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23 Most Dangerous Roads In India For Daring Adventurists

India is an often overlooked but beautiful country that offers a lot of under-the-surface beauty to travelers willing to explore . The main problem is that getting to some of these places requires taking roads that can leave you fearing for your life on every steep turn (especially keeping in mind the way most Indian bus drivers drive). In this article, we’ll cover some of the most dangerous roads in India for daring adventurists because as you probably know from our previous articles, we’re very passionate about the world’s most dangerous roads .

Sounds interesting? In that case, keep reading but first, let’s cover some basics…

Helpful Tips For Traveling On The Most Dangerous Roads In India

  • Vehicle Check-Up is Non-Negotiable:  Before you even think of tackling the most dangerous roads in India, have your vehicle checked by someone who knows more about cars than just the color.
  • Embrace the Slow Lane:  Speed is great, but on these roads, it’s about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Take it slow. The tortoise really had it right – slow and steady wins the race, or in this case, keeps you on the mountain.
  • Weather Watch:  Keep an eye on the weather forecast. The weather in the mountains has more mood swings than a teenager. If it looks bad, maybe give it a day. No shame in chilling at the base camp with a cup of tea.
  • Pack Survival Gear:  And by survival gear, I mean more than just your favorite snacks. Warm clothing, a first-aid kit, a torch, extra food and water, and maybe a good book (in case you’re stuck somewhere scenic, but stuck nonetheless).
  • Altitude Attitude:  High altitudes can make you feel like you’ve run a marathon. Acclimatize properly, keep hydrated, and remember, there’s no prize for reaching the top first.
  • Keep Your Fuel Tank Full:  Petrol pumps are rarer than an honest politician on these routes. Keep your tank full and your stress levels low.
  • Be Ready for Flat Tires:  Those potholes aren’t just there for decoration. Know how to change a tire, or at least have the tools and hope for a good Samaritan with skills.
  • Local Advice is Gold:  Locals know these roads like the back of their hands. If they say it’s not a good day to travel, trust them. They’re like the wise sages of the mountain roads.
  • Seriously consider driving here:  I know Indian bus drivers are crazy but they probably know the road much better than you and are less likely to get an accident. So, maybe use  Busbud  instead and book a bus ticket for your next trip (you’ll also get 10% off with our link). 
  • Don’t forget travel insurance:  I feel this is a no-brainer but I still have to mention it. Get travel insurance when traveling this road. It’s really not worth the risk, especially with providers like  SafetyWing  offering travel insurance for as low as $28 per month (for more info, check out our  honest SafetyWing review ). 
  • Lastly, if you’re looking for a good deal on accommodation, use  our Booking link  and get up to 15% off on all properties in India. 

Before visiting, also check out our guide to visiting India for the first time , this list of unusual Indian festivals , and my guide to living in India .

Munnar Hill Station Road, Kerala

Munnar road

We’ll start this list of the most dangerous roads in India with the Munnar Hill Road. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Munnar is a picturesque hill station in Kerala known for its lush tea plantations and breathtaking backwater landscapes in the distance but getting there is quite an adventure. The road to Munnar is infamous for its narrowness and sharp, hairpin bends.

Drive along this road and with each turn, you’re greeted with either a sheer drop or a hard rock face. The road snakes its way up the hills with over 30 hairpin bends, each presenting its own challenge with barely enough room for two vehicles. So when a bus comes around the corner, it’s like a heart-stopping game of chicken.

Kolli Hills Road, Tamil Nadu

Kolli Hills Road

Located in the heart of Tamil Nadu’s part of the scenic Eastern Ghats, this winding, twisting road that cuts through the rugged terrain leading to Kolli Hills one of the region’s lesser-known and most peaceful hill stations (and one of my favorite hidden gems in India ).

Conveniently named the ‘Mountain of Death’, this road has 70 hairpin bends (confirmed, I actually counted while flinching behind every single one of them); it’s more like a never-ending spiral that tests the skills and guts of even the most seasoned drivers than it is a road. To make things worse, the area is known for its unpredictable weather. One moment, it’s all sunny and clear, and the next, you’re in a cloud, with visibility down to near zero.

Tirupati- Tirumala, Andra Pradesh

Tirupati most dangerous roads in india

The Tirupati Temple in Andhra Pradesh is one of the most beautiful architectural gems of the region but what makes this temple special is that the physical journey to it is also spiritual because you’ll be praying for your life as your bus or vehicles races behind every curve on its way to the top of the seven hills where the temple is located.

The road to Tirupati Temple is a steep, winding path carved into the hills with hairpin bends sharp enough to make a Formula One track seem straight. And to top things off, the incline is steep, meaning you’re either constantly on the accelerator or riding the brakes.

Neral- Matheran Road, Maharashtra

Neral- Matheran Road

This road to Matheran, a popular hill station, is notorious for being as narrow as a dieting snake and full of twists and turns that could make a pretzel jealous. Neral is a town in Maharashtra, and from here, the road to Matheran is about 8 kilometers of pure thrill. It’s like someone took a hill, threw a bunch of hairpin bends on it, and said, “Let’s see who dares to drive this.” The road is narrow, often just wide enough for one vehicle. If you meet someone coming the other way, it’s a game of ‘who blinks first’.

Pune Mumbai Expressway, Maharashtra

Pune Mumbai Expressway

You might be surprised to see the Pune-Mumbai Expressway on this list since it’s one of the country’s finest roads but according to deaths per year, it’s actually one of the most dangerous roads in India. This expressway connects the metropolitan cities of Pune and Mumbai with a combined population of more than 30 million people.

To sum it up, the expressway is a road where speed limits seem like speed suggestions; so you have fast, reckless, and often destructed (by the nice scenery) drivers, motorbikes trying to squeeze in spots that seem physically unimaginable, and monsoon rains for a good portion of the year; a recipe for disaster.

If you’re looking to learn more about Mumbai, also make sure to check out this list of  fun facts about Mumbai  that will make you change your opinion of the city. 

NH 22, Bihar & Jharkhand

nh22 most dangerous roads in india

NH 22 is a narrow road that snakes its way through the heart of Bihar and Jharkhand. The road is notorious for its sharp bends, unpredictable turns, and the kind of potholes that make you wonder if you’ve accidentally driven into a lunar landscape. And let me tell you about the driving culture here in one sentence. The concept of lane discipline is as mythical as a unicorn on this highway; it’s every driver for themselves, with overtaking maneuvers that would make a stunt driver do a double-take.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of hidden gems in Delhi and this list of best places to visit in Delhi in winter .

Bum La, Arunachal Pradesh

Bum La most dangerous roads in india

Speaking of the most dangerous roads in India, we just can’t forget about Bum La . Located at a dizzying height of about 15,200 feet, Bum La is close to the China-India border. So, there I am on the Bum La road, and let’s just say calling it a ‘road’ is being generous. It’s more of a rugged, unpaved trail that looks like it was carved out by someone who just decided to wing it. The terrain is a mix of slush, mud, and snow, depending on the season. And guardrails? Those are a luxury that this road hasn’t heard of yet.

The altitude is another ‘fun’ factor. You’re so high up that the air gets thinner, and breathing can feel like you’re trying to suck air through a straw. It’s a good idea to acclimate to the altitude before you embark on this journey unless you fancy getting dizzy at the wheel.

Sela Pass, Arunachal Pradesh

Sela Pass

Situated at 13,700 feet in the Eastern Himalayas (slightly lower but just as dangerous as its cousin, Bum La) the pass connects Tawang and West Kameng in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The road itself consists of a series of sharp bends, steep inclines, and narrow stretches but (to quote Top Shop) that’s not all.

The pass is also known for its unpredictable climate with cloudy and snowy landscapes, and icy, slippery sections, with visibility often being so low it might just make you feel like driving blindfolded. But just seeing the untouched nature and divine landscapes surrounding the road is worth it (at least it was for me).

Yumthang Valley Road, Sikkim

yumthang valley road india

Known as the Valley of Flowers, Yumthang is a paradise on earth, but getting there is where the plot thickens. Nestled in the northeastern state of Sikkim, this road is like a rollercoaster without a safety harness. The destination, Yumtang Valley, is a floral wonderland and one of the most stunning yet rugged terrains in India and the only word I would use to describe this place is astonishing, (well, except for the road). The path to Yumthang is narrow and often seems to have a personal vendetta against guardrails. It’s like the road builders thought, “Guardrails? Nah, let’s live dangerously”.

Three Level Zig Zag Road, Sikim

dangerous roads in india sikkim

let me take you on a virtual trip down the Three-Level Zig Zag Road in Sikkim, which honestly feels like a real-life version of a video game, except the stakes are way higher. Tucked away in the rugged terrains of the Himalayas, this road is the stuff of both dreams and nightmares, depending on who you ask. Let’s just say, it’s called the Three Level Zig Zag Road for a good reason. It’s made up of a series of sharp, hairpin bends that zigzag down the mountainside. And when I say sharp, I mean 180-degree turns that could make a U-turn seem like a child’s play.

The ‘three levels’ part? That’s because the road descends rapidly through a series of switchbacks spread across three distinct levels of elevation.

Nathu La Pass, Sikkim

Nathu La Pass

If you ever thought, “Hey, I want to drive on the edge of a cliff on one of the highest roads in the world,” then Nathu La is your dream come true. The pass forms a part of the ancient Silk Road, and it’s a key trade link between India and Tibet. But let’s be clear, when they named it Nathu La, which translates to “listening ears pass,” they probably meant you need to listen to every sound your car makes, hoping it doesn’t decide to give up on you.

The drive up to Nathu La is a mix of awe and “oh no!” The road is narrow, winding, and often slick with ice or snow. Guardrails are a luxury that this road seems to have forgotten, and the sheer drops are enough to make you reconsider all your life choices.

Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh

Rohtang Pass

Located about 51 kilometers from Manali, at an altitude of around 13,050 feet, Rohtang Pass is one of the most dangerous roads in India. The name ‘Rohtang’ literally means ‘pile of corpses,’ which sounds like the title of a horror flick but really hints at the road’s treacherous past. The road to Rohtang is infamous for its narrowness, unpredictable weather, and, of course, the occasional landslide just to keep things interesting. You’ve got steep drops on one side and sharp cliffs on the other, and guardrails seem to be more of an afterthought.

Kinnaur Road, Himachal Pradesh

Kinnaur Road

Next on our list of most dangerous roads in India is Kinnaur Road. Located in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh, Kinnaur Road is the gateway to the Kinnaur district, known for its apples and beautiful landscapes. But getting there is like playing a game of Mario Kart, except the banana peels are landslides, and the power-ups are nonexistent.

Driving on Kinnaur Road, I can’t help but think that the term ‘narrow road’ was redefined here. The road is barely wide enough for one vehicle, but that doesn’t stop buses and trucks from using it as if it’s a two-lane highway. Driving here felt like they were all in on a secret joke, and I was the punchline.

Spiti Valley Mountain Roads, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley Mountain Roads

As I embark on this journey, the first thing that strikes me is how these roads redefine the term ‘off the beaten path’. They’re more off-road than the road, really. Picture narrow, unpaved paths carved out of the mountainside, with enough bumps and dips to make you think you’re on a camel, not in a car. The Spiti Valley itself is a remote, almost otherworldly destination, known for its stark beauty, ancient monasteries, and vibrant culture . But getting there? It’s like the universe is testing how badly you want to see it.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of the world’s most isolated countries .

Karcham-Chitkul Road, Himachal Pradesh

Karcham-Chitkul Road

The Karcham Chitkul Road in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most dangerous roads in India where driving feels like you’re in a video game, except you can’t hit the reset button. The road leads to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border and if I have to describe it in a sentence I’d say it’s a narrow, winding path that clings to the side of the mountains like a stubborn barnacle with a mix of sharp bends, sudden drops, and occasional rockslide which was probably built by someone who thought guardrails are for sissies.

Sangla Road, Himachal Pradesh

Sangla

Speaking of the most dangerous roads in India, we can’t forget to talk about the Sangla Road in Himachal Pradesh. It’s one of those roads that like to play a game of ‘scare the driver’. Located in the Kinnaur district, this road is notorious for being as narrow as the line between bravery and, well, insanity. It’s a path that twists and turns through the mountains, offering stunning views that you’re too nervous to look at because, you know, you’re trying to stay on the actual road.

Leh –Manali Highway, Himachal Pradesh & Ladakh

Leh –Manali Highway

Buckle up, because this isn’t just a road trip; it’s an epic saga on wheels. Spanning about 490 kilometers across the rugged terrains of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, this highway is like the final boss level in a video game where the scenery is stunning, but the challenges are real. The road is a mix of smooth tarmac and ‘oh look, the road’s gone’ stretches. It’s like the road plays hide and seek with you. One minute it’s all smooth sailing, and the next, you’re navigating through gravel, hoping your car doesn’t decide to just give up.

Kishtwar Kailash Road, Jammu & Kashmir

Kishtwar Kailash Road

If you ever find yourself on the Kishtwar Kailash Road, you’re in for a treat, and by treat, I mean a  hair-raising, palm-sweating driving experience  that’ll have you rethinking your life choices. This road is to driving what bungee jumping is to a Sunday picnic – extreme, thrilling, and not for the faint-hearted. It’s a narrow, unpaved road clinging to the side of a sheer cliff. And when I say narrow, I mean if-your-car-is-a-few-inches-wider-you-might-as-well-just-fly narrow.

The road leads to the base of Kailash Peak, a sacred spot in the region, and it’s as if the road was designed as a test of faith. There are sections of this road where guardrails are non-existent, and the only thing between you and a sheer drop is, well, air. 

NH1 (Srinagar- Leh), Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar- Leh

The highway connects  Srinagar  in the Kashmir Valley to Leh in Ladakh, and it’s about 422  kilometers of dramatic landscapes , unpredictable weather, and the kind of twists and turns that would make a salsa dancer dizzy. The road takes you through some of the highest mountain passes in the world and can be described as nature’s own version of a test track, with steep inclines, sharp descents, and narrow sections where two cars can barely pass without doing a little mirror dance. 

But it’s not just the layout of the road that adds to the thrill. The weather here is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get. One minute it’s sunny and clear, and the next, you’re in the middle of a cloud, or worse, a snowstorm. Visibility can drop faster than my phone’s battery life.

Chang La Pass, Ladakh

Chang La Pass

Located at a staggering altitude of about 17,586 feet, Chang La is one of the highest mountain passes in the world certainly one of the most dangerous roads in India. Forget about all the places you might have read in one of your typical travel magazines, this pass is the ultimate highway to heaven. The pass connects  Leh to the Pangong Lake , another gem in the Himalayas. But getting there, oh boy, it’s a mix of excitement and “What have I gotten myself into?”

The road to Chang La is a series of narrow, winding paths carved out of the mountainside. Calling them ‘roads’ is a compliment. They’re more like trails that decided to aim high in life – literally.

Khardung La Pass, Ladakh

Khardung La Pass

Khardung La is another mountain road, well, it’s debatable if it should be called a road, honestly… It’s a mix of rugged terrain, narrow stretches, and of course, the infamous Gata Loops; a series of 21 hairpin bends that snake up the mountain. The Gata Loops are the ultimate test of skill, patience, and your vehicle’s brakes. Every bend is a suspenseful moment, offering stunning views that you’re too nervous to enjoy fully. It’s like Mother Nature is saying, “Here, have some breathtaking beauty, but watch your step!”

Zoji La Pass, Ladakh

zoji La Pass

Last but certainly not least, we complete this guide to the most dangerous roads in India with the Zoji La Pass. The road, if you can call it that, is narrow, treacherous, littered with hairpin bends, steep drops, and sections so narrow that you wonder if you should have just brought a horse instead. The real ‘fun’ begins with the weather. At this height, it’s as unpredictable as a plot twist in a mystery novel. One minute the sun is shining, the next you’re enveloped in fog, or worse, a snowstorm. And let’s just say that when it snows, the road doesn’t get slippery; it becomes an ice-skating rink for cars.

How did you like this list of the most dangerous roads in India? Did you ever drive on any of them? Do you know of any other roads we should include to this list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

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12 Dangerous Roads in India that could Kill You

12 dangerous roads in india

As the caption suggests, in this post, we will share 12 dangerous roads in India that could kill you. India is not only home to the world’s largest road networks in the world, but some of the most dangerous ones as well. 40% of India’s traffic takes the National Highways, and the total distance covered by all the roads together is a whopping 33 lakh kilometers. We have some of the deadliest roads in the world. Apart from the geographical constraints, roads here are so ill-maintained that they can actually get anyone killed. Here are 12 dangerous roads in India that can potentially take you to heaven faster than they can take you to your destination!

However, you can reach there without burning a hole in your wallet with amazing offers on flight and hotel booking with MakeMyTrip. 

most-12 dangerous roads in India

Imagine going on a scenic road trip in some exotic, far-flung location say in northern hills. To your horror, you find out the railing disappears around the bend, whilst the road narrows to practically a trail. And if you peep thousands of feet below, you can see the skeletal remains of several cars being toppled down and long lost. Yes, sometimes the road less taken is less taken for a reason. And in the case of these 12 dangerous roads in India, you need to be extra careful, as they may very well kill you. While you may have the best of the vehicles at your disposal, the driving skill rules over the machine on these deadliest roads.

Does India have the deadliest roads?

Turns out, no. While India does have a number of deadly roads, the country with most of them is Dominican Republic. This nation has a staggering 41.7 driving deaths per 1,00,000 people in a year. As per a WHO report, Dominican Republic’s helmet laws, speed laws, and drunk-driving laws are really weak. This may be responsible for the number of road deaths in the country.

While it may seem so, it’s not all dark and gory in India. We record 15-20 road deaths per 1,00,000 people in a year. In fact, India does not even come on the ‘Top 10’ list of countries with the deadliest roads. After Dominican Republic, the 10 most dangerous countries for driving are (in descending order): Thailand, Venezuela, Iran, Nigeria, South Africa, Iraq, Guinea-Bissau, Oman, and Chad.

Does any country have safe roads?

Actually, yes. The country with the safest roads is Iceland, with only 2.8 deaths per 1,00,000 people in a year. Following Iceland are Sweden, Palestinian territories, Britain, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Ireland and Israel. GrabOn rates 12 dangerous roads in India (based on accidents) where you should prefer to leave the steering in the hands of an expert.  Read on to find out!

12 Most Dangerous Roads in India that could kill you

Zoji la pass.

12 dangerous roads in India Zoji La Pass

Zoji La Pass is located on the Indian National Highway 1 between Srinagar and Leh in the Himalayan mountain ranges.

zoji la pass 12 dangerous roads in India

Stretching above 11,649 ft above sea level, the pass is an important link between Ladakh and Kashmir. It is considered to be the second-highest pass after Fotu La on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. While the pass is only 9 km long, the blink of an eye could land your vehicle straight down from a height of 11,000 feet. This pass tops the list of 12 dangerous roads in India. These passes witness the heaviest snowfall during the winters and thus remain closed to traffic for around six months in a year.

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Neral-Matheran Road

Neral Matheran Road 12 dangerous roads in India

Neral-Matheran is a steep mountain road located in Raigad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra at an elevation of 130 ft above sea level. This serpentine road will surely bring your heart to your mouth! Even though this road is as smooth as butter, you cannot speed up due to its narrowness. You’ve got to be really careful with the wheels because of pathetic road conditions that could test even the most seasoned drivers’ patience. It’s an asphalted road with hairpin turns and curves, and you really deserve a medal if you’ve driven on the road.

National Highway 22

national-highway 22 12 dangerous roads in India

Touted as one of the world’s deadliest roads, National Highway 22 had to be certainly included in our list of 12 dangerous roads in India. This highway is 459 km long and starts asphalted in Ambala. In Haryana’s Panchkula district, in the foothills of the Himalayas, this highway passes over dangerous cliffs with extensive hairpin turns.

highway to hell 12 dangerous roads in India

This is certainly a highway to hell, as death looms over you in the form of cliffs and tunnels. And it is already featured in the History Channel’s “IRT Deadliest Roads” TV series for its poor maintenance and hazardous condition.

Chang-La-12 dangerous roads in India

Even the most seasoned drivers can experience breathlessness and nausea while passing through Chang La, one of India’s 12 dangerous roads. The Chang La Pass is a high mountain pass located in Ladakh at an elevation of 17,590 ft above sea level and is considered the third highest motorable road globally. Chang La is covered with snow throughout the year and is guarded by the army due to its proximity to the Chinese border.

The Changla Pass is the main gateway for the Changthang Plateau in the Himalayas and is 134 km-long between Pangong Lake and Leh. Road closures can be frequent, so check conditions before traveling to this area.

Leh-Manali Highway

leh manali highway 12 dangerous roads in India

Frequented by adventure lovers and even seasonal vacationers, the Leh-Manali highway is the most infamous in India, located at an elevation of 11,000 ft. Unpredictable weather, loose gravel roads, uncontrolled heavy traffic keeping you at snail’s pace, and steep, fatal falls make the Leh-Manali highway a nightmare of a road.

leh manali 12 dangerous roads in India

There are turns so steep that you would thank God every time you cross them successfully!  When the snow-laden road thaw with frost heaves, several trucks and four-wheelers are said to have suffered irreparable damage. Good luck if you are planning on a road trip from Manali to Leh!

Rohtang Pass

rohtang pass 12 dangerous roads in India

Rohtang Pass is among 12 dangerous roads in India, located at an elevation of 13,054 ft above sea level, on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. The pass is traversed by the Leh-Manali Highway. Rohtang pass is closed half a year, and when it’s opened, commuters need to use GPS to find the road and dig it out again. Regular deadly landslides have given such a name to this pass, which translates to the ground of corpses.

road rohtang pass 12 dangerous roads in India

Situated about 53 km from Manali, it connects Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti, which provides access to Leh. It’s only open from May to November and is the gateway to Keylong in the landlocked Lahaul Valley from Manali in the state’s Kullu district. The Government of India is building an 8.8km tunnel as an alternative. While the place remains a no man’s land for over 3 months, the summers are equally nightmarish. Massive sludge, slimy gravel, and sudden landslides on this route cause jams lasting as long as 12 hours or more. Moreover, the uncontrolled melting snow is known to cause 100 percent of fatal accidents.

Khardung La Pass

Khardung La Pass 12 dangerous roads in India

For the longest time, Khardungla Pass was wrongly considered the highest motorable road globally, but it is certainly one of the highest motorable roads. Located at an elevation of 17,582 ft. Khardungla Pass is among the 12 dangerous roads in India. Its painfully winding road, frequented by sudden minor landslides and avalanches, makes it the country’s deadliest.

khardung la 12 dangerous roads in India

The pass was built in 1976, and it was opened to motor vehicles in 1988. The pass is not paved, and with the frozen mix of ice and dirt, it makes one slippery and narrow trail with profound valleys right next to you. The pass is strategically important to India, as it is used to carry supplies to the Siachen Glacier. Due to the proximity of the Pakistani and Chinese borders, army truck convoys are regular here. You can easily suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) here, making those final kilometers absolutely agonizing.

Three Level Zigzag Road

Old Silk Route Sikkim 12 dangerous roads in India

Three Level Zigzag road is probably the most dizzying in the world. Located in Sikkim, the road includes more than 100 hairpins in its just 30 km of stretch, making it one of India’s 12 dangerous roads.

Three Level Zigzag Road 12 dangerous roads in India

This serpentine road is located at an elevation of 11,200 ft above sea level near Zuluk or Dzuluk, in the historic Old Silk Route from Tibet to India, on the rugged terrain of the lower Himalayas. The steep vertical drops along the entire route are enough to make you feel dizzy. Thambi’s viewpoint is the vantage point where you can get an eagle’s eye of the Three Level Zigzag roads on the adjoining hills. And the scenic beauty is matchless, and during snowfall, it takes a panoramic appearance that defies description. A trip to the area requires special permits. Get your adrenaline pumping on this exciting road.

Kishtwar-Kailash Road

Kishtwar Kailash Road 12 dangerous roads in India

In 2013, athlete Mick Fowler and his climbing partner, Paul Ramsden, documented their experience through Kishtwar-Kailash road, one of India’s 12 dangerous roads. This 234 km-long road traverses through the newly formed J& K district and is so unpredictable that even your GPS will stop working. The climb is terrible, and one blink of your eye could land you on your deathbed.

“Oh yikes! I had only thought about the possibility of sliding off the edge (super frightening!!) but hadn’t even thought about if someone’s vehicle broke down! Then everyone is completely stuck, and there’s nowhere to go and move the car out of the way too! Even more, the reason that I think I would be too nervous to ever travel on that road!”

Rajmachi Road

Rajmachi Road 12 dangerous roads in India

Rajmachi road is a loosely-based gravel dirt track located in Sahyadri’s rugged mountains and is frequented with a hustle-bustle of trekkers and bikers. This steep road leads to the forts of Shrivardhan and Manaranjan.

The surface of the road is gravel and includes several hairpins. In the rainy season you have to be more careful as waterfalls are dangerous, making the road slippery and difficult for bikers to ride safely.

gata loops in ladakh 12 dangerous roads in India

Those who are frequent travelers on the Manali Leh route would be aware of this road. It’s a series of twenty-one hairpin bends that you will come across when you’re driving to the top of the 3rd high altitude pass on this highway, Nakeela, at the height of nearly 16000 ft. It’s not the dangerous loops that this road is famous for but for the ghost story associated with it.

gata loops ghost 12 dangerous roads in India

The legend goes like this – Several years ago, a truck driver accompanied by his cleaner was heading to Leh from Manali when their truck broke down. It was the last truck, and the route was closed due to heavy snowing. After waiting for several hours, the driver decided to walk down to the nearby village for help. Since the truck had cargo and the cleaner was also not well, he decided to leave behind the cleaner and go. After reaching a village, he could only manage to make a call to Manali for help. Meanwhile, snowfall increased, leaving the truck and the cleaner stranded for several days. The cleaner eventually died of thirst and hunger. A year later, passersby started narrating the story of a beggar who would beg for water. Soon, the word spread, and people still believe the ghost of that cleaner is there at the Gata Loops, making this one of India’s 12 dangerous roads all the scarier.

enroute mana pass

Also known as Chirbitya-la, or Dungri La pass, Mana, located at an altitude of 18,192 ft., is arguably the highest vehicle-accessible pass in the world. The actual motorable road was constructed by BRO between the years 2005-2010 and is presently visible on Google Earth. Mana’s highest elevation can go up to 18,406 feet on the Indian side of the border. Mana is also the last village after which begins the old trade route to Tibet.

So those were the 12 dangerous roads in India that could kill you. If you have been to any of these roads, do share with us your experiences.

most dangerous road trips in india

Vinodkumar Sankranthi

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Kishtwar Kailash Highway

10 Scary Indian Road Trips Only for Braveheart Travelers

Road trips are always fun, aren’t they? But have you ever been to the one that gave you the scariest time of your life? Well, if you are an adventure lover and want to experience the scariest roads in India, then this blog is just for you.  These roads are dangerous and driving through them involves a lot of risks but this will be one of a kind experience. So, let us discuss some of the most dangerous roads in India that will scare the hell out of you.

10 Most Dangerous Roads in India in 2021 

  • Zojila Pass road in Ladakh and Kashmir
  • Changla Pass in Ladakh region
  • Kinnaur road in Kinnaur region
  • Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh
  • National Highway 22 in Himachal Pradesh
  • Khardungla Pass in Ladakh
  • Kishtwar Kailash Highway in Jammu
  • Nathula Pass in Sikkim
  • Neral – Matheran Road in Maharashtra
  • Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh

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1. Zojila Pass road in Ladakh and Kashmir

Zojila Pass road

Perched at an altitude of over 3000 m, Zojila Pass Road is located between Ladakh and Kashmir. The road is narrow and slippery. The condition of this road gets even worse during the rainy season. If you are traveling during the rainy months of the year, you better be prepared to witness a landslide. It is certainly one of the toughest roads in India.

Best time to travel: May, September, and October

2. Changla Pass in Ladakh region

Changla Pass

Changla Pass is located at an altitude of more than 5000 m and is the highest motorable route in the entire world. It is one of Ladakh’s dangerous roads as it remains slippery all through the year because of snow. Due to the high altitude, you may feel breathlessness and even nausea. Before starting this trip, you need to be sure if at all you are ready for this.

3. Kinnaur road in Kinnaur region

Kinnaur road

While driving through this Kinnaur dangerous road, you cannot get distracted. On one side, there is a deep valley with the Baspa River and on the road, there are dark and narrow holes. This route has witnessed several accidents and many lives have been lost. Therefore, when you are planning for a road trip via Kinnaur Road, you need to be very sure about your driving skills. The route remains closed during the winter season due to heavy rainfall.

Best time to travel: May to October (You must try to avoid the rainy months)

4. Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh

Rohtang Pass

The meaning of Rohtang is the ground of corpses. Spooky enough? This dangerous road in Himachal will scare you all through your drive via this route. The road is located at an altitude of 4000 m and almost each year witnesses landslides. Also, during the winters, the road remains under the blanket of snow and gets slippery. Therefore, drive with total concentration while you are traveling through this road.

Best time to travel: April, and May to October

5. National Highway 22 in Himachal Pradesh

National Highway 22

This is also considered one of the most dangerous roads in Himachal Pradesh. The road starts from Ambala and covers Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. While you drive through this route, you will come across several cliffs, mountains, and cross many dark tunnels. This is one of  deadliest roads in India and you must be well prepared to drive through it.

Best time to travel: April to October

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6. Khardungla Pass in Ladakh

Khardungla Pass

The road is situated around a height of 5602 m above sea level. Ice mixed with dust and the hairpin turns will make this road trip in India super thrilling yet memorable for you. This once used to be the silk route between India and China. Drive through this route only if you are an expert driver.

Best time to travel: April to June, and September to October

7. Kishtwar Kailash Highway in Jammu

Kishtwar Kailash Highway

Are you ready to travel through a narrow and windy road that has no guard rails? On one side there is overhanging cliff, while on the other side there river flowing by, which is several meters down though. Choose Kishtwar Kailash Highway to experience all of these. If you want to drive on this road, you must plan the trip during the day hours.

Best time to travel: April to June

8. Nathula Pass in Sikkim

Nathula Pass in Sikkim

Nathula Pass is one of the best places for a road trip in India, especially if you are an adventure seeker. The roads are curvy and slippery. During the winters, snow sludge is common in this route. If you are planning for a summer trip through this road, you may come across landslides. No matter which season you are traveling through this route, you need to be extra cautious. 

Best time to travel: May to October

9. Neral – Matheran Road in Maharashtra

Neral – Matheran Road, Maharashtra

At a height of 800 m from sea level, this is yet another scariest road in India that strong hearts can choose for a trip. This route is steep and super slippery, especially during the rainy season. Some of the areas in this route do not even have guard rails, and there are lots of hairpin turns. 

Best time to travel: December to February

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10. Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh

Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh

Perched at an elevation of 4,170 m above sea level, this route is full of slippery and sharp turns. The majority of the year, the road remains covered under snow. The view from this road is breathtaking. However, you must be extra careful while driving through this road.

Best time to travel:  October, November, March, April, and May

No matter which route you are choosing, there nearby places to visit where you can stay for as many days as you want. To make the most out of this trip, you can go for a self-drive car rental in India. You can very easily get safe and sanitized cars from Revv. All that you need to do is to visit Revv’s website or browse through the app. Make sure you choose a car that is right for these kinds of roads.

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Perilous Paths: Navigating Through The Most Dangerous Roads In India

A life full of adventures and thrill is a life worth living. Road trips are fun and adventurous, but how about travelling on some of the most dangerous roads in India?

You can find the scariest roads in India, and the voyage on them will be full of adventures that you never thought you could have, not on a road at least.  Well, before we let the cat out of the bag and reveal the most dangerous roads in India, don’t forget to check out our Leh Ladakh Tour Packages which is abode to one of the dangerous roads in India which we will be talking about below. So hurry and scroll through the most dangerous roads in India.

Leh-Manali Highway 

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To be more careful, you should: 

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.
  • Get yourself properly acclimatised to avoid acute mountain sickness in Ladakh . 
  • Do your research on the weather conditions before planning your trip.
  • Try hiring a driver who is accustomed to driving on such roads. 
  • Take breaks in between, and do not exhaust yourself.

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Gata Loops are the 21 hairpin bends that will leave you awestruck with its beauty, and I am sure that no amount of words can do justice to the stunning views that one witnesses. It is one of the most challenging and scariest roads in India. The 21 hairpin bends elevate from 13746 ft to 15255 ft above sea level in just a few minutes. This road was constructed back in the 1960s, and it was no piece of cake as there were a number of challenges, including the rugged terrains, high altitudes, and the unpredictability of the weather. The bends were made in such a way that the vehicles do not lose momentum, and each loop is at a 180-degree angle so that the drivers can take turns without having to reverse.

Kolli Hill Road

National highway 22.

The narrow and winding nature of National Highway 22 is what has been a primary cause of these fatal accidents, as there are no safety barriers and there are sharp and blind turns making it very risky for drivers. Another factor is that most private vehicles use this road, which means they leave very little space for other vehicles, eventually increasing the risk of accidents. Potholes, cracks and lack of proper signage add to the danger. Some of the accidents that took place were due to overspeeding, reckless driving, landslides, etc.

Zoji La Pass

Sangla road.

Despite being one of the scariest roads in India, it offers breathtaking views. and natural splendour that will leave you stunned by the picturesque beauty.

Kishtwar Road

Bum la pass.

The extreme weather conditions have made the conditions of the road poorer over time. These roads, well, are the scariest roads in India for a reason, they have no safety barriers, and a vehicle can lose control and may jump straight into the valley just because of the lack of basic requirements. The lanes are very narrow, making it difficult for two vehicles to pass each other at the same time. Bum La Pass is mainly covered with snow throughout the year, which adds to the difficulty of driving here. The lack of infrastructure and medical facilities is a little challenging here. The area is quite remote and has significantly less accessibility which means that basic medical facilities are hardly available here, and even if it is, access to it is minimal. In case of accidents or other emergencies, one might feel helpless because of its remote location.

There have been attempts to widen the road, but it is not an easy task because the area is prone to landslides and is mainly covered with snow, thus making it challenging to make amends.

Rohtang Pass

Khardungla pass.

Even though these roads are deadly, scary and dangerous enough to send a chill down the spine but the beauty of the surroundings covers all that up. Maybe that’s why, despite the fact that there is a life risk involved, people still travel on these roads all the time and enjoy their adventures because no matter how difficult the road is, the destination would definitely be worth it.

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India’s Top 10 Most Dangerous Roads

most dangerous road trips in india

India, a country full of adrenaline-racking sports, hills, and roads, is quite popular among crazy enthusiasts. Yes, you heard it right, adrenaline-racking roads too. Among all the adventurous things like games, rafting , mountain climbing, biking , and many others, traveling on heart-racking roads is the most famous among enthusiasts.  Now, we are going to look over some of the dangerous roads in INDIA.

Table of Contents

Here are the Top 10 Dangerous Roads in India For That Memorable Road Trip:

1. gata loops.

Gata Loops Dangerous Road

Situated somewhere on the Manali Highway, this road has an interesting story to its discovery. It was discovered by a group of four friends exploring the area of Manali . The blind and thin, approximately the width of the pin, will give mountain sickness.

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And not only among adventure lovers, but it is also quite popular among people interested in paranormal activities. And the reason for this is that Gata loops, of approximately 21 loops, are haunted by a ghost. And this belief was quite popular when it was not so popular and was visited only by some truck drivers or insane adventurer lovers.  

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2. Kolli Hill Road

Kolli Hills Road Tamil Nadu

Road MDR181, famous as Kolli Hills Road, is a dangerous mountain road having 46.7 km. This road is in Kolli Hills. And from here, it gets its name Kolli Hill Road. This is a small mountain range in the central part of  Tamil Nadu .

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What makes this road famous is the slight bends, not one or two but 70 fine bends and continuous. And the fact of having such a dangerous road gives it the name the ‘Mountain of Death’.

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3. 3-Level Zigzag Road

3-Level Zigzag Road Sikkim

This Three-Level Zigzag Road is in Sikkim , and giving this road the award of the world’s most dizzying highway, won’t be wrong. And we are not offering this road the title of being the world’s most dizzying road without proper reason.

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The reason for such a big claim is 100 hairpin turns in the length of 30 km only. And this road is dangerously beautiful as it gives a beautiful view of the valley.

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4. National Highway 22

National Highway 22 Himachal

There is no doubt that this is the scariest road in India. Moreover, it has been featured in the ‘IRT Deadliest Roads’ series.

Starting from Ambala , covering Haryana and Himachal Pradesh , it is also famous as Hindustan-Tibet Road. National Highway 22 is 459 km without any railings. There are many narrower and sharper blind turns on this road.

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5. Zoji La Pass

Zoji La Pass Srinagar-Leh Road

It is on National Highway 1 and is on the route of Srinagar-Leh road . This pass is at a great latitude, and it will allow you to see diverse scenery while traveling through it. This road is relatively narrow, and there are many grimes here. Read Also: 10 Places to Visit in Srinagar

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6. Sangla Road

Sangla Road Himachal

You must be very conscious while traveling this road. One moment of absent-mindedness will cost your life. Moreover, the hanging cliff overdrive and narrow lanes will be a heart-racing experience. Sangla road is closed while winter for safety measures.

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7. Kishtwar Road

Kishtwar Road Jammu

Located in Jammu , in Kishtwar, this is spread over a length of 114 km. Having a gorge that is unfathomable on one side, this dangerous mountain trail is quite terrifying. One wrong step and you with your vehicle will not be able to move again.

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8. Bum La Pass

Bum La Pass Tawang Arunachal Pradesh

One of the deadliest roads ever is at the height of 16,500 feet in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh . It is crystal clear that you will experience lesser oxygen at such a great height.

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The bottlenecked roadways, hairpin sharp, and blind turns make the condition of this road more dreadful.

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9. Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass Manali Himachal

It won’t be wrong to call it Ground of corpses. And this name is enough to explain how dangerous it is. This pass is in the Pir Panjal range, and other than adventure lovers, it is also popular among tourists.

Landslides and bad climatic conditions are quite common here, making it more dangerous.

Read Also: Tips for travel to Himachal on a Budget

10. Leh-Manali Highway

Leh-Manali Highway

Despite being dreadful, it provides beautiful views of the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti . This of approximately 479 km in length. It is quite congested here because of the popularity of  Leh-Ladakh.

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Of course, most of these are famous for providing breathtaking views, but at the same time, these roads are quite dangerous too. So, armatures shouldn’t try it, and even professionals should try with proper safety measures, and precautions, and soft-hearted people shouldn’t go there.

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11 Most Dangerous Roads In India To Unleash The Thrillseeker In You

11 most dangerous roads in india, zoji la pass, ladakh, killar to kishtwar road, jammu & kashmir, gata loops, ladakh, rohtang pass, himachal pradesh, kolli hills road, tamil nadu, national highway 5, multiple states, khardungla pass, ladakh, chang la pass, ladakh, bum la pass, arunachal pradesh, three level zig zag road, sikkim, bodimettu ghat road, tamil nadu.

India’s terrain speaks of immense diversities. Mountains, valleys, and rivers of India make for a grand spectacle, but not without their share of dangers. To reach the most beautiful places, you have to go through some of the most dangerous roads. There’s no shortage of roads that hug steep mountains, roads that are carpeted with snow, or roads that are believed to be haunted.

Where there is danger, there is an unknown excitement. Adventure seekers see such roads as a test of their capacity to digest thrill. You could be seeing astonishing views of a green valley one moment and have no idea that the gravel under your car’s tires is slipping away. But you should not let not any fear hold you back. If you have a large appetite for adventure, here are the most dangerous roads in India.

This zig-zag mountainous road between Ladakh and Kashmir takes you through scenic views of the Himalayas and the Dras River. The closest city to Zoji La Pass is Sonmarg, falling just 15 km away. If you drive through the pass in winter, you’ll see walls of snow on both sides. Before you start dreaming of driving between such a grand view, let us tell you that the pass is closed during winters. Why? Narrow slippery roads, risks of landslides, and avalanches have often rendered tourists getting stuck at high elevations.

The narrow roads of Zoji La Pass can be terrifying for novice drivers. It’s better to drive slowly and keep a close eye on the road (and not let the view distract you). It’s a complete no to drive on the dirt path of Zoji La Pass at night. A 14 km long Zoji La tunnel project is under construction. This tunnel aims to reduce the 3-hour long journey across Zoji La to 15 minutes one. Crossing Zoji La will sure be safer after the completion of this tunnel, but it’ll be no match to the gorgeous view the pass offers.

Elevation: 11,575 feet

Length: 25.8 km

Dangers: Narrow path, landslides, snowdrifts

Also Read: Experience The Ladakh Festival

Carved on the side of a cliff, the Killar to Kishtwar road is one of the scariest roads in India. Unlike the dirt road of Zoji La Pass, the Killar to Kishtwar road is paved with gravel, sand, and stones. But the low-hanging mountain rocks make it tough for bigger vehicles to pass by. Even the drivers of small cars find it difficult to see over a distance because of these low hangings. The rocky walls beside the narrow road make it super difficult to drive as the rocks form a camouflage.

This road is situated in Jammu and Kashmir, so you can imagine the views out of the window while driving. The pass is also loved by bike riders who ride through the tipsy curvy path like experts. You can get an idea of the crazy road this is if you see YouTube videos shot by travelers along this road. The videos alone are enough to spook the daylights out of you!

Elevation: 8,280 feet

Length: 114 km

Dangers: Low overhanging cliffs, narrow path, poor and unstable road conditions

Also Read: Jammu Travel Guide

Most Dangerous Roads In India

How about driving through 21 tight hairpin bends of Gata Loops. As the name suggests, there are many dangerous loops on this road. The tight bends make driving difficult for even the most expert drivers. It gets tougher to control larger vehicles and trucks on this route. Go too fast and there are chances of your car skidding on a sharp bend. You can get an idea of the complex pattern of Gata Loops if you see drone footage or just open your Google Maps.

This loopy patch falls on the Leh-Manali Highway. Gata Loops is not only dangerous but also scary. It’s believed to be haunted by the ghost of a truck’s cleaner who lost his life after the truck broke down in a storm. The story goes that the truck’s driver went to get help from a nearby village leaving his cleaner to guard the cargo the truck was loaded with. But no help came and the cleaner died due to hunger, thirst, and cold. Today there’s a small shrine where people leave water bottles in the place where he died. Interesting!

Elevation: 17,000 feet

Length: 10.3 km

Dangers: 21 sharp bends with every loop measuring 300-600 meters, dizziness, or mountain sickness because of the bends

Also Read: 8 Foods In Leh Ladakh That You Must Try!

Remember the iconic scene where Kareena Kapoor danced between the snow-covered Rohtang Pass in the movie Jab We Met ? Rohtang Pass needs no more Bollywood movie features to become famous because it already is! This important road connects Kullu Valley with Lahaul and Spiti. Driving between walls of snow might sound like a dream sequence but doesn’t come without its dangers.

Every year, Rohtang Pass is closed after a snowfall, but it’s pretty approachable between May to November. Since Rohtang is a popular tourist destination, there are endless traffic jams on this narrow road. Mud and snow make the road very slippery, so it’s better you get an expert driver if you’re heading along this route. Add to it winding bends, zero protective barriers, landslides, and risk of falling rocks, you have one of the most dangerous roads in India.

If you’re in Rohtang, you’ll see tourists hurrying back before dark, and you should too. It’s because the pass is more dangerous after dark. Rohtang Pass means ‘Valley of Death’ and in the language of the hill folks, Rohtang means 'pile of corpses’. Now let us leave it to your imagination of how thrilling this road must be.

Elevation: 13,050 feet

Length: 479 km

Dangers: Landslides, dense fog, slush, strong winds

Also Read: 8 Best Places For Camping In Himachal Pradesh

most dangerous roads in himachal pradesh

If the tipsy Gata Loops has your head going in circles, wait until you drive through the Kolli Hills Road. This road has 70 continuous tight bends, making it no less than a roller coaster. This road in Tamil Nadu sees many travelers every year because of popular spots like Arappaleeswar Temple, Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Siddhar Caves, etc. nearby. An aerial view of the road looks like tracks left by a snake, but tighter and more pronounced! This road in Tamil Nadu begins from Karavalli and ends at Solakkadu.

Kolli Hills Road is especially dangerous in the monsoon because of potholes, bad patches, and mud. The crazy bends on Kolli Hills Road invite many bikers every year because though dangerous, the ride is very scenic. If you’re an expert driver, don’t let your confidence carry you away because the sharp hairpin bends are prone to accidents. Kolli Hills Road is known as ‘Mountains of Death’ not without reason, so drive cautiously. But don’t forget to take in the scenery of the dense green Kolli Hills in the distance. There are local buses too that go through this route, hop on one for the ride of a lifetime.

Elevation: 4,300 feet

Length: 47 km

Dangers: 70 hairpin bends, narrow road allowing only one vehicle to pass at a time, bad patches, potholes

Also Read: Experience The Coracle Ride At Hogenakkal Falls In Tamil Nadu

National Highway 5 is one of the longest and most dangerous roads in India. Since the highway runs till the Tibet border, it is also known as the Hindustan-Tibet road. The road is literally carved out of the mountains and treats you with some brilliant views. You have to be careful though since there are unpredictable turns and bends which can go horribly wrong due to poor judgment.

The road has several tunnels and low-hanging cliffs, often making it difficult for large cargo trucks to pass. It’s one of the deadliest highways in the world and is best left to the most experienced drivers. As you take in the views of the chiseled rocks and the Satluj River below, you cannot help but marvel at the highway’s architecture. Drive precariously through this road as there are no guard rails!

Elevation: Varies along the route

Length: 660 km

Dangers: Low hanging cliffs, no guard rails, narrow lanes, unpredictable turns

Well-known as one of the highest motorable roads in the world, Khardungla Pass is both scenic and dangerous. There are no rails and the path is slippery with mud and ice. Well, you cannot afford to slip from a mad height of 17,000 feet! No doubt it is a driver’s nightmare. The worst is glazed ice on its hairpin bends, you won’t even know you’re driving on slippery frozen ice. The Khardungla Pass is located in the Leh district and connects Nubra Valley to the Leh town.

Tourists are not the only ones riding along this road. The pass is frequented by trucks carrying goods to the Siachen Glacier. Riding on the Khardungla Pass is on the bucket list of many bikers. Bikers from all over India dream of riding to the top of this highest motorable road. You can relate if you have seen pictures or GoPro videos of travelers who have been there. But landslides and the risk of steep height make this road scary and dangerous for newbies and experts alike. Also, the sheer height of the pass doesn’t come without some altitude sickness.

Elevation: 17,582 feet

Length: 39 km

Dangers: Landslides, narrow one-lane sections, slush, low oxygen.

Also Read: 5 Best Bike Trips To Take Near Mumbai In The Monsoon  

Year-round snow, low temperatures, and scarcity of oxygen make Chang La Pass one of the most dangerous roads in India. It’s open only from May to October because of extreme snow in winters. If you plan to go, check if the road is open to visitors. Chang La Pass is located in Ladakh and is unavoidable if you’re traveling from Leh to Pangong Lake. Just like Khardungla Pass, Chang La Pass too is one of the highest motorable roads.

Always drive with your headlights on along this mountain pass. There’s no way to predict when fog might envelop your car. There have been incidents of vehicles missing a turn due to the fog and ending right into the valley below. While we do recommend going slow on this road, don’t spend more than 20 minutes as you start experiencing breathlessness due to the high altitude.

Elevation: 17,688 feet

Length: 15 km

Dangers: High elevation, fog, snowdrifts, slippery road, low oxygen 

Most Dangerous Roads In India

This high mountainous road is situated in Arunachal Pradesh and runs between Tibet's Cona County and India's Tawang district. This border passes between the two countries and is well protected by the Indian Army. You need a special permit to enter the Bum La Pass and it can go in vain if the weather is not favorable. The extreme temperatures and thin air can make you dizzy while on this road.

Because the Bum La Pass is at such a great height, you can see the clouds touching the road. It’s the highest motorable road in Northeast India. It was Bum La Pass through which the Dalai Lama entered India. This snippet of history alone invites many tourists to see the pass. While you’re here, don’t forget to see the Sangestar Tso Lake. But try to book an SUV with an experienced driver when you embark on the Bum La Pass. Blizzards, sudden snowfall, and dense fog make driving very difficult on the road.

Elevation: 15,000 feet

Dangers: Hairpin bends, bottleneck roadways, poor road conditions, unpredictable weather

Also Read: Top 8 Things To Do In Arunachal Pradesh

The hairpin bends of Gata Loops and Kolli Hills Road are nothing in front of the Three Level Zig Zag Road in Sikkim. A picture of the road itself will have you feeling dizzy. It’s best to avoid this road if you get nauseous easily or else you will be puking all the way up to the Thambi View Point. Not kidding, because the road has 100 sharp hairpin bends falling just within a 30-kilometer stretch.

The dizzy ride to the top is worth it for the view from Thambi Point. From up there, you can see the road stretching out against the backdrop of the Himalayas. It’s undoubtedly one of the dizziest roads in the world. What makes it dangerous? Slush and glazed ice in the winter months can make you skid along any of the hundred sharp turns. It’s easy to lose control of your car in such conditions, so drive with caution!

Elevation: 11,200 feet

Length: 30 km

Dangers: Are 100 crazy bends not enough of a danger? 

Also Read: 11 Of The Most Exciting Things To Do In Sikkim

Unpredictable turns, risk of falling boulders, and rockslides make Bodimettu a dangerous road to travel on. The road connects Theni, a hillock town in Tamil Nadu with Munnar, a hill station in Kerala. The trade between the two towns means that Bodimettu Ghat is the only way to transport goods. There’s no shortage of tourists along the route since Bodimettu is close to the popular hill stations of Kerala.

The risk of falling rocks and landslides in the monsoon makes Bodimettu Ghat very dangerous. The sharp curves make you hold on tightly to your seat. You can see jeeps going too and fro, a preferred transport option for the locals. Though scary at first thought, the road offers you some breathtaking views of the ghat area. Be prepared for some dizziness because there are 27 hairpin bends along the way!

Elevation: 4,500 feet

Length: 18.5 km

Dangers: Rockslides, landslides, sharp bends, slippery edges in monsoons

You have reached the end of this article as a more aware and cautious traveler. Yes, dangerous roads can be fatal but that doesn’t mean you should never explore them. Just remember to download an offline map of the road you are going to embark on. You cannot afford to get lost on a dangerous road, right?

Which Are The Most Dangerous Roads In India?

Zoji La Pass, Khardungla Pass, National Highway 5, and Three-Level Zig Zag Road are some of the most dangerous roads in India.

Is There A Dangerous Road In Maharashtra?

Yes, the Neral to Matheran road and the Amboli Ghat are some of the dangerous roads of Maharashtra. It’s recommended to not travel along these roads at night.

What To Carry On A Road Trip?

First aid kit, snacks, water, power banks, and toolbox are some things to carry on a road trip. Take your car on a maintenance check before setting out for any road trip.

Are High Mountain Passes Accessible By Two-wheelers?

Yes, totally! Many bikers love riding on high mountain passes. Roads like Khardungla Pass are well frequented by bikers from all over India.

When To Avoid Traveling On Dangerous Roads?

Monsoons are the time to avoid dangerous roads since this is the time roads are prone to landslides. Muddy and slippery paths also multiply the risks associated with a dangerous road.

Which Is The Toughest Ghat In India?

India's geographical terrain is so diverse that is has a plethora of tricky ghats. And Bodimettu, one of the most toughest ghats, is located in the Theni District, on the Madurai to Kochi highway. What adds to the challenge is its elevation (the ghat sits at an altitude of 1200 metres) and the sharp hairpin bends that makes driving seem like a test.

Is Driving In India Difficult?

Driving in India can be a bit tricky because of the congested roads and many narrow lanes. However, once you get familiar with the roads and the style required to navigate, driving in India becomes a breeze.

What Is The Driving Age In India?

The legal driving age to drive any motor vehicle is 18 years in India.

...

10 MOST DANGEROUS ROADS IN INDIA

10 MOST DANGEROUS ROADS IN INDIA

Do you like road trips and sitting on the passenger seat, watching the landscape speed past and the gush of air blowing in your face? More importantly, do you like driving? Well, we dare you at your own risk! to try out these most dangerous roads in India. But seriously, don’t try them if you’re not an experienced driver because they are dangerous :

ZOJI-LA

Commonly called the Zojila Pass, it recently made headlines when the government announced the Zojila Pass tunnel project construction in January, which would make passage much easier than before. Before the project, it was one of the most dangerous roads to travel. A favourite place of serious mountaineers, the pass is closed in December as the heavy snow makes it impossible to cross. As it is situated between Ladakh and Kashmir Valley, it is one of the most beautiful areas in the country.

2. NATHULA PASS

NATHULA PASS

Situated at the Indo-China border, the pass is 56 kms away from Gangtok in Sikkim. Surrounded by ice on all sides, while the view is magnificent, it is also a very cold place to be in. Snowfalls makes this one of the most dangerous roads in the country . Tourists are advised to carry extra warm clothes and gloves to fight the freezing cold. Proximity to the border also means that cell phones often catch the ISD signals. Calls should be avoided lest the prepaid owner falls victim to 0 balance!

3. LEH-MANALI HIGHWAY

LEH-MANALI HIGHWAY

One of the most dangerous mountain passes in the world, the Leh-Manali highway is known for the constant landslides and uneven roads. The high altitude and atmospheric pressure are an added problem while crossing the pass. Even though the roads are used by the army to transport heavy army vehicles, in most places there are no humans to be found and the travellers need to prepare properly for the trip. Carrying extra fuel, glucose and energy bars is a must.  

4. NERAL-MATHERAN ROAD

NERAL-MATHERAN ROAD

Matheran, the beautiful hill station, is extremely dangerous to reach by road via Neral. Even though the road is smooth, the numerous hairpin bends and turns unsettle even the most experienced drivers. The trick is to be patient and keep speed in check in order to avoid accidents on the narrow road which are quite common for first-time goers. Hiring a taxi or going by train is another way to avoid this very dangerous road

5. NATIONAL HIGHWAY 22

NATIONAL HIGHWAY 22

Even though the official name for this highway is Hindustan Tibet Road, it is often nicknamed the “highway to hell”. Extreme neglect by the government and overdue repairs makes it one of the most dangerous roads in India . If you are planning to take this route, we would seriously ask you to take it at your own risk.

6. THREE LEVEL ZIGZAG ROAD

THREE LEVEL ZIGZAG ROAD

Located in Sikkim, it is one of the most dangerous roads in the country . It is known for its large number of hairpins. Its visual appearance is literally of lines slashed across the mountain. The road provides breath-taking views. However, special permit is required to traverse the road as it is not for the weak hearted!

7. RAJMACHI ROAD

RAJMACHI ROAD

The Rajmachi Road in the Western Ghats is no easy road for trekkers as well as drivers. It is a dirt road which requires cars with strong engines, preferably an SUV. The road is extremely dangerous due to being slippery during the monsoon season. However, monsoon is the best time to go as the fresh, green landscape is a feast for the eyes.

8. KINNAUR ROAD

KINNAUR ROAD

The Kinnaur Road is scenic with beautiful cliffs and a river running alongside the road. However, these two natural factors also make the way extremely dangerous and it is a very accident-prone area as a result. Moreover, landslides are a common occurrence and the road remains closed for half the year in winters.

9. CHANG LA

CHANG LA

Chang La is the second highest motorable road in the world and the most dangerous road in India . The high slopes are challenging for small vehicles and bikers. Due to the lack of oxygen in high altitudes, it is strictly advisable for people with respiratory problems to take necessary precautions. The road is accessible most of the year, so feel free to unleash the explorer in you!

10. KOLLI HILLS ROAD

KOLLI HILLS ROAD

It is one of the most dangerous roads in South India . Surrounded by tropical forests, the road is filled with hairpin bends that are too narrow for more than one vehicles to pass at a single time. While exhilarating, the drive could take a nasty turn without taking precautions.  

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After the hectic celebrations of a marriage, a couple surely deserves calm, serene and the best honeymoon package that will help them relax and spend some time together before the madness of the life consumes them. There is no need to look for foreign countries for honeymoon trips, as India is jammed with romantic destinations for honeymooners. Whether the couple likes mountains or beaches, backwaters or heritage monuments, India has it all. Here is the list of 20 best honeymoon places in India that newlywed lovey-dovey shouldn’t miss out on. You get to know the best experiences, how to reach, best time to visit, ideal honeymoon duration, best hotels or resorts for honeymoon, famous markets, travel tips and much more. So sit tight and enjoy the journey.  

When we say that you can enjoy below mentioned destinations in economic budget we meant a budget of Rs.5000 to 8000 per person for an average duration of 3nights per trip. Therefore if you budget is around 5 to 8k, then you shall consider one of the following destinations for your next trip.

Living in Delhi NCR has its own advantages, for one, it is close to really amazing places which can be visited over the weekend. An ideal weekend trip would be the one which would not require exhaustive travelling and would be easy on the pocket. Here are some trip ideas for a weekend getaway with family or friends

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Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the heaven on earth, crystal clear water, scenic beauty, and pristine beaches make it a perfect holiday destination. From untouched beaches of Neil and Havelock Islands to the bustling town of Port Blair, the Andamans have something to offer to every tourist. One can enjoy water sports or relax by the beachside and those who love trekking can go on treks. Andamans weather is the most important thing to take into consideration before planning for the trip. As, in peak summers it gets too hot and humid, and during monsoons, there can be a really rough sea, which lets all the ferries and movement in the sea go hiatus. Therefore the best time of the year to visit the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is between October and May. From winter to summer the weather in Port Blair remains pleasant for sightseeing, beach activities and water sports.

Traveling overseas can be a daunting and expensive affair. From visa applications to bookings to budgets – the list is endless. But if you are an Indian passport holder, rejoice, as your passport has gotten stronger making it the 70th most powerful passport in the world in 2019. Over 60 countries offer free visa and visa on arrival to Indian passport holders.   So instead of spending time and money to become a visa holder, better choose a destination from the list of visa-free countries below and go on a hassle-free pocket-friendly vacation. Here are all beautiful countries to travel without a visa for Indian passport holders –  To know how to apply for the visa, Click Here: How To Apply Visa Online  How To Apply For New Passport Online 

Visa is mandate to enjoy trip to any country. It is an administrative restriction that is forced by the authorities of other countries on Indian citizens when they desire to visit the particular country. Thus, visa for Indians are made easy by most of the countries of the world in 2016 and Indian citizens have an opportunity to facilitate no visa while travelling to around 52 countries of the world. Indians are permitted to Bhutan and Nepal without any Visa despite of the purpose of trip. Indian Passport is ranked at the 85th position in the world and easily avails the permission of visiting ious countries of world. Thus, here the complete detail is provided on Visa requirements for Indian citizens to ious disputed areas, territories, restricted zones, and partially recognized countries.  

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most dangerous road trips in india

5 most dangerous road trips in India

Dare to go on a road trip to one of these five most dangerous routes in india..

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The Leh-Manali highway. Picture courtesy: Flickr/Simon Matzinger/Creative Commons

India is a country full of surprises. No, I am not talking about the cultural diversity only. The variety lies in the way it looks as well. There are mountains in the north and east, and seas and rivers in the east and west. And within those mountains, rivers, and seas, the landscape varies from one place to the other. This is especially true when you are on a road trip across the curvy mountains. Every turn surprises you with a different landscape -- sometimes the hard and barren terrain, and in other times, the lush green ones. But one thing that doesn't change is the road -- at times, the road through some of these mountains are dangerous.

Now, you must be thinking, "What's an adventurous road trip across the mountains if you don't cross these paths?" Well, we dare you to take one of these five most dangerous roads in India.

Zoji La. Picture courtesy: Wikimedia/Anwaraj/Creative Commons

You must have fantasised a drive on this road due to its scenic surroundings, but the Zoji La is easily one of the toughest mountain roads to cross. Located at an altitude of more than 11,000 feet, this pass falls on the way to Leh from Srinagar. Naturally, the views that one gets while travelling on this are simply stunning, to say the least. But at the same time, it is the second highest pass in India and poses a lot of dangers, including muddy roads, heavy snow storms, regular landslides, and strong winds.

Also read: Top 5 Indian road trips to take during winter

The Kinnaur Road, carved out of rocks. Picture courtesy: Wikimedia/Sanyam Bahga/Creative Commons

Located in the southwestern part of Himachal Pradesh, this road has been literally carved out of rocks, making it narrow and extremely to cross. Often used by those travelling to the Kinnaur district, some parts of this road are really scary due to the sharp blind turns, and the lack of space for vehicles from both directions to pass through -- accidents are often reported from this region.

Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world. Picture courtesy: Wikimedia/vaidyanathan/Creative Commons

Even though the Indian Army-staffed Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had worked hard to make a road which is being used by thousands of tourists every year, you just can't strike it off from the list of India's most dangerous roads -- after all, it is the highest motorable road in the world at an altitude of 18,380 feet. And with that, comes its own dangers. The dangers associated with such a high mountain road, it poses human dangers with the air being thin, the weather being cold, and oxygen levels being low.

The Leh-Manali highway. Picture courtesy: Flickr/Wilson Loo Kok Wee/Creative Commons

You must have fantasised travelling on this road since you saw Kareena and Shahid merrily making their way through this one in Jab We Met. No doubt, the landscape is as scenic as you can visualise, but it is also dangerous to travel on this road due to a 479km-long route that is surrounded by lofty mountains and covered with snow in various parts, making it one of the most trickiest roads in India.

most dangerous road trips in india

Top 10 Most Dangerous Roads in India

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most dangerous road trips in india

Do you consider yourself an experienced driver? Wait till you come across tight hairpin bends, carved mountain-side roads, slippery-icy roads, or roads close to the ocean with high waves crashing on the passing vehicles. Driving on such roads is a real test of your driving skills. Even expert drivers find their nerves shot to hell trying to keep their cars on the right track when passing through some of these scariest roads in India. Driving on these roads is similar to walking on a tightrope. Even seasoned drivers need to be very careful when driving on these roads. Have a look at some of the riskiest roads in the country to travel. It is advised to proceed with caution!

Here, we bring you a list of some of the most dangerous roads in India. Driving through these roads may be the scariest experience for you! Check out.

1. National Highway 22, Himachal Pradesh

National Highway 22 or the Hindustan-Tibet Road starts at Ambala and passes through Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. This road can be easily referred to as the “road to hell.” Ricky cliffs, steep drops, thick snow-covered forests of tall Pine and Deodar trees, snowy storms reducing the visibility of the driver, and whatnot make this road one of the most dangerous roads in India. Moreover, the road is punctuated with deep, dark tunnels that are sure to give goosebumps to even the most seasoned driver. The hazardous conditions of the area make this road pretty scary.

2. Gata Loops, Ladakh

Every drivers’ nightmare, this road is predominated with sharks and zig-zags. From the top, it looks like a whirlpool of roads. Even the most experienced drivers are reduced to biting their nails when traversing through these roads. These tight loops have shortcuts that raise the danger level to a new high. Moreover, it is believed that this area is haunted by the ghost of a dead truck driver. The challenging terrain, undulating landscape, hairpin bends, and tough weather conditions- all contribute to making this road one of the scariest ones.

3. Khardungla Pass

Lying between India and China on the Silk Route, the Khardungla Pass is perched at a height of 5602 m above sea level. It is an unpaved and highly slippery road which increases its danger level. Dirt and frozen ice make this pass dangerous for drivers passing through the area. In addition to this, tough hairpin bends make the trip through this pass nightmarish.

4. Koli Hill Road, Tamil Nadu

Road MDR181 or Koli Hill Road in Tamil Nadu finds a way into this list of some of the most dangerous roads in India because of its tight turns and curves. Driving on them proved to be a dizzying experience for the passengers. There are 70 continuous hairpin bends on this road that keep the driver on the edge and demands his complete attention while driving. This road starts at Kolli Malai or Kalappanaickenpatti. The road is extremely narrow at ‘Death Mountains.’ Moreover, the road is full of patches and potholes. Overtaking on this road is a strict no-no on this treacherous road.

5. Karcham Chitkul, Kinnaur , Himachal Pradesh

A combo pack of suspense, thrill, and adventure awaits you at Karcham Chitkul road. It is a 42 km long driveway and forces drivers to be very focused and passengers to grab the seat tightly when passing through it. The potholes-filled road starts from Sangla and driving on this road is nothing short of a hair-raising experience. The rest of the road to Chitkul is nothing short of a disaster. Even the most seasoned drivers find themselves at their wit’s end when driving on this road.

6. Bum La, Arunachal Pradesh

Situated at an elevation of 16500 ft above sea level, this road is the best example of death above clouds. This disastrous road is located close to the India-China border which can be traversed only by highly competent drivers. The driver needs to have strong nerves to make it through Bum La Pass. It is a constant harrowing ride with unpredictable weather making things worse. Dramatic weather changes leave drivers off guard at times. Heavy snow and chilly weather that leaves your insides completely chilled make things tough for the drivers and passengers.

7. NH66, Maharashtra

NH66 or Mumbai- Goa highway is another scariest road in India. This road connects the financial capital of India, Mumbai to the sun, sand, and surf destination, Goa. The road is punctuated with a lot of blind turns and no divider in between which makes driving difficult and dangerous. Head-on collisions and pile-ups are fairly common on this road.

8. Nathula Pass, Sikkim

Located at the Indo-China border, Nathula Pass is located at 14,000 ft. Riding through snowfall, hailstorms, and rain is very treacherous. It is nothing short of a hell of a ride. Surviving the perilous temperature of this area makes things difficult for the drivers. They also have to face avalanches and landslides. Special permission needs to be taken before passing through this area. While passing through this road, do not forget to stop and check out the beauty of pristine Tsomgo Lake.

9. Zoji La Pass, Himalayas

A narrow, uneven road at an elevation of 3538 m is tough to traverse, especially if a truck is coming barreling towards you. Situated in an area with absolutely nothing around, Zojila Pass is one of the most incredible road trips in India. In summers, driving through this pass becomes a harrowing nightmare for the drivers. Monsoons further worsen the driving conditions. In winters, the temperature drops as low as -45 degrees C.

10. Rohtang Pass , Himachal Pradesh

Rohtang, the ‘Ground of Corpses’ is another scary road in India. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh located on Leh- Manali highway. Driving on this road is full of dangers. This area is prone to landslides, heavy snowfall, dirt, and snowfall making the roads slippery. Adverse weather conditions further deteriorate driving conditions.

India is a vast and highly diverse country. Its geographical diversity also makes roads tough and scary. Dangerous weather combined with scary road conditions like sharp turns and low-hanging cliffs has resulted in several treacherous roads in India.

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10 Most Dangerous Roads in India

10 Most Dangerous Roads in India

  • Rahul Arora

India is a country encompassing tremendous geographical diversity ranging from plains to deserts, extending to hills and snow-laden mountains. India is a highly populated middle-income developing economy, therefore; roads have become the most important medium of transportation. India encompasses the world’s second-largest network of roads covering over 5,897,670 kilometers. 

For travelers wanting to explore the hidden treasures of the hills, roads are the only mode of transportation available. Most of the popular tourist destinations are connected through these roads and are very important for the transport of essential supplies. Sometimes these roads can take you to the highest tourist destinations in India so that you can enjoy the mesmerizing scenic beauty of snow-capped mountains.

Traveling to hills via road is also considered to be the most convenient and budget-friendly. Most of the Himachal travel packages provide a variety of options for road transfer through buses from one destination to another. These options include the state transport cooperation buses and other ordinary, deluxe, and semi-deluxe. Tourists get numerous options to choose from as per their budget and convenience.

In this time of Corona Pandemic when tourists are hesitant to travel through buses, hiring taxi services is a safer option widely available in the hills. Tourists can travel through the taxi while maintaining the necessary social distancing. Transfer from one destination to another through Taxi services can also be easily included in any of the Himachal Tour packages.

Wandering through these snow-covered roads in India especially in winters can be adventurous but scary at the same time. The Himalayan region is considered to be full of roads that are dangerous for rash drivers. The damaged roads in the hills are the second leading cause of road accidents. The situation at times worsens due to unpredictable weather changes. Several other unexpected problems can also be experienced on these roads. Here is a list of the 10 most scary roads to travel in India.

1. Khardung La Pass

2. kishtwar road.

3. Zoji La Pass

4. Kolli Hill Road

5. chang la pass, 6. rohtang pass, 7. zig zag road of dzuluk, 8. leh – manali highway, 9. gata loops, 10. neral – matheran road.

Suggested Read: Must Visit Lakes in Himachal Pradesh

most dangerous road trips in india

A Truck stuck on Khardungla Pass (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Khardung La mountain pass is located in the Leh district of Ladakh in India. This mountain pass is about 40 km away from Leh placed at an altitude of 18, 380 ft. It is the gateway to the mesmerizing Nubra and Shyok Valley. 

Khaardung La pass is also well-known for being the highest motorable road in the world. Each year during the peak season a huge number of adventure bikers from all over the world visit this pass.  A special Protected Area Permit is required to travel through this pass and vehicles are allowed to pass only between 9 am to 5 pm. Considering the risks involved no vehicles are allowed after 5 pm.

Khardung La pass is one of the most dangerous roads in India comprising of the slippery and curvy narrow road. Extreme weather conditions accompanied by a lack of enough oxygen in the air can also create health issues for some of the travelers. 

Even though it is a road full of dangers almost all the tourists seeking a breathtakingly adventurous experience add this destination to their Himachal Travel Packages. However, almost all those who managed to get through described this experience as a memorable one.

Suggested Read: Mysterious Places to visit in India

most dangerous road trips in india

Kishtwar National Park, near Kishtwar Road, Jammu (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Kishtwar road is one of the deadliest roads in India stretching across a length of about 114 km. This road leads the Kishtwar district of Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir, India.  A special Protected Area Permit will be required by the tourists to travel this road. 

This road is also known as the “Killer Road” as many tourists have had near-death experiences while passing through this road. Many incidents of accidents and deaths on this road are reported each year.

This steep road is made of stones, sand, and gravel. No protective rails are there on the edge of the road making the journey through this road very risky with plenty of blind spots. It is an extremely narrow road where only one small vehicle could pass at a time. It can be dangerous to travel this road on a windy day. The slightest mistake behind the wheel can lead to a 1000 ft fall into the valley with no chances of survival.

However, the view of the valley while passing this road is mesmerizingly beautiful. Tourists will need to obtain a special Protected Area Permit to travel this road. 

Suggested Read: Offbeat Things to do in Himachal Pradesh

3.Zoji La Pass

most dangerous road trips in india

Zoji La Pass, Ladakh (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Zoji La Pass is around 11,575 ft high mountain pass located in district Kargil of Ladakh. This approximately 25 km long pass connects Leh and Shrinagar. Zoji La pass is considered to be one of the deadliest roads in India as passing this road can be terrifying. 

The region surrounding Zoji La Pass is very windy and snowfall is a common feature almost round the year. The pass is open for a limited time each year but still, it poses major challenges for those trying to get through. The road is nothing but an accumulation of gravel and dirt. Even in favorable weather conditions, it would be a difficult pass as it’s extremely narrow and steep.

This road is known to be the gateway to Ladakh as it serves as a connection between Ladakh and the rest of the world.

Suggested Read: Beautiful Places to visit in Jammu

most dangerous road trips in india

A hairpin turn of Kolli Road (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Kolli Hill Road is about a 46 km long road stretching from Kolli Hills which is a small mountain range located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. Kolli Hill Road is considered to be one of the scariest roads to travel in India as it consists of 70 hairpin bends.

Once the journey begins there is a hairpin bend at about every 200 meters and it takes approximately two hours to reach the hills through this road. The experience becomes more exhilarating after the 30th bend as the road starts getting narrower, sharper, and steeper.

Kolli Hill Road can be visited throughout the year as the weather conditions remain favorable throughout the year. Tourists interested in taking this adventurous journey to the Kolli hills can also visit AgayaGangai waterfalls and the famous Shiva temple.

Suggested Read: Destinations in India to witness Snowfall

most dangerous road trips in india

Chang La Pass, Ladakh (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

If you are looking for an action-packed bike trip through the snow-covered roads in India then Chang La Pass is the perfect choice for you.

Chang La pass is located at a height of about 17,500 ft between Leh and Shyok Valley of Ladakh. Chang La Pass is considered one of the deadliest roads in India as it snow-capped throughout the year making the road very slippery. Some of the travelers have even rated this as one of the most dangerous roads in the entire region.

It has gained popularity among adventure bikers for being the third highest motorable road in the world. The road is narrow as well as edgy making it perfect for adventure seekers. The best time to visit this pass is from May to August as snow is comparatively lesser in these months. 

Suggested Read: Cool Things to do in India

most dangerous road trips in india

Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Rohtang Pass is about 13,000 ft high mountain pass located around 51 km away from Manali, Himachal Pradesh. This mountain pass is a connection between Kullu and the valley of Lahaul and Spiti. 

Rohtang pass is considered a risky drive to take due to challenging weather and the dreadful condition of the road. It is not a journey meant for the weak-hearted. The meaning of the word Rohtang is “pile of corpses”, the pass has been named so as a large number of people lost their lives while trying to cross it.

Despite being so dangerous the Rohtang pass is full of scenic beauty and one enjoys getting lost in the fascinating sights of the snow-covered mountains while crossing through it. This is one of the most top-rated destinations popular among the adventure travelers looking to find a new place to see. The entry to Rohtang pass is open from May to October but due to unpredictable weather conditions the pass is closed as and when required.

Suggested Read: Wonderful Destinations to visit in India

most dangerous road trips in india

Zigzag route of Old Silk Route road, Sikkim (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

The famous Zig Zag Road is located in Dzuluk village in the state of Sikkim of India. Dzuluk village is located at a height of about 9400 ft and was once a part of the famous silk route between Tibet to India. This lovely village with captivating scenic beauty is surrounded mostly by wild flora and fauna.

On the contrary, the spiral road leading to this village is one of the most dangerous roads in India. This spiral road comprises over 100 hairpin bends within a small stretch of 30 km. Such a large number of continuous bend can make anyone feel dizzy and it’s not meant certainly for those prone to motion sickness.

However, once you reach the top the view of sunrise is mesmerizing. The best time to visit Dzuluk is from March to May as this time of the year offers the most favorable conditions.

Suggested Read: Top Things to do in Rishikesh

most dangerous road trips in india

Manali-Leh Highway, India (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Leh- Manali Highway is about 426 km long highway that connects the union territory of Ladakh to the state of Himachal Pradesh. Leh- Manali Highway is one of the most popular destinations included in Himachal Tour packages. This highway can be accessed from May to October depending on the weather conditions.

Crossing this highway can be a mesmerizing experience for the Adrenaline junkies but can be a nightmare for the faint-hearted. The road is very slippery due to rain and snowfall. Even if the snowfall doesn’t occur the existing snow on the mountains melt and makes the road very slippery.

The highway is not very well maintained and during the journey it can be observed that the road is in a damaged condition. This can certainly increase the chances of a road accident. Due to the unpredictable nature of rainfalls in this area land sliding is also very commonly seen.

Suggested Read: Top Budget Trip Destinations

most dangerous road trips in india

Gata Loops, Manali-Leh highway (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Gata loops are located about 17000 ft high on the Leh – Manali highway. It is considered scary to drive on this road due to the geographical positioning as well as the ghost stories associated with it. 

The road poses lots of challenges to those deciding to take up this adventure of crossing it. The road consists of 21 continuous hairpin bends in a stretch of about 11 km. At about every 300 km there is a hairpin bend making it difficult for the traveler to get through this road without feeling delirious and dizzy at the same time.

What makes Gata loops scarier is the ghost story associated with this fascinating destination. It is believed by the locals that there is a ghost inhabiting Gata loops and it will not let any travelers pass through safely unless they make an offering in the Ghost Temple. This temple can be seen while crossing Gata loops where passing by travelers make offerings in form of cigarettes and mineral water.

Suggested Read: Best Places to visit in Leh Ladakh

most dangerous road trips in india

Neral-Matheran Road, Maharashtra (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Neral-Matheran is a mountainous road located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. This is a steep road that stretches across about 9 km. This is considered to be a very dangerous road to drive on because of the dilapidated condition of this road. This road consists of many curves and turns and with damages condition of this road, it is prone to accidents.

This road is extremely narrow making it difficult for even one vehicle to pass through properly at a given time. Due to the rains in this region, it gets all the more difficult to drive on this road as it gets really slippery. 

These roads leading to the most sought-after destinations especially in the hills can also be one of the scariest roads in India. While traveling through these roads it is advisable to have somebody experienced behind the wheels to prevent the traveler’s experience from turning into a nightmare.

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most dangerous road trips in india

8 Deadliest Roads In India Where Driving Is More Risk Than Adventure

Photo of Anshul Sharma

Source: Write Opinions

Photo of 8 Deadliest Roads In India Where Driving Is More Risk Than Adventure by Anshul Sharma

Driving is one of those skills from which most of us draw utmost pleasure until we have to get behind the wheel on a road where we'd rather not even stay inside the vehicle, let alone be the driver. The roads with slopes, where the fine line between adventure and peril gets even finer, and where negotiating the curves makes you feel like you are living on the edge—those are the roads we are talking about.

So, before you start boasting of your driving skills, read on to know about some of the most dangerous roads in India where driving requires more guts than skills. And just in case you got your driver’s licence by bypassing the standard procedures, we’d definitely recommend that you don't try this at all!

1.) Killar - Kishtwar road

Wait! Did you pronounce it 'Killer-Kishtwar Road' in your head? Well, we'd not blame you, especially if you just watched the video up here. Connecting Killar in Himachal Pradesh with Kishtwar in Jammu & Kashmir, this single-lane road has many stretches with loose soil, crumbling rocks, waterfalls, and sharp curves with thousands of feet of nothingness between your vehicle and the valley below.

Easily, the most dangerous road in the world, not just India.

Approximate length: 120km

Time on the road: approx. 8-10 hours

When to go: May - June, September - October

Route: Killar – Gulabgarh – Kishtwar

2.) Zoji La (Leh to Srinagar)

11,575 feet above the sea level, Zoji La is a mountain pass on Leh-Srinagar section of NH1 in India. Despite the stunning landscape surrounding Zoji La, the pass's narrow road, loosely-hanging rocks, deceiving weather, and hairpin curves make it one of the most deadliest roads in India.

Add to it the scenarios when you have to drive in reverse gear for several metres to allow another vehicle to pass, and it might unnerve you right now. At Zoji La, it's the ruthless nature that tests your driving skills. One mistake can be as good as fatal.

Approximate length: 10km

Time on the road : approx. 2 hours

When to go: May - September

Route: Sonamarg – Zoji La – Dras – Kargil – Leh

3.) Umling La, Ladakh

At 19,323 feet, Umling La, the highest 'motorable' road in the world, can't be left out of the list of most dangerous roads in India, can it be? Connecting Chisumle and Demchok villages in Ladakh, Umling La road offers unbelievable views, but the path to get there, and severe lack of oxygen tests not only your body but also your vehicle beyond normal endurance levels.

In order to reach Umling La, you may have to make your way through knee-deep water streams and dirt tracks with daunting slopes. If your vehicle breaks down, you might be in for serious trouble, for there may not be another soul for many kilometres. Therefore, it's highly recommended that you procure a 4x4 vehicle with all the essentials.

Approximate length: 105km

Time on the road: approx. 1.5 hours

When to go: September - October

Route: Hanle – Ukdungle – Umling La – Demchok

4.) Manali – Leh Highway

Manali-Leh road, as you might have already watched in videos, offers some of the most picturesque drives in India. However, we recommend that you do not get fooled by the sheer natural beauty. A drive on this road also means coping with deep gorges, sharp curves with almost no railing, falling debris, and heavy traffic.

Add to this the famous Rohtang Pass, followed by lack of fuel stations for a major part of the highway (365km) and a series of twenty one hairpin curves, also known as Gata loops. It's better to do it only if you believe in 'no half measures'.

Approximate length: 475km

Time on the road: approx. 1 day

When to go: June - September

Route: Manali – Rohtang La– Gata loops – Tanglang La – Leh

5.) Kinnaur road

Located on NH-5, carved out of rocks, the road to Kinnaur in Himachal is quite literally a cliff-hanging driving experience. Sharp turns overlooking the deep valley, patchy road, and more vehicles than the road can handle make Kinnaur road one of the most challenging driving routes in the country.

Taranda Dhank, a small stretch on Kinnaur road, is one of the most dangerous stretches on this route and is known to have claimed a huge number of lives in the past.

Approximate length: 130km

Time on the road: approx. 12 hours

When to go: May to mid-July and September to October

Route: Rampur – Sangla – Kalpa – Kinnaur

6.) Chang La Pass

Located at an elevation of more than 17,500 feet, Chang La is a high mountain pass en route the 160km long motorable road that connects Leh with Pangong Lake. Experiencing heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions round the year, driving through Chang La poses real dangers like severe altitude sickness and nausea to drivers, especially the ones who don't prepare themselves for such conditions. The final ascent to Chang La from Leh is quite steep and requires best driving skills.

It's highly recommended you don't drive to Chang La alone, or without adequate supplies of basic medication, food and fuel unless staying clear of life-threatening situations is low on your priority.

Approximate length: 15km

Time on the road: approx. 1 hour

When to go: May - June

Common route: Leh – Karu – Sakti – Chang La – Pangong Tso

7.) Neral – Matheran road

This metalled road might seem like a smooth drive to many of you, but what most drivers don't realise is the steep gradient as the road climbs up to Matheran, gaining an altitude of around 750 metres within just 8-9km.

Tough climb and frequent railing-less curves along with foggy conditions can test the skills of even the most seasoned drivers. So, don't leave caution behind when you are driving on Neral-Matheran road.

Approximate length: 9km

When to go: April - June, September - October

Route: Neral – Matheran

8.) Mumbai – Pune expressway, Maharashtra

Don't be surprised to find this six-lane highway in the list of most dangerous roads in India, for history says that it is one of the most accident-prone roads in the country. The deadly combination of careless drivers, common disregard for basic traffic rules, and increasing number of vehicles with each passing day is riskier than driving [carefully] on the roads in mountains.

If you are driving on this route, your life is at a greater risk than it was on any of the roads mentioned above in this list.

Approximate length: 94km

Time on the road: approx. 2 hours

When to go: Anytime except monsoon

Route: Mumbai – Lonavala – Pune

So, you still believe you can drive anywhere? If yes, great. If no, then tag someone in the comments below who you know is proud of their skills behind the wheel.

And if you've already experienced driving on these dangerous roads of India, share your own story with others here . Subscribe to Tripoto on YouTube and never miss some of the best travel videos on internet.

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10 Most Dangerous Roads In India That Every Adventure Lover Must Visit

Most Dangerous Roads In India

If you are an adventure lover planning to go on a thrilling and exciting road trip, then this article is just for you!  Road trips are always fun but have you ever witnessed such roads that will give you the scare of your life? Well, there are many such dangerous yet beautiful roads in India that will give you an adrenaline rush.

Driving through these roads is not for the faint-hearted but if you want a one-of-a-kind experience, you should definitely visit these breathtaking roads in India. We found a  Twitter thread by Traveling Bharat that has listed some of the most dangerous roads in India.

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The industrialist Anand Mahindra also shared this fascinating Twitter thread and viewed his opinions on the same. He also mentioned that he lacks the courage to visit a few of the roads listed below.

Here we have listed the most treacherous roads in India that will give you a nail-biting experience:

1. Zojila Pass Kargil, Ladakh

Located at a high altitude of over 3000 m, Zojila Pass is between Ladakh and Kashmir. This is one of the most dangerous roads in India which is not only narrow but also slippery which makes traveling through it more risky. During the rainy season, the condition of this road is worst as one can witness a landslide.

Zojila Pass Kargil, Ladakh, the most dangerous roads in India

2. Hindustan Tibet Highway, Spiti Valley

The road to Spiti Valley is full of adventure, the rough terrain of the trans-Himalayan region makes it the most treacherous road in the world. Located in the Himalayas in a high-altitude region, the Hindustan Tibet Highway is a difficult road to pass through but it is perfect for adventure seekers.

Hindustan Tibet Highway, Spiti Valley

3. Zuluk Silk Route, Sikkim

This one is certainly one of the toughest roads in India and is perfect for off-roading. The road has more than 100 hairpin loops in just 30 km. The bends of the Zuluk road are suitable for thrilling bike rides. It was the historic Old Silk Route from Tibet to India. This dangerous road within the Himalayan mountains is quite an experience.

Zuluk Silk Route, Sikkim

4. Kolli Hills Road, Namakkal

Kolli Hills Road in Tamil Nadu has 70 continuous hairpin bends. The road starts at Kalappanaickenpatti. Kolli Malai is also popularly called “Death Mountains,” as the road has numerous potholes and patches and is extremely narrow. Overtaking on these dangerous roads in India must be the most difficult task.

Kolli Hills Road, Namakkal

5. Taglang La Pass, Leh Ladakh

Taglang La or Tanglang La is a high-altitude mountain pass at an elevation of 5,328 meters, in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. The Leh–Manali Highway leading south from Upshi to Tanglang La is paved as of September 2018, with a very short unpaved section on the northern side of the pass.

Taglang La Pass, Leh Ladakh

6. Sangla Cliff Route, Kinnaur Valley

While driving through this Kinnaur dangerous road, you should be very careful and should not get distracted. The valley on one side of the road runs deep with the Baspa river flowing by. There have been several accidents o this route so you should be vigilant if you happen to visit this road for some adventure. During the winters, the route remains closed due to heavy rainfall.

Sangla Cliff Route, Kinnaur Valley

7. Leh Manali Highway, Ladakh

The Leh–Manali Highway connects Leh, the capital of Ladakh, to Manali in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a 428 km long highway in northernmost India. This beautiful yet dangerous road connects the Solang valley of Manali to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys in Himachal Pradesh and the Zanskar valley in Ladakh.

This road is among the deadliest because of the low overhanging rocks, blind turns, and narrow dark holes. If the vehicle loses control you will be dropped down into the Baspa river. One should be extra careful while taking blind turns as the collision of vehicles can be fatal.

Leh Manali Highway , Laddakh

8. Ooty Coonoor Hairpin Route, Nilgiri

Ooty Coonoor Hairpin road has 36 hairpin bends. Though the route is maintained, the roads are very steep in some places, with numerous steep curves to make you feel dizzy.

Ooty Coonoor Hairpin Route, Nilgiri

9. Thamarassery Churam, Kerala

The green Ghats en route to Wayanad is one of the most dangerous roads in India with nine hairpin bends. Each curve bend opens up a new frontier. You will fall in love with the misty peaks and lush green ghats in the surrounding area. The nine bends of this path will keep you on your toes.

Thamarassery Churam, Kerala

10. Roghi Cliff Road, Himachal Pradesh

Roghi is a high mountain village in Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 2.754m (9,035ft) above sea level. It is located in the Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, in northern India. The Roghi Cliff road is known for its dangerous drop-offs. It even has a dangerous point popularly known as the ‘Suicide Point’. Drive through this village with extreme care and people who have vertigo should avoid this place.

Roghi Cliff Road, Himachal Pradesh

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most dangerous road trips in india

5 facts about the most dangerous road in India (the death road); not for the faint hearted

  • Travel Tips
  • June 28, 2019 in City Tours , Travel Tips
  • long drives Road trips
  • Rebecca John

most dangerous road trips in india

Are you up for adventure? If yes is your answer, then think twice because what I am about to tell you, you might want to change your decision. I am a killer for thrills and this experience has surely changed my entire perspective of adventure. I have covered one of the nine most dangerous roads in India, the road between Kishtwar and Killar.

If someone talks about the death road of India, do not think twice, it is definitely this one. Calling it one of the scariest roads In India would be an injustice, it is surely the most dangerous road in the world.  The road is cramped up tightly that it is impossible for more than one vehicle to pass through it at a time. Extending from Jammu and Kashmir to the Himachal, this path is filled with rocks and soil. The famous Pangi Valley can be approached via this road. When you go past this road, you will see how the two sides of the road are different from each other and will surely give you goose bumps.

Any wrong move and you might fall into the river Chandrabhaga which is approximately 1000ft below from the point where you’ll be falling. Now you know why I said you will rethink your decision of wanting an adventure. This trail is surely not for the faint hearted.

Here are 5 facts that you need to know about this death trail

If you have vertigo, just run away as going for this trip will be a bad decision. If you are a daredevil like I am, then looking over the edges would be slightly less disturbing. Well you will ask me why it can be disturbing. Imagine standing on a road and if you look on the sides you can just see a drastic vertical drop which might be like hundreds of metres down. Exactly! It can numb you, especially when there are no guard rails and only stones and gravels on the road. If you are not good with driving, then do not attempt to go along this, as you will surely fall into the death trap. The road runs along the river, Chenab and is a sector of the NH26.

Reaching the starting point of this road in Himachal Pradesh is no big deal. The road is the key point to reach the base camp to a famous mountain, the Kishtwar Kailash. For reaching the road one has to come from the West and take the way over the Rohtang Pass in Manali to the Valley of Chenab and finally succeeding the Darang Valley, one can reach the base camp. The way up can be a really bad experience if you have breathing problems, as scarcity of oxygen is added in this trail. The last part of the road till the ascent is really scary, it might seem that I am exaggerating, but being travelled the road I know how deadly things can get.

If you want to test yourself, your fears, your strength, just go for this thriller trail. There can be no bigger test of your skills and your emotions than this one. If you claim yourself to be an amazing driver, go along and test yourself in that category too. The starting point of this road is itself 8,280 ft above sea level and it begins from Killar, which is located in Lahaul and the spiti district in Himachal Pradesh and the road ends in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir which is a village, around 5,374 ft above the sea level.

The road as I have mentioned above, is pretty dry and full of loose soil, hence when it rains, you can imagine how muddy it might get. Mud adds the danger of slipping as well. Frequent landslides occur in this area and hence after any storm accompanied by rain, going through this path can end up risking your life. There are some spaces which are so narrow which might just make it hard for more than one vehicle to pass at a time. And let us not get into how difficult it gets when darkness ascends.

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9 Most Dangerous Roads In India

  • Koli hill road
  • Zigzag road in Sikkim
  • National Highway 22
  • Zoji la Pass
  • Sangla Road
  • Bum la Pass
  • Rohtang Pass
  • Leh-Manali Highway

This route is not for everyone. If you have a faint heart, please do not go ahead. I am not discouraging you but the risk level is really high. At one point of time even I contemplated my decision of going along this path. Vertigo, claustrophobia and breathing problems along with anxiety and fear can lead to a lot of unwanted accidents. The whole path does not have enough guard rails which makes it even harder to take turns.

The Khillar-khistwar road is undoubtedly the death road of India. Apart from this one, there are other deadly roads in the world as well. Here is a list of nine most dangerous roads in India:

1. Gata loops

5 facts about the most dangerous road in India- Gata Loops

This road consists of 21 hairpin loops and leads to the highest motorable road in Ladakh.

2. Koli hill road

5 facts about the most dangerous road in India- Koli Hill road

Situated in the state of Tamil Nadu this road has a shocking number of 70 continuous hairpin bends.

3. Zigzag road in Sikkim

5 facts about the most dangerous road in India- Ziggzagging road

This road passes along three levels that spin across a mountain valley in Sikkim .

4. National highway 22

5 facts about the most dangerous road in India- NH 22

This road is very scary and spans for over 459kms, featured in different series as well.

5. Zoji la pass

5 facts about the most dangerous road in India- Zoji la pass

This passes located on the NH1 and leads one from Srinagar to Leh.

6. Sangla road

5 facts about the most dangerous road in India- Sangla Road

This road in the Himachal is so dangerous that one can fall right into nowhere with a wrong step.

7. Bum la pass

This pass is located at an elevation of above 16 ft on the mountain ranges of Arunachal Pradesh, it is really deadly and has sharp edges and roadways.

8. Rohtang Pass

Even though this pass is a great holiday destination for Indians , it is very dangerous due to the numerous landslides.

9. Leh-Manali highway

Last but definitely not the least we have this highway which is prone to landslides and suffers a lot of navigation problems during winters.

If you love the thrill and danger that these roadways offer in abundant measure, then go ahead and experience it yourself. The adrenaline rush that these Himalayan roads in India give you will seldom be found elsewhere!

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Roads of Risk: Unveiling the 30 Most Hazardous Routes Worldwide

Posted: May 8, 2024 | Last updated: May 8, 2024

<p>Driving is already a dangerous activity whenever you decide to sit behind the wheel, but when you factor in dangerous roads, the potential hazards grow exponentially. There have been many sketchy roads built all around the world, and unfortunately, they’ve also claimed many lives.</p><p>While these roads seem inconceivable, and reckless to build in the first place, transportation to extremely rural and remote areas is still necessary. Regardless of the danger, people have to make these drives to survive. These are the most treacherous roads in the world.</p>

Driving is already a dangerous activity whenever you decide to sit behind the wheel, but when you factor in dangerous roads, the potential hazards grow exponentially. There have been many sketchy roads built all around the world, and unfortunately, they’ve also claimed many lives.

While these roads seem inconceivable, and reckless to build in the first place, transportation to extremely rural and remote areas is still necessary. Regardless of the danger, people have to make these drives to survive. These are the most treacherous roads in the world.

<p>The Apache scenic trail in Arizona is a beautiful drive up and down the Superstition Mountains, but it’s also a perilous one. The winding roads that crawl up the edge of cliffs and down into the gulches seldom have guard rails, and drivers distracted by scenery could easily reach an ill fate if they’re not careful.</p>

Apache Trail – Arizona, U.S.

The Apache scenic trail in Arizona is a beautiful drive up and down the Superstition Mountains, but it’s also a perilous one. The winding roads that crawl up the edge of cliffs and down into the gulches seldom have guard rails, and drivers distracted by scenery could easily reach an ill fate if they’re not careful.

<p>If you’ve ever looked into the world’s most dangerous roads, you’re sure to know about the Guoliang Tunnel. Any footage from the path seems incredibly ominous, and makes you wonder how they constructed it in the first place. Regardless, driving on the edge of a cliff, let alone a road carved in the side of one, seems incredibly dangerous, so only the bravest attempt to do it.</p>

Guoliang Tunnel – China

If you’ve ever looked into the world’s most dangerous roads, you’re sure to know about the Guoliang Tunnel. Any footage from the path seems incredibly ominous, and makes you wonder how they constructed it in the first place. Regardless, driving on the edge of a cliff, let alone a road carved in the side of one, seems incredibly dangerous, so only the bravest attempt to do it.

<p>Khardungla Pass is one of India’s most menacing roadways, and can seem deceiving on a day with good conditions. But with winding roads at both the top and foothills of rocky mountain ranges, landslides, ice, and unmarked turns lead to it requiring a lot of skill and blind faith.</p>

Khardungla Pass – Ladakh

Khardungla Pass is one of India’s most menacing roadways, and can seem deceiving on a day with good conditions. But with winding roads at both the top and foothills of rocky mountain ranges, landslides, ice, and unmarked turns lead to it requiring a lot of skill and blind faith.

<p>Just based on its location and remote nature, it’s common to think driving in Alaska would generally be tougher than most other places. And that’s certainly the case on Dalton Highway, considering it’s one of the most isolated highways in the world. Not only is it near nothing, but it’s constantly icy, and being caught on it during any storm is bound to leave you in deep trouble.</p>

Dalton Highway – Alaska, U.S.

Just based on its location and remote nature, it’s common to think driving in Alaska would generally be tougher than most other places. And that’s certainly the case on Dalton Highway, considering it’s one of the most isolated highways in the world. Not only is it near nothing, but it’s constantly icy, and being caught on it during any storm is bound to leave you in deep trouble.

<p>Yungas Road in Bolivia is nicknamed “the road of death,” and for good reason, considering that between 200-300 people die on it each year. Not only is it known for its tight path along some of the region’s steepest mountains, but fog and congestion wreak just about as much havoc as the road itself. Paired with the common landslides, Yungas road surely isn’t for the faint of heart.</p>

Yungas Road – Bolivia

Yungas Road in Bolivia is nicknamed “the road of death,” and for good reason, considering that between 200-300 people die on it each year. Not only is it known for its tight path along some of the region’s steepest mountains, but fog and congestion wreak just about as much havoc as the road itself. Paired with the common landslides, Yungas road surely isn’t for the faint of heart.

<p>Like many other large countries, Russia has tons of remote areas only accessible by hundreds of miles of barren highway. And with this being the case, it’s inevitable that a ton of logistical issues present themselves to drivers. Not only does this particular road wind through a scary mountain range, but it’s also mostly unpaved and incredibly narrow. With snow or rain, watch out.</p>

Caucasus Road – Russia

Like many other large countries, Russia has tons of remote areas only accessible by hundreds of miles of barren highway. And with this being the case, it’s inevitable that a ton of logistical issues present themselves to drivers. Not only does this particular road wind through a scary mountain range, but it’s also mostly unpaved and incredibly narrow. With snow or rain, watch out.

<p>Not often do you come across a road so perfectly at sea level, that if high tide is a problem, crossing the surrounding water is impossible. Well that’s the case for France’s Le Passage du Gois, which runs along the Atlantic coast. Not only is it only passable at certain times, but drivers could be whipped by a wave at any given time if conditions are rough, so beware.</p>

Le Passage du Gois, France

Not often do you come across a road so perfectly at sea level, that if high tide is a problem, crossing the surrounding water is impossible. Well that’s the case for France’s Le Passage du Gois, which runs along the Atlantic coast. Not only is it only passable at certain times, but drivers could be whipped by a wave at any given time if conditions are rough, so beware.

<p>Once again – remote Russian highways aren’t really your best friend. Considering the Trans-Siberian highway basically states it’s traversing through the Siberian region, you already know it’s not driver-friendly. This is like back roads gone haywire, and sometimes conditions are worse than you can imagine. Whether it be horrible weather or road conditions, good luck finding help if something goes wrong.</p>

Trans-Siberian Highway – Russia

Once again – remote Russian highways aren’t really your best friend. Considering the Trans-Siberian highway basically states it’s traversing through the Siberian region, you already know it’s not driver-friendly. This is like back roads gone haywire, and sometimes conditions are worse than you can imagine. Whether it be horrible weather or road conditions, good luck finding help if something goes wrong.

<p>One of the most beautiful of the dangerous roads in our world is the Hana Highway, which runs along the scenic Hana coast of Hawaii, glancing right out to the Pacific Ocean. Between bad weather and the commonality of rockslides, drivers are often faced with the situation going from bad to worse quickly. However, many are drawn every year by the greenery and incredible views.</p>

Hana Highway – Hana, Hawaii

One of the most beautiful of the dangerous roads in our world is the Hana Highway, which runs along the scenic Hana coast of Hawaii, glancing right out to the Pacific Ocean. Between bad weather and the commonality of rockslides, drivers are often faced with the situation going from bad to worse quickly. However, many are drawn every year by the greenery and incredible views.

<p>Located in the gorgeous Alps of Italy, Stelvio Pass is known for being perhaps the most winding road in the world, and without the right vehicle, it’s borderline impossible to travel on. Although it’s short, the tight turns within the unpredictable mountain conditions make it a hazardous adventure for even the most fearless road warrior.</p>

Stelvio Pass – Italy

Located in the gorgeous Alps of Italy, Stelvio Pass is known for being perhaps the most winding road in the world, and without the right vehicle, it’s borderline impossible to travel on. Although it’s short, the tight turns within the unpredictable mountain conditions make it a hazardous adventure for even the most fearless road warrior.

<p>You’d assume people would think against ever building roads along steep mountainsides, but there are so many around the world! This Tibetan highway in China is one of the craziest, as not only is the elevation already insane, but the dangers have gotten worse. In the last 2 decades alone, 82,000 people have lost their lives, which equates to 5.1 per 10,000 vehicles.</p>

Sichuan-Tibet Highway – China

You’d assume people would think against ever building roads along steep mountainsides, but there are so many around the world! This Tibetan highway in China is one of the craziest, as not only is the elevation already insane, but the dangers have gotten worse. In the last 2 decades alone, 82,000 people have lost their lives, which equates to 5.1 per 10,000 vehicles.

<p>What may appear to be just a normal highway at first glance, A44 presents a unique challenge to drivers who aren’t familiar – it switches which lane goes in either direction at one point, like a train track sometimes does. And as you could imagine, drivers don’t realize, resulting in head-on collisions. This is unfortunate, and also probably avoidable, it will just take some technology.</p>

A44 – United Kingdom

What may appear to be just a normal highway at first glance, A44 presents a unique challenge to drivers who aren’t familiar – it switches which lane goes in either direction at one point, like a train track sometimes does. And as you could imagine, drivers don’t realize, resulting in head-on collisions. This is unfortunate, and also probably avoidable, it will just take some technology.

<p>Another mountainous region that’s had to travel treacherously from point A to point B is Afghanistan, which has quite a diverse geography. However, this 65 kilometer stretch is notably dangerous for multiple reasons, one of which is that the 600 meter deep gorge will swallow you instantly if you fall victim. Oh, and it also runs through Taliban territory, so explore at your own risk.</p>

Kabul-Jalalabad Highway – Afghanistan

Another mountainous region that’s had to travel treacherously from point A to point B is Afghanistan, which has quite a diverse geography. However, this 65 kilometer stretch is notably dangerous for multiple reasons, one of which is that the 600 meter deep gorge will swallow you instantly if you fall victim. Oh, and it also runs through Taliban territory, so explore at your own risk.

<p>Spanning from Basra, Iraq to Kuwait, Highway 80 was known during the Gulf War to be the “Highway of Death” due to the amount of people killed in the region as the US forced out Iraqi insurgencies. They bombed 2,700 tanks and trucks in 1991, resulting in casualties up to the range of 10,000. Today, it’s remote nature and geopolitical location make it a risky excursion.</p>

Highway 80 – Iraq

Spanning from Basra, Iraq to Kuwait, Highway 80 was known during the Gulf War to be the “Highway of Death” due to the amount of people killed in the region as the US forced out Iraqi insurgencies. They bombed 2,700 tanks and trucks in 1991, resulting in casualties up to the range of 10,000. Today, it’s remote nature and geopolitical location make it a risky excursion.

<p>This extremely hazardous highway is another that deals with tough elevation changes, at one point peaking at over 15,000 feet. The road connects vital shipping lines between eastern China and Pakistan, and most of it is unpaved, although the parts that are don’t seem to help much anyway. Prone to landslides and drastic weather conditions, the Karakoram is unpredictable.</p>

The Karakoram – Khunjerab Pass, China to Pakistan

This extremely hazardous highway is another that deals with tough elevation changes, at one point peaking at over 15,000 feet. The road connects vital shipping lines between eastern China and Pakistan, and most of it is unpaved, although the parts that are don’t seem to help much anyway. Prone to landslides and drastic weather conditions, the Karakoram is unpredictable.

<p>Running through the rural southeastern region of the U.S., Route 431 extends from Kentucky to Alabama for 556 miles. It’s one of the country’s most dangerous roads, mostly due to the narrow, single lanes which prompt aggressive lane changes and put lazy drivers on the alert the second the attempt to travel on it.</p>

US Route 431 – United States

Running through the rural southeastern region of the U.S., Route 431 extends from Kentucky to Alabama for 556 miles. It’s one of the country’s most dangerous roads, mostly due to the narrow, single lanes which prompt aggressive lane changes and put lazy drivers on the alert the second the attempt to travel on it.

<p>The biggest danger on this Egyption road isn’t distracted driving or frankly even dangerous road conditions – it’s the threat of bandits and robberies. Not only are they camped all along the highway, but drivers elect to drive without headlights at night to avoid any situation, which has led to a number of fatal head-on collisions. You could probably say it’s just not worth driving on.</p>

Luxor-al-Hurghada Road – Egypt

The biggest danger on this Egyption road isn’t distracted driving or frankly even dangerous road conditions – it’s the threat of bandits and robberies. Not only are they camped all along the highway, but drivers elect to drive without headlights at night to avoid any situation, which has led to a number of fatal head-on collisions. You could probably say it’s just not worth driving on.

<p>This Greek road is a beautiful, scenic drive, but adventurers be wary – there is nothing forgiving about Patiopoulo-Perdikaki road, including trying to say the actual name. However, much of this mountainous roadway is not protected by any guard rails, and there are some precarious unpaved parts that cars are advised to avoid unless they’re quite small. This has become known as the most treacherous road in the Mediterranean.</p>

Patiopoulo-Perdikaki Road – Greece

This Greek road is a beautiful, scenic drive, but adventurers be wary – there is nothing forgiving about Patiopoulo-Perdikaki road, including trying to say the actual name. However, much of this mountainous roadway is not protected by any guard rails, and there are some precarious unpaved parts that cars are advised to avoid unless they’re quite small. This has become known as the most treacherous road in the Mediterranean.

<p>Though the scenic views are as picturesque as you could ever imagine, the Transfăgărășan is easily the highest roads in Romania, and presents many of the same challenges the other winding, unguarded roads do. However, when distracted by scenery, attention to the wheel is often lost, and it’s led to a lot of avoidable accidents on this road over the years.</p>

Transfăgărășan, DN7C – Romania

Though the scenic views are as picturesque as you could ever imagine, the Transfăgărășan is easily the highest roads in Romania, and presents many of the same challenges the other winding, unguarded roads do. However, when distracted by scenery, attention to the wheel is often lost, and it’s led to a lot of avoidable accidents on this road over the years.

<p>As far as roads with multiple potential hazards, this one probably takes the cake, considering that in the instance of a volcanic eruption, your fate would be worse than simply falling to your death. It doesn’t help either that Cotopaxi Volcano Road is largely unkempt, and even unpaved in many areas, leading to tons of car troubles and accidents. Even experienced drivers abstain.</p>

Cotopaxi Volcano Road – Ecuador

As far as roads with multiple potential hazards, this one probably takes the cake, considering that in the instance of a volcanic eruption, your fate would be worse than simply falling to your death. It doesn’t help either that Cotopaxi Volcano Road is largely unkempt, and even unpaved in many areas, leading to tons of car troubles and accidents. Even experienced drivers abstain.

<p>Perhaps the scariest origin story of any of the roads on this list, the Kolyma Highway, or “Road of Bones,” was built by prisoners beginning in 1932, and took 21 years to complete. Not only does the name reflect the amount of lives lost building the road, but it also runs through the region where the only temperature colder than Antarctica has been recorded. Oh, and it’s the only road in the area. So yeah, you could probably say this is up there for “scariest in the world.”</p>

R504 Kolyma Highway – Russia

Perhaps the scariest origin story of any of the roads on this list, the Kolyma Highway, or “Road of Bones,” was built by prisoners beginning in 1932, and took 21 years to complete. Not only does the name reflect the amount of lives lost building the road, but it also runs through the region where the only temperature colder than Antarctica has been recorded. Oh, and it’s the only road in the area. So yeah, you could probably say this is up there for “scariest in the world.”

<p>Paso de los Libertadores is an Andean pathway between Argentina and Chile, and it snakes up a mountain and back down the other side like you’ve never seen before. The weaving road lacks any sort of ledge protection, and unfortunately cars on roads below are sometimes victims of others’ carelessness. The winding roads are some of the most heart-stopping out there.</p>

Los Caracoles – Chile to Argentina

Paso de los Libertadores is an Andean pathway between Argentina and Chile, and it snakes up a mountain and back down the other side like you’ve never seen before. The weaving road lacks any sort of ledge protection, and unfortunately cars on roads below are sometimes victims of others’ carelessness. The winding roads are some of the most heart-stopping out there.

<p>This mountainside roadway in New Zealand is one of the most sketchy in the whole country, which is dominated by elevation changes in the hills spread throughout the country. But these tall, steep cliffs are no joke, spanning hundreds of meters above the gorge below. While the ravine is incredibly scenic, it requires full attention and an offroad-type vehicle.</p>

The Road of Skippers Canyon – New Zealand

This mountainside roadway in New Zealand is one of the most sketchy in the whole country, which is dominated by elevation changes in the hills spread throughout the country. But these tall, steep cliffs are no joke, spanning hundreds of meters above the gorge below. While the ravine is incredibly scenic, it requires full attention and an offroad-type vehicle.

<p>The Karnali Highway is yet another high elevation roadway that completely relies on experience and skill of the driver above anything else. Navigating through some of the tallest mountain regions in the world, landslides, washed away paths, and even erosion plagues this highway, creating constant struggles in logistics for the people who call the mountains home.</p>

Karnali Highway – Nepal

The Karnali Highway is yet another high elevation roadway that completely relies on experience and skill of the driver above anything else. Navigating through some of the tallest mountain regions in the world, landslides, washed away paths, and even erosion plagues this highway, creating constant struggles in logistics for the people who call the mountains home.

<p>Commonwealth surely doesn’t look like anything else on this list for a reason, and that’s largely due to the fact that it’s completely due to high volumes of traffic. The 7.5 mile road extends up to 18 lanes at one point, and is deemed the “Killer Highway” by locals. Thousands of people die each year, and that’s pedestrians, motorbikes, and numerous other accidents featuring all sorts of vehicles.</p>

Commonwealth Avenue – Philippines

Commonwealth surely doesn’t look like anything else on this list for a reason, and that’s largely due to the fact that it’s completely due to high volumes of traffic. The 7.5 mile road extends up to 18 lanes at one point, and is deemed the “Killer Highway” by locals. Thousands of people die each year, and that’s pedestrians, motorbikes, and numerous other accidents featuring all sorts of vehicles.

<p>Mexico’s Federal Highway 1 stretches for most of the length of the Baja California region, and in the parts where it’s most remot, havoc seems to strike constantly. Many of the vehicles on the path are freighters, and most surprisingly, many of the drivers in that region aren’t required to get a drivers license to operate a vehicle, so you can only imagine how it throws things off.</p>

Federal Highway 1 – Mexico

Mexico’s Federal Highway 1 stretches for most of the length of the Baja California region, and in the parts where it’s most remot, havoc seems to strike constantly. Many of the vehicles on the path are freighters, and most surprisingly, many of the drivers in that region aren’t required to get a drivers license to operate a vehicle, so you can only imagine how it throws things off.

<p>Known colloquially as “Fairy Meadows Road,” Nanga Parbat Pass is an all-gravel road reaching over 10,000 feet above sea level, or 6 miles above the ground if you tumble off. There aren’t any guard rails either, and for the 10-mile venture, you’ll have to hold on for dear life because some of the parts don’t even fit two vehicles, so lots of give and take is important.</p>

Nanga Parbat Pass – Pakistan

Known colloquially as “Fairy Meadows Road,” Nanga Parbat Pass is an all-gravel road reaching over 10,000 feet above sea level, or 6 miles above the ground if you tumble off. There aren’t any guard rails either, and for the 10-mile venture, you’ll have to hold on for dear life because some of the parts don’t even fit two vehicles, so lots of give and take is important.

<p>BR-116 has many monikers – Rodovia de Morte, “the highway of death” – but what really makes it rough around the edges isn’t just the poor road conditions. It’s mainly plagued by gang violence and bandit robberies, which keep even the locals away. This coupled with the constant potential to be hammered by a landslide make the whole highway more or less unappealing.</p>

BR-116 – Brazil

BR-116 has many monikers – Rodovia de Morte, “the highway of death” – but what really makes it rough around the edges isn’t just the poor road conditions. It’s mainly plagued by gang violence and bandit robberies, which keep even the locals away. This coupled with the constant potential to be hammered by a landslide make the whole highway more or less unappealing.

<p>The Eyre Highway is the only landlocked road from western to southern Australia, and it has one of the longest completely straight roads in the world, stretching over 90 miles without a single inch of turning. However, the long, barren highway often causes drivers to be distracted or fall sleepy, leading to tons of avoidable accidents that seem all too common on rural roads.</p>

Eyre Highway – Australia

The Eyre Highway is the only landlocked road from western to southern Australia, and it has one of the longest completely straight roads in the world, stretching over 90 miles without a single inch of turning. However, the long, barren highway often causes drivers to be distracted or fall sleepy, leading to tons of avoidable accidents that seem all too common on rural roads.

<p>Leh Menali highway is only open for about 5 months every year, and that’s because the weather in this northernmost Indian region is pretty unforgiving. Although it’s built to withstand the biggest military vehicles, the sketchy foundation, conditions, and plenty of rocks are sure to make even the most confident drivers wary. One wrong move and you could be off the sides.</p><p><a href="https://autooverload.com/?utm_source=msnstart">For the Latest Automotive News, Headlines & Videos, head to Auto Overload</a></p>

Leh Menali Highway – India

Leh Menali highway is only open for about 5 months every year, and that’s because the weather in this northernmost Indian region is pretty unforgiving. Although it’s built to withstand the biggest military vehicles, the sketchy foundation, conditions, and plenty of rocks are sure to make even the most confident drivers wary. One wrong move and you could be off the sides.

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  1. 10 Most Dangerous Roads In India That Every Adventure Lover Must Visit

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  2. 10 Most Dangerous Roads In India That Every Adventure Lover Must Visit

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  3. Discovering the Most Dangerous Roads in India

    most dangerous road trips in india

  4. Discovering the Most Dangerous Roads in India

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  5. What Are The Most Dangerous Roads In India?

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  6. 10 Most Dangerous Roads In India That Are Drivers' Nightmare

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COMMENTS

  1. 23 Most Dangerous Roads In India For Daring Adventurists

    Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh. Located about 51 kilometers from Manali, at an altitude of around 13,050 feet, Rohtang Pass is one of the most dangerous roads in India. The name 'Rohtang' literally means 'pile of corpses,' which sounds like the title of a horror flick but really hints at the road's treacherous past.

  2. 12 Dangerous Roads in India that could Kill You

    12 Most Dangerous Roads in India that could kill you ... Good luck if you are planning on a road trip from Manali to Leh! Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass is among 12 dangerous roads in India, located at an elevation of 13,054 ft above sea level, on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. The pass is traversed by the Leh-Manali Highway.

  3. Most Dangerous Road Trips in India

    5. Chang La Pass. Located at an altitude, 16,080 ft above sea level, Chang La Pass is one of the most dangerous roads in India. It is the third-highest driving route in India and tenth in the world. An acting pathway to the Chanthang plateau in the Himalayan region, Chang La Pass is decked with snow-white mountains and panoramic landscape.

  4. Road Trips to The 10 Most Dangerous Roads in India in 2021

    10 Most Dangerous Roads in India in 2021. 1. Zojila Pass road in Ladakh and Kashmir. Perched at an altitude of over 3000 m, Zojila Pass Road is located between Ladakh and Kashmir. The road is narrow and slippery. The condition of this road gets even worse during the rainy season.

  5. India's Most Dangerous Roads: Zoji La Pass To Kinnaur Road

    Located in the south-western part of Himachal Pradesh, Kinnaur road is carved out of rocks and has several sharp and blind turns. Subscribe to Indiatimes Newsletter and get handpicked updates based on your interests! Steep turns, narrow roads, low hanging cliff -- these roads are among the most difficult and scarcities routes of India.

  6. 10 Most Dangerous Roads In India For An Adventurous Experience

    Leh-Manali Highway. Image Source : Times of India". The Leh-Manali Highway is one of the highest motorable roads with an elevation of 17000 ft above sea level and connects with Ladakh. This is, without a doubt, one of the most scenic locations but also one of the most dangerous roads in India. This 479 km long road traverses through some very ...

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    India, a country full of adrenaline-racking sports, hills, and roads, is quite popular among crazy enthusiasts. Yes, you heard it right, adrenaline-racking roads too. Among all the adventurous things like games, rafting, mountain climbing, biking, and many others, traveling on heart-racking roads is the most famous among enthusiasts. Now, we are going to look over […]

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    Unpredictable turns, risk of falling boulders, and rockslides make Bodimettu a dangerous road to travel on. The road connects Theni, a hillock town in Tamil Nadu with Munnar, a hill station in Kerala. ... Which Are The Most Dangerous Roads In India? Zoji La Pass, Khardungla Pass, National Highway 5, and Three-Level Zig Zag Road are some of the ...

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    5. NATIONAL HIGHWAY 22. enquire now. Sent. Even though the official name for this highway is Hindustan Tibet Road, it is often nicknamed the "highway to hell". Extreme neglect by the government and overdue repairs makes it one of the most dangerous roads in India.

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    Here are our top picks for the most dangerous roads in India. Umling La ( Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir) If you thought Khardung La was the worlds highest motorable road, youd be wrong. There is a new contender on the list, and it officially dethroned Khardung La in 2017. Umling La situated in Ladakh stands at a height of 19,300-ft according to the ...

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    Here is a list of nine most dangerous roads in India: 1. Gata loops. This road consists of 21 hairpin loops and leads to the highest motorable road in Ladakh. 2. Koli hill road. Situated in the state of Tamil Nadu this road has a shocking number of 70 continuous hairpin bends. 3.

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    And with that, comes its own dangers. The dangers associated with such a high mountain road, it poses human dangers with the air being thin, the weather being cold, and oxygen levels being low. Leh-Manali Highway. The Leh-Manali highway. Picture courtesy: Flickr/Wilson Loo Kok Wee/Creative Commons.

  13. India's Top Most Dangerous Roads

    7. NH66, Maharashtra. Varied and wide terrains of India result in some of the most dangerous roads in India. Some of the scariest roads are 1. National Highway 22 2. Gata Loops 3. Khardungla Pass 4.

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    The damaged roads in the hills are the second leading cause of road accidents. The situation at times worsens due to unpredictable weather changes. Several other unexpected problems can also be experienced on these roads. Here is a list of the 10 most scary roads to travel in India. 10 Most Dangerous Roads in India. 1. Khardung La Pass. 2 ...

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    Easily, the most dangerous road in the world, not just India.Approximate length: 120kmTime on the road: approx. 8-10 hoursWhen to go: May - June, September - OctoberRoute: Killar - Gulabgarh - Kishtwar2.) Zoji La (Leh to Srinagar) 11,575 feet above the sea level, Zoji La is a mountain pass on Leh-Srinagar section of NH1 in India.

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    15. Neral Matheran Road. Source. Located in the Rajgad district of Maharashtra, this road is full of curves and dangerous turns. With very steep roads, it is one of the most difficult roads to drive on in India. Although the roads are smooth and short in distance, the roads are horrific because of narrow widths.

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    This one is certainly one of the toughest roads in India and is perfect for off-roading. The road has more than 100 hairpin loops in just 30 km. The bends of the Zuluk road are suitable for thrilling bike rides. It was the historic Old Silk Route from Tibet to India. This dangerous road within the Himalayan mountains is quite an experience.

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    Here is a list of nine most dangerous roads in India: 1. Gata loops. This road consists of 21 hairpin loops and leads to the highest motorable road in Ladakh. 2. Koli hill road. Situated in the state of Tamil Nadu this road has a shocking number of 70 continuous hairpin bends. 3.

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    Bad maintenance and bad location of the roads makes it a very scary drive. With the narrow roads, low hanging cliffs, sharp turns, and extreme climatic conditions, these 10 dangerous roads might take you to death bed. So be careful! Superb My Trip has handpicked these 10 most dangerous roads in India that you might want to avoid! Khardungla Pass

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  23. India's Dangerous Roads: Four Problems and Solutions

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