How long is the Lena River Ice Road?
Russia, europe
15.6 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Ever dreamed of driving across a frozen river? Then pack your bags for the Lena River Ice Road in the Republic of Sakha, Russia! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Connecting Yakutsk (on the west side of the Lena River) with Nizhny Bestyakh, this 15.6 km (9.69 mile) stretch of ice is a lifeline for remote settlements, and definitely an adventure.
Open from late December to mid-April, it's a critical route for supplies. But don't let the stunning Siberian scenery fool you—this road's got a reputation. It's known as one of the most dangerous ice roads in Russia. The ice can crack, melt, or simply not hold the weight of heavy vehicles. The river is impassable for much of the year due to flooding, ice floes, or semi-thawed ice. If you're up for a unique travel story, this is your ticket but you need to be aware that dozens of lives are lost each year when vehicles plunge through the ice. Occasionally, ice accumulates, and the crossing is closed. Proceed with caution!
Road Details
- Country
- Russia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.6 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
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