Magadan to Yakutsk Road of Bones
Russia
The Road of Bones links Magadan with Yakutsk across one of the harshest inhabited landscapes on Earth, following the old Kolyma Highway through taiga, river valleys, and permafrost country. Expect long empty stretches, rough surfaces, and a raw sense of isolation that makes every settlement feel like an outpost.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Magadan
Sea winds, Soviet blocks, and a wild edge-of-the-world feel set the tone. The road inland starts with mountains behind you and isolation ahead.
- Sokol
Magadan's airport town and last easy fuel stop before the interior. Services thin fast once you leave the coast.
- Palatka
A small highway settlement beside the Kolyma route. It feels practical, cold, and built for passing through.
- Ust-Omchug
A remote district center wrapped in taiga and river country. It is one of the last places with any real roadside infrastructure.
- Kadykchan
A frozen ghost town of abandoned apartments and mine ruins. The silence here is as striking as the decay.
- Susuman
A hard-bitten gold town on the long inland stretch. Fuel, repairs, and a bed make it a crucial overnight stop.
- Seimchan
A river settlement with a frontier feel and wide skies. It marks a major pause before the road pushes deeper into the Kolyma basin.
- Yakutsk
The route finally reaches Siberia's capital of extreme cold. After days of emptiness, the city feels bright, busy, and almost unreal.
Where to Eat
- Baza Otdykha NadezhdaRussian
A practical roadside stop for hot soups, pelmeni, and a proper break from the highway. Good for travelers needing a warm, filling meal before the next long stretch.
- Cafe BaikalRussian
A likely reliable diner style stop in the Kolyma corridor with simple cooked meals. Expect borscht, cutlets, tea, and basic comfort food.
- Kolyma Hotel RestaurantRussian
A solid place for a sit-down dinner in a remote town where options are limited. Regional staples and hot drinks matter as much as the menu here.
- Markov BakeryBakery
A bakery stop is ideal for fresh bread, pies, and takeaway snacks for the road. In this region, simple pastries can be the best fuel.
Things to Do
- Kolyma Highway DriveScenic drive
Follow one of the world's most famous remote roads through taiga, mountains, and river valleys. The emptiness and rough surfaces are the main attraction.
- Mask of Sorrow MonumentMemorial
Visit Magadan's stark memorial to Gulag history and the suffering tied to this road. It is one of the most powerful stops in the region.
- Kadykchan Ghost TownAbandoned town
Walk among empty apartment blocks and derelict industrial remains in one of Siberia's best-known ghost towns. It offers a haunting look at the region's boom-and-bust mining past.
- Siberian Taiga Wildlife ViewingNature
Watch for eagles, foxes, and big northern forests along the less populated stretches. The landscape feels untouched for long intervals.
- Mammoth MuseumMuseum
Learn about Yakutia's Ice Age finds and frozen-ground science in Yakutsk. It is a fitting finish after crossing permafrost country.
Travel advisory
This is a remote Siberian expedition, not a casual drive. Fuel, food, and repairs are sparse, so carry extra supplies, a satellite communicator, and recovery gear. In shoulder seasons, rivers, mud, and early snow can make sections impassable.