Road of Bones
Russia
Built by Gulag prisoners between 1932 and 1953 through the most extreme landscape on Earth, the Kolyma Highway from Magadan to Yakutsk passes through permafrost wilderness, gold-mining ghost towns, and the Pole of Cold at Oymyakon, where temperatures have reached −71°C.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Magadan
Gateway to the Road of Bones. The Mask of Sorrow memorial crowns a hilltop above the city as Russia's most powerful monument to Gulag victims.
- Palatka
First major settlement inland from Magadan, where the highway leaves the coast and the permafrost taiga closes in on both sides of the road.
- Susuman
Hub of the gold-mining region, surrounded by taiga-swallowed Gulag camp ruins. The local museum documents the highway's construction by prisoners.
- Kadykchan
A ghost town of 12,000 abandoned overnight in 1996 after a mine explosion. Crumbling Soviet apartment blocks stand frozen in the permafrost.
- Oymyakon
The Pole of Cold: 500 people live where temperatures reached -71.2°C, the lowest ever recorded for a permanently inhabited place. A monument marks the record.
- Khandyga
A Lena River crossing town deep in taiga, once a Gulag transit hub. The seasonal ferry or ice road here is the only crossing before Yakutsk.
- Yakutsk
The world's largest city on permafrost. The Mammoth Museum holds complete frozen specimens; thawing ground turns streets to mud beneath the buildings.
Where to Eat
- Café MagadanRussian
A cozy spot in Magadan offering traditional Russian dishes and warm hospitality.
- Palatka DinerLocal Diner
A popular eatery in Palatka known for its hearty meals and friendly atmosphere.
- Susuman CaféCafé
A charming café in Susuman serving a variety of pastries and hot beverages.
- Khandyga RestaurantRussian
A restaurant in Khandyga offering a selection of Russian cuisine in a rustic setting.
- Yakutsk BistroBistro
A bistro in Yakutsk known for its fusion of local and international flavors.
- Oymyakon EateryLocal Diner
A small eatery in Oymyakon serving traditional dishes to warm you up in the cold.
- Kadykchan CaféCafé
A quaint café in Kadykchan offering simple meals and hot drinks.
Things to Do
- Magadan Regional MuseumMuseum
Explore the history and culture of the Magadan region through diverse exhibits.
- Palatka Historical ParkHistoric Site
A park in Palatka showcasing historical artifacts and monuments.
- Susuman Gold Mining MuseumMuseum
Learn about the gold mining history of Susuman and its impact on the region.
- Kadykchan Ghost Town TourHistoric Site
Tour the abandoned town of Kadykchan, a haunting reminder of the past.
- Oymyakon Pole of Cold MonumentLandmark
Visit the monument marking Oymyakon as one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth.
- Khandyga River RaftingAdventure
Experience thrilling river rafting on the Khandyga River's rapids.
- Yakutsk Mammoth MuseumMuseum
Discover preserved mammoth remains and learn about Ice Age fauna.
Travel advisory
One of the most dangerous roads on Earth, the Kolyma Highway crosses hundreds of kilometres of permafrost with no services, no mobile coverage, and brutal winters reaching minus 60 C. Travel only in a well-equipped convoy with recovery gear, satellite communication, and substantial fuel reserves. A local guide with regional experience is strongly recommended.