World’s Longest Road That You Can Walk!
The world is full of incredible journeys, but none can compare to the challenge of walking the world’s longest road. Imagine starting in L’Agulhas, South Africa, and trekking to Magadan, Russia—a staggering 22,387 kilometers. This epic journey takes you through deserts, war zones, and some of the most remote places on Earth. That makes it the longest continuous walkable route ever discovered.
We can also call it a passage through history, geography, and culture. A Redditor discovered this route back in 2019. In practical terms, it might take about one and a half years (562 days) to cross this distance if you walk 8 hours every day! But allowing for rest days will take longer. Let’s now discover this adventurous route.
How Long Would It Take?
To put the scale of this journey into perspective, consider the time it would take to complete it on foot. Theoretically, if someone were to walk non-stop at an average pace of 5 kilometers per hour for 8 hours a day, it would take about 560 days, or roughly 1.5 years, to cover the entire distance. However, this is a best-case scenario without factoring in rest days, food and water stops, visa issues, or the numerous unpredictable challenges that could arise along the way.
Practically, this journey could take significantly longer. Allowing for rest days, potential detours, and time spent navigating challenging terrain or political barriers, a more realistic timeframe might be closer to 3 to 4 years. This assumes a determined pace and a focus on continuous progress, but the journey’s true length would depend heavily on the individual and circumstances. It may come as no surprise that no one has attempted the journey as of yet.
Setting Out for World’s Longest Road: The African Leg
Starting at the Southernmost Point
The journey begins in L’Agulhas, South Africa, the southernmost point of Africa. As you set off, the initial stages of the journey take you through the lush and varied landscapes of South Africa, where modern cities like Cape Town give way to rural areas rich with wildlife and culture. The path then leads into Botswana and Zambia, where the terrain shifts from green plains to the more arid lands of the Kalahari Desert. This is the first leg of the world’s longest road.
Crossing the Kalahari
One of the first major challenges is the Kalahari Desert, a vast expanse of red sand and sparse vegetation. Here, the sun beats down relentlessly, and the isolation can be overwhelming. Surviving this part of the journey requires careful planning, especially regarding water supplies and protection from the elements. The journey continues through Zambia and Tanzania, where the landscape becomes more varied again, with opportunities to experience Africa’s rich wildlife and vibrant cultures.
Into the Sahara
Next, the route takes you northward through Sudan and into Egypt, where the Sahara Desert awaits. The Sahara, the world’s largest hot desert, is a formidable challenge with its endless dunes and extreme temperatures. The route through the Sahara is not just about survival; it’s a journey through one of the most historically significant regions on Earth. Ancient pyramids lost cities, and the remnants of civilizations long gone are scattered across the sands.
Crossing Into the Middle East
The Nile and the Transition to Asia
After navigating the Sahara, the Nile River guides Egypt, offering a reprieve from the harsh desert. As you cross into the Sinai Peninsula, the journey takes you from Africa into the Middle East. The route passes through Jordan and Syria, areas steeped in history but marked by modern-day conflict. This is the second leg of the world’s longest road.
War Zones in Syria
Syria is one of the most dangerous parts of the journey. The ongoing conflict has turned parts of the country into war zones, making this leg of the journey incredibly perilous. Travelers would need to carefully navigate areas under different factions’ control and be prepared for the risks associated with such unstable regions. Despite the dangers, this part of the journey is also a passage through ancient history, as you pass near cities like Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
The Asian Stretch of the World’s Longest Road
Crossing Into Turkey and the Caucasus
Leaving the Middle East, the route crosses into Turkey, where the landscape begins to change once again. The journey through Turkey offers a mix of modern cities and ancient ruins, with the stunning scenery of the Anatolian Plateau leading you into the mountainous regions of the Caucasus. Here, you face rugged terrain and cold, unforgiving weather as you move through Georgia and into Russia.
Through the Gulag Route
Once in Russia, the journey takes a sobering turn as it passes through regions historically associated with the Soviet-era Gulag labor camps. The route from the Caucasus to Siberia is a trek through remote and desolate areas, where the remnants of these camps serve as a stark reminder of the country’s troubled past. The vastness of Russia’s interior is overwhelming, with stretches of wilderness that go on for days without signs of civilization.
The Siberian Endurance Test
Navigating Siberia
Siberia, known for its extreme climate and isolation, is the final and most challenging part of the journey. The harsh winters, with temperatures plummeting well below freezing, make survival the key concern. The landscape here is both beautiful and brutal, with endless forests, frozen rivers, and the occasional village breaking the monotony. This is a land where nature reigns supreme, and human presence is sparse.
Approaching Magadan
The final leg of the journey brings you to Magadan, a port town in northeastern Russia. Known for its role in the Gulag system, Magadan is a place of both historical significance and natural beauty. Reaching Magadan after walking more than 22,000 kilometers is a monumental achievement, a testament to human endurance and the will to conquer the impossible.
Who Discovered the Route
This remarkable route was first discovered by a Redditor named u/buhrian who mapped it out and brought it to public attention. The discovery quickly captivated adventurers and dreamers alike, sparking discussions about the possibilities and dangers of such a journey. The fact that this route is walkable, without the need for flights or sea crossings, adds to its allure, making it a truly unique challenge for anyone daring enough to attempt it.
Conclusion
The journey from L’Agulhas to Magadan is more than just the world’s longest road; it’s a passage through some of the most fascinating and challenging environments on Earth. It’s a journey that requires not just physical endurance, but also mental fortitude, careful planning, and respect for the diverse cultures and histories along the way. For those brave enough to undertake it, this walk is the ultimate test, offering a lifetime of experiences in one epic adventure.
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