red rock formations stretch up and into the distance as far as the eye can see.
Travel through the Red Rock Country along one of the most beautiful roads in America - Red Rock Scenic Road.
3. Canning Stock Route, Australia 
The Canning Stock Route in Australia is one of the most deserted roads in the world. The road, stretching for 1850 km, crosses Malaya from north to east sandy desert and is of great interest to tourists who prefer an exciting safari on hardy off-road vehicles to leisurely trips.
The construction of the track here began in 1906 for cattle transportation. The road took 4 years to build; the most difficult part was installing wells along its entire length. Today the route, which takes about three weeks to complete, is used only by tourists.
If you're one of those daredevils who can handle the mountains, when setting out on a trip along the Canning Stock Route, make sure to stock up on provisions and fuel, as there are only a few Aboriginal communities available for purchase along the way.
2. Karakoram Highway, Pakistan 
The Karakoram Highway is the highest road in the world, and also one of the most dangerous. The highway passes through the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which has been a bone of contention between Pakistan and India since the late 1940s. Most of the route is devoid of road surface (on average 30-40 m of asphalt per 10-20 km of road), in addition, drivers are threatened by avalanches and blockages on the passes.
The 1,300 km long route connects Pakistani Islamabad with Chinese Kashgar. It began to be built back in 1966 along a route repeating a section of the Great Silk Road (in ancient times and the Middle Ages, a caravan road connecting East Asia with the Mediterranean). The laying took 21 years, costs amounted to $3 billion, and of the 25 thousand engineers and workers involved in construction, about 1000 died.
The photo you see just below the title was taken during the second landslide, which occurred near the village of Attabad in northern Pakistan, on January 22, 2010. The first landslide, which occurred on January 4, blocked the flow of the Hunza River.
1. Tuktoyaktuk Road, Canada 
In summer, the Tuktoyaktuk ice road, which runs along the bed of a frozen river and connects remote corners Canada with civilization simply does not exist. She mystically appears only after the Mackenzie River Delta and Northern Arctic Ocean freezes with ice. At any other time of the year, you can only sail on a boat or soar over the water surface on an airplane...
The sea road extends for 130 km and connects the northwestern Canadian cities of Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. The path is dotted with cracks in the ice and ice ridges, and is absolutely teeming with dangers.
If the car gets stuck in a snowdrift or breaks down, and help does not arrive in time, the driver has every chance of turning into his own monument made of ice. Here you can also fall into ice water, which will not be easy to get out of, given that the ice is 2.5 meters thick!
Well, are you ready to hit the road yet? I recommend visiting the trails in the order in which they are located in the top. After all, the further into the forest, the more wolves. First, gain impressions on easier routes, enjoy the beauty of more moderate ones, gain experience, and then you can move on to heavier weights.
Have fun with your travels, lots of impressions and bon voyage!
The most beautiful roads in the world amaze with their splendor. You can get aesthetic pleasure by looking at photos of these picturesque highways.
Verdon Gorge
The most famous gorge in France. It is located in Haute-Provence and is a unique natural attraction. The breathtaking combination of cliffs, valleys and lakes will leave few people indifferent.
Road on the border of Tajikistan and Afghanistan. This tract, most beautiful in its landscapes, is divided into Eastern and Western, connecting the cities of Osh (Kyrgyzstan) and Khorog (Tajikistan).
This picturesque pass is located in the Drakensberg Mountains. It is the highest in South Africa, reaching 2880 meters above sea level.
The most isolated track in the world, located in Alaska. It is also the snowiest road on the planet. Crossing the Arctic Circle, the route ends in the permafrost zone.
Highway in the Carpathians, connecting the regions of Romania. The road passes through mountain range between Transylvania and Wallachia.
"Engineering feat of the century" in Norway. Built for tourists, the road stretches for 8 kilometers and includes 12 bridges.
Big Gate Road
This incredible highway in China has 99 turns and rises to 1,300 meters above sea level. The route was popularly called the “Road to Heaven.”
Route 40
A US highway connecting 8 states. It starts in California and ends in North Carolina. It ranks third in length in America, stretching over 4118 km.
Big circle
A 100 km circular track in Colorado. The road passes through some of the most scenic landscapes in America, connecting the states of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.
This track is a tourist attraction in Australia. Stretches along the Pacific coast in the state of Victoria.
The road between Novosibirsk and Novoaltaysk. This picturesque Russian highway was included in the top 10 most beautiful roads in the world according to the famous National Geographic magazine.
Los Corales
This road is considered one of the most difficult in the world. It is located in Chile and connects this country with Argentina.
The pass in Italy is located at an altitude of 2757 meters, being the second highest in the eastern Alps.
So, there are many incredibly beautiful highways in the world. Roads like these are real tourist attractions.
Independent car and motorcycle trips are becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation. We have selected for you the ten most interesting roads on four continents, which can be a good reason to travel.
1. On the edge of the abyss. France: Verdon Gorge
The Grand Canyon, but not in the USA? Rocky gorge, but not in the desert? Whatever the Verdon Gorge is called, the fact remains that today it is the largest canyon in all of Europe: its length is 25 kilometers and its depth reaches 700 meters! Although the Verdon Gorge is inferior in scale to the Arizona canyon, it clearly surpasses it in beauty: in spring and summer, trees and shrubs cover the slopes with a thick layer, grazing only in front of the steepest cliffs. It will take a whole day to go around the gorge, although there are only a hundred kilometers. But they all consist entirely of bends, descents and ascents, man-made tunnels and passages under rocks hanging overhead and hiding the sky. The most beautiful views the gorge opens from the old Cretan road, or the Cretan loop (Route des Cretes, D23), built in ancient times and passing along northern region canyon. This narrow winding path comes close to the cliff in places. Along its edges there are observation platforms, each of which offers breathtaking views of the Verdon. The Cretan loop is considered one-way: you need to drive along it clockwise, starting from the town of Castellane towards the artificial lake of Sainte-Croix, which was formed after the construction of a dam in 1975. You can swim in the lake and spend a few contemplative hours in the shade of the trees with wine and a crispy French baguette. The Luberon Nature Reserve is located 100 kilometers from the Verdon Park. It’s worth a visit here to admire the leisurely village life and visit the ruins of one of the castles of the famous Marquis de Sade. 2. High in the mountains. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan: Pamir Highway
Travelers are always attracted to places marked “the very best”: the northernmost point of Europe, the westernmost point of Russia, the highest mountain, the deepest depression. The Pamir Highway is one of these places. After all, it is the highest mountain road in the territory of the former USSR. This almost entirely dirt road climbs the spurs of the Pamir Mountains and passes through the three main mountain passes of the Pamirs: Taldyk (3615 m), Kyzyl-Art (4280 m) and the closest point to the “Roof of the World” – Akbaital Pass (4655 m). The eastern part of the tract - from the Kyrgyz city of Osh to the Tajik Khorog - was built in 1931-1934, when the USSR was actively developing the territory of the mountain Pamirs. It passes through green foothills where horses graze and lonely yurts and dung-smeared huts stand, and past the Pamir National Park, dominated by Lenin Peak (7134 m).
AWL Images/Fotodom The Pamir Highway is open to travel only in warm weather - in winter there is a high risk of avalanches.
One of the most exciting stops along the way is Lake Karakul, the largest in Tajikistan, located at an altitude of 3914 meters above sea level. From here begins a steep climb to the spurs of the great Pamirs. Rocks, gorges, tunnels, dirt road, dust, lack of vegetation, rare villages and flocks of sheep - this almost Martian landscape stretches all the way down to the valley on the Tajik side. Your companions all this time will be trucks, donkeys and jeeps, crammed inside and hung with luggage outside. Turning off the road, you can visit a few more interesting places: villages of local residents, the “Farewell to Youth” pass, the fortress of fire worshipers Yamchun, the hot springs of Bibi Fatima and much more. 3. From north to south. USA: Dalton Highway
The Dalton Highway is 666 kilometers of dirt road that crosses almost halfway across Alaska from north to south. The route was built in 1974 to deliver cargo to the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay and service the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. And it was named in honor of engineer James Dalton, a specialist in Arctic construction. On a motorcycle or some overly voracious car, one must go here with caution: on the entire highway between Fairbanks, 100 kilometers from where it begins, and Deadhorse, where it ends, there are only two gas stations: at the Yukon River crossing and in Coldfoot (400 km from Fairbanks), so it is better to immediately take with you the necessary supply of gasoline, as well as tires, tools, food and other essentials. Medical care is also only available in Coldfoot or Deadhorse. This is Alaska, gentlemen! A harsh and, at first glance, unfriendly land that will only give a prepared and responsible traveler an unforgettable experience and reveal its riches. Alaska really has something to share: the largest US state is still almost unspoilt by civilization; on its territory there are 23 (!) national parks and reserves. Through some of them: the White Mountains, the National Arctic Wildlife Refuge, nature reserves on the banks of the Yukon River, the Gates of the Arctic Wildlife Refuge - the Dalton Highway passes through, sometimes getting lost in a flat snow-covered or grassy plain, sometimes winding between surrounding on all sides by forested mountains. Another obligatory ritual for all travelers driving along the highway is to take a photo in front of the sign indicating the Arctic Circle.
4. To the homeland of Dracula. Romania: Transfagarasan Highway
When planning the construction of a high-altitude highway through the Fagaras massif in 1970, the last thing Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu thought about was creating an attractive tourist route. Concerned about the events in Czechoslovakia, he feared a military invasion of the country and therefore decided to connect the regions of Wallachia and Transylvania with an inaccessible mountain road for the speedy transfer military equipment. Now Transfagaras is one of the rare examples of how an object created for military purposes becomes famous throughout the world and attracts many tourists to the country. The 261-kilometer-long highway passes through picturesque valleys and fields of wheat, which Romanians sometimes still reap by hand, past lakes and reservoirs, through cute Romanian villages with identical dark stone houses. Not far from the start of the highway is the pretty town of Sibiu, with classic Romanian architecture and, like the Romanian language, a mixture of Latin, Romanesque and Slavic heritage. Almost every village along the way has Orthodox Church, and a church, and a mosque. And in the town of Curtea de Arges you can admire the cathedral with stunning carvings and stucco on the walls. Count Dracula awaits travelers on the Transylvanian side of the Carpathians. It is found everywhere: in the names of streets, restaurants and hotels, in souvenir shops, in ancient castles. One of them, Poenari Castle, towering over the canyon of the Arges River, belonged to Prince Vlad II Tepes in the 15th century, who became the prototype of the famous Dracula. The other is Bran Castle a little away from the Transfagarasan Highway, where Count Dracula never visited, but where he was “settled” by the writer Bram Stoker, thanks to whom the world learned about Dracula.5. The expanses of Altai. Russia: Chuysky tract
This ancient road is the first line that connected Russia and China many centuries ago. Driving along the Chuysky tract is like crossing the whole of Russia. The path begins in Biysk, with birch groves and villages, in one of which the writer Vasily Shukshin was born. And after a hundred kilometers, once you pass Gorno-Altaisk, it seems as if you are in the times of the development of Siberia: the stormy waters of the Katun, rocky gorges and green valleys. The mountain taiga begins. Turn left and you will get to Lake Teletskoye, right - to the foot of Belukha, where Roerich looked for Shambhala on his way to the Himalayas. And if you drive straight all the time, you will see the Kurai steppe at the foot of the North Chuysky ridge. If you wish, you can drive a few kilometers and walk up to the eternal snow. In the Kurai steppe there are the last islands of the taiga, and already beyond the pass the real steppe begins, where nomadic yurts stand and camel caravans roam. You shouldn’t plan such a trip for a week, because every turn is a reason for a separate short trip. Mentions of the current Chuisky tract, formerly called Mungalsky, can be found in Chinese sources dating back thousands of years. From then until the beginning of the 20th century, it was simply a mountain path used by merchants and pilgrims going to the sacred tree in the upper reaches of the Katun River. The wheeled road from Ongudai to Kosh-Agach (255 km) was built only in 1903. Today, the Chuysky tract is one of the few roads in the world that has been awarded its own museum. It is located in the building of Biysk local history museum– here you can see archival documents and photographs, a three-dimensional model of the road, paintings and dioramas.6. Visit the trolls. Norway: Atlantic Road
The Atlantic Road (No. 64) goes almost along the ocean itself, jumping from island to island with the help of bridges and tunnels. This is a unique technological structure: the route is only 8.5 kilometers long - as many as six bridges! The main one is the Storseisundet Bridge, which is also called the “Bridge to Heaven”. If you approach it from the mainland, it seems as if the road surface breaks off at the highest point and the traveler can only jump straight into the sky. The impression is enhanced if you drive along the Atlantic Road in the fall, when the storm season begins: huge waves They roll onto small islands, smash with a roar on bridge supports, and sometimes cover the entire road, trying to lick the cars driving along it. However, the Atlantic Road is only part of the route along the fjords. Moving along it further towards Oslo, you will come to one of the most famous serpentines in Europe - the Trollstigen (Trollstigen) climbing the mountainside. Harmful trolls often curtain their stairs with thick fog, but this makes the serpentine even more beautiful: gray stones and bizarrely shaped rocks, densely overgrown with lush bright green grass and moss, appear through the “milk”. At the top of the mountain, visibility sometimes drops to 3–5 meters: it is all the more interesting to see sheep suddenly appearing from the fog, black lakes and numerous pyramids of stones built by tourists, and maybe even the trolls themselves... If you drive even further along Route 63 ( and there is almost nowhere to escape from it), you will be taken to one of beautiful fjords Norway - Geiranger. Here you can admire the numerous waterfalls, fish or just wander around the surrounding area.7. Stand above the clouds. China: Great Gate Road
The Chinese are famous not only for their hard work and perseverance (the Great Wall of China alone is worth it!), but also for their love of symbols, signs and numbers. Therefore, even a person far from Asian culture will not be able to simply drive along the “Big Gate Road”. The fact is that this road is one of the steepest serpentines in the world in every sense. She climbs Tianmen Mountain, which is located 8 kilometers from the city of Zhangjiajie in southeast China. This asphalt ribbon, only 11 kilometers long, rises to a height of 1300 meters, making 99 turns along the way! For the Chinese, the number 9 is sacred: it is the number of the emperor, as well as the number of palaces that, according to legend, await a person in heaven. That is why the road to Tianmen is also called the “Road to Heaven.” 
Age/East News In China, traditional boats are still a popular means of transportation.
The main attraction of the route is the Heavenly Gate cave. It was formed in the 3rd century, when a huge block broke off from the rock. The 131.5 meter high "Gate" is often completely shrouded in fog. Local residents believe that by passing through them, you can truly go to heaven. But to earn this right, you have to work hard. There are several ways to get to the cave. The easiest way is to drive a car or tourist bus, the more extreme is to make an “express climb” in a sports car with a professional racing driver at the wheel, and the most difficult is to overcome an impressive staircase with 999 steps. If you want a truly breathtaking experience, you should climb to the top on the world’s longest funicular (7455 meters!) - from its windows you can see views of the entire winding line of the road. 8. Through the pampas. Argentina: Route 40
Route No. 40 (Ruta 40) crosses almost the entirety of Argentina from north to south and runs along the high Andean ridges. This is one of the longest roads in the world: 5000 kilometers is no joke! Especially if they pass through several climate zones. The landscape around is constantly changing: forests, rocks, lakes, fields, meadows, deserts, almost uninhabited pampas, asphalt and gravel, dust and red sand, sun and knocking wind, 27 mountain passes, 18 large rivers and finally, 20 national parks, in each of which you can spend several days. For example, in Los Glaciares Park, listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, you can visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, which contains the third largest reserve of fresh water in the world. Its area is quite comparable to the area of the entire Buenos Aires, while the glacier is in constant motion, changing its location by an average of 2 meters every day. You can admire it both from observation platforms and by going for a walk directly on the ice crumbs, accompanied by a climber. The same road will lead to the famous “Cave of Hands” (Cueva de las Manos), where all the walls are dotted with prints of human palms and images of hunting scenes, the oldest of which date back to the ninth millennium BC. The second largest one deserves special attention national park Argentina - “Calchaqi Walley”, in which you can go from mountain deserts to subtropical forest in one day - the climate changes so dramatically on one relatively small piece of land. And, of course, it’s worth driving along Ruta 40 to be impressed by the “Martian” desert landscapes and see the flamingos living on the lakes of Patagonia. 9. Colorado Plateau. USA: Great Circle
The American Wild West is the territory west of the Rocky Mountains. When the pioneers first began to explore the Indian territories, they came across unique natural attractions that they could not appreciate. Today this area is called the “Grand Circle”. The name comes from bus tour, which was called the Grand Circle Tour. The most convenient way to travel from Denver is to first climb to the Rocky Mountain National Park, where the Colorado River begins, and continue through Aspen to the Colorado Plateau. On the way, it is worth seeing Arches Park (arches.national-park.com) and the famous Monument Valley in the territory of the Navajo Indians. Near the town of Page, you can't miss the inconspicuous Antelope Canyon - there will be a simple wooden sign on the side of the road with the appropriate inscription. It’s also worth going on a boat trip on Lake Powell; fortunately, you can rent a boat. Just south of Page begins the famous Grand Canyon (grandcanyon.com). If you drive along its southern part, then in addition to views of the canyon you will be able to catch a preserved piece of the first trans-American Route 66 (illinoisroute66.org) from Chicago to Los Angeles. Here it’s worth turning again towards the Grand Canyon and living on a real ranch (grandcanyonranch.com). And only then go to the Hoover Dam - giant monument era of the 30s of the last century, from where the direct path to Las Vegas begins. This way you will cross the Great Circle from east to west, visiting four states - Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. You won’t be able to see all the beauty of the Grand Circle in one trip—after all, the Colorado Plateau has the largest concentration of parks in the United States—so be prepared to come back here again. 10. Along the edge of the continent. Australia: Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is 243 kilometers long and runs along the Pacific coast of Australia. The road has no practical significance - it was built by soldiers returning from the First World War as a monument to the victims of the battles. After its opening in 1932, the road became the largest war memorial in the world, and thirty years later it was recognized as one of the most picturesque on the planet. And for good reason: the route runs almost along the very coast, offering views of endless expanses of water and quiet secluded lagoons. Among the main attractions along the way is the mysterious Shipwreck Coast, where 638 ships have crashed. And the “Twelve Apostles” is a group of limestone rocks standing separately in the ocean up to 45 meters high. In fact, there are only eight rocks here, and until recently they were called nothing more than “Pig and Pigs.” The poetic name “Twelve Apostles” appeared simply to attract tourists. Another rock about 20 million years old, the Arch of London, has a similar story. For a long time it was called “London Bridge” for its striking resemblance to the Tower Bridge, and in 1990, when the span closest to the mainland collapsed under pressure ocean waves, turned into an “arch”. This is the uniqueness of the Great Ocean Road: the coastline changes so quickly that tomorrow you may no longer see what you saw today. It’s worth driving here not only to admire the scenery, lie on the beach or ride the waves. This is also an Australian safari route: in Warrnambool you can watch the migration of southern right whales, and in the Tower Hill Game Reserve you can walk with kangaroos and emus and look at koalas and seabirds.
