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:
1. 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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.
