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.
Here are the Top 10 Dangerous Roads in India For That Memorable Road Trip:
1. Gata Loops
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.
And not only among adventure lovers, but it is also quite popular among people interested in paranormal activities. 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.
Location: Manali-Leh Highway, Himachal Pradesh
Timing: Open June to October (best time to travel)
Challenges: The Gata Loops are a series of 21 hairpin bends at an altitude of about 17,000 feet. The sharp turns and high altitude make it a challenging drive.
Nearby Places: Leh, Keylong, Sarchu
Activities: Adventure driving, photography, high-altitude acclimatization
Additional Tips: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, carry extra fuel, and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
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2. Kolli Hill Road
Road MDR181, famous as Kolli Hills Road, is a dangerous mountain road having 46.7 km. This road is in Kolli Hills. From here, it gets its name Kolli Hill Road. This is a small mountain range in the central part of Tamil Nadu.
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’.
Location: Tamil Nadu
Timing: Open year-round, but best avoided during heavy rains (June to September)
Challenges: Known as the ‘Mountain of Death,’ Kolli Hill Road has 70 continuous hairpin bends. The steep and narrow paths are perilous, especially during the monsoon.
Nearby Places: Namakkal, Salem, Rasipuram
Activities: Scenic drives, hiking, visiting local temples
Additional Tips: Drive slowly, be cautious of oncoming traffic, and avoid traveling during heavy rain.
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3. 3-Level Zigzag Road
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.
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.
Location: Sikkim
Timing: Open year-round, best visited from March to June and September to November
Challenges: This road is famous for its three-level zigzag hairpin bends, offering a thrilling experience with steep gradients and sharp turns.
Nearby Places: Zuluk, Nathang Valley, Thambi View Point
Activities: Adventure driving, photography, exploring local villages
Additional Tips: Drive carefully, use low gears on descents, and check weather conditions before starting your journey.
Read Also:
- Top 10 Places to Visit in Sikkim
- 6 Most Beautiful Lakes in Sikkim
- List of Monasteries in Sikkim
- Popular Hill Stations in Sikkim
4. National Highway 22
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.
Location: Shimla to Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
Timing: Open year-round, best traveled from April to October
Challenges: Known as the ‘Highway to Hell,’ NH 22 features narrow paths, cliffs, and numerous tunnels, making it one of the most dangerous highways.
Nearby Places: Shimla, Kinnaur, Rampur
Activities: Road trips, exploring local towns, visiting apple orchards
Additional Tips: Be cautious at blind curves, avoid driving at night, and watch for landslides.
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5. Zoji La Pass
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
Location: Srinagar-Leh Highway, Jammu and Kashmir
Timing: Open May to October, closed during winter
Challenges: Zoji La Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 11,575 feet. It’s prone to landslides and avalanches, with a narrow and often slippery road.
Nearby Places: Sonamarg, Dras, Kargil
Activities: Adventure driving, photography, exploring mountain villages
Additional Tips: Travel in daylight, ensure your vehicle has good traction, and follow local advice on road conditions.
Read more: Why Munnar Should Be on Your Travel List
6. Sangla Road
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 in winter for safety measures.
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Timing: Open year-round, best traveled from April to October
Challenges: This narrow and rocky road has steep drops on one side and is often carved into sheer cliffs, making it highly dangerous.
Nearby Places: Sangla Valley, Chitkul, Kalpa
Activities: Adventure driving, exploring remote villages, trekking
Additional Tips: Drive slowly, avoid overtaking, and be prepared for rockfalls.
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7. Kishtwar Road
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.
Location: Jammu and Kashmir
Timing: Open June to October, closed during winter
Challenges: Known for its precarious cliffs and narrow paths, Kishtwar Road is one of the most treacherous in India, with minimal safety barriers.
Nearby Places: Kishtwar, Padder, Anantnag
Activities: Adventure driving, exploring remote areas, visiting local temples
Additional Tips: Avoid bad weather, use a sturdy vehicle, and be cautious of falling rocks.
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8. Bum La Pass
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.
The bottlenecked roadways, hairpin sharp, and blind turns make the condition of this road more dreadful.
Location: Arunachal Pradesh
Timing: Open year-round, best visited from April to October
Challenges: Located at an altitude of 15,200 feet, Bum La Pass is challenging due to its high altitude, unpredictable weather, and rough terrain.
Nearby Places: Tawang, Madhuri Lake, Shonga-tser Lake
Activities: High-altitude driving, photography, exploring border areas
Additional Tips: Carry oxygen for high altitudes, check for permits, and travel with an experienced driver.
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9. Rohtang Pass
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.
Location: Manali-Leh Highway, Himachal Pradesh
Timing: Open May to November, closed during winter
Entry Fees: Permit required for vehicles (INR 500)
Challenges: At 13,050 feet, Rohtang Pass is notorious for sudden snowstorms, avalanches, and slippery roads, making it extremely risky.
Nearby Places: Manali, Keylong, Spiti Valley
Activities: High-altitude driving, snow activities, photography
Additional Tips: Travel in the daytime, check weather forecasts, and carry warm clothing.
Read Also: Tips for travel to Himachal on a Budget
10. 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.
Location: Himachal Pradesh to Leh, Ladakh
Timing: Open June to October, closed during winter
Challenges: This highway spans 479 km and includes multiple high passes, unpredictable weather, and rough, unpaved sections.
Nearby Places: Leh, Keylong, Sarchu
Activities: Adventure driving, exploring remote areas, photography
Additional Tips: Prepare for high altitudes, carry ample supplies, and avoid monsoon and winter seasons.
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Conclusion
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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FAQs
1. Which is the most dangerous road in India?
Khardung La Pass, Ladakh: Known for its high altitude, steep drops, and unpredictable weather, making it extremely challenging for drivers.
2. Why is the Manali-Leh Highway considered dangerous?
The Manali-Leh Highway has treacherous terrain, frequent landslides, narrow paths, and high altitudes that pose a significant risk to travelers.
3. What makes the Rohtang Pass road dangerous?
Rohtang Pass, located in Himachal Pradesh, is known for its unpredictable snowstorms, narrow roads, and frequent landslides, making it hazardous for drivers.
4. Which road in Tamil Nadu is considered the most dangerous?
Kolli Hills Road: Known for having 70 continuous hairpin bends, it is one of the most challenging and dangerous roads in Tamil Nadu.
5. What are the deadliest roads in India?
- Khardung La Pass, Ladakh
- Manali-Leh Highway, Himachal Pradesh
- Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh
- Kolli Hills Road, Tamil Nadu
- Zoji La Pass, Jammu & Kashmir
6. Why is the Gata Loops road in Ladakh infamous?
The Gata Loops consist of 21 hairpin bends at high altitudes, combined with narrow and poorly maintained roads, making it extremely dangerous.
7. Which highway in India is known for being the most dangerous?
The NH-22 (Hindustan-Tibet Road) is notorious for its narrow paths carved into the sides of cliffs, poor maintenance, and frequent landslides.
8. What makes the Sikkim Silk Route dangerous?
The Silk Route in Sikkim features narrow, winding roads with steep cliffs, minimal guardrails, and often treacherous weather conditions.
9. Which road in Uttarakhand is particularly dangerous?
Nainital-Mukteshwar Road: Known for its steep climbs, sharp turns, and frequent landslides, making it hazardous, especially during the monsoon season.
10. Are there any dangerous hill stations in India?
- Munnar, Kerala: Known for its narrow and winding roads that are often slippery and foggy, posing risks to travelers.
- Ooty, Tamil Nadu: The route to Ooty via Kallati Road is considered dangerous due to its 36 hairpin bends and steep climbs.
11. What is unique about the Zoji La Pass in Jammu & Kashmir?
Zoji La Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in India, known for its narrow and treacherous roads, strong winds, and heavy snowfall, making it extremely risky to navigate.
12. Which road in Himachal Pradesh is known for its high risk?
Spiti Valley Road: Known for its rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and narrow paths, it poses a significant challenge to drivers, especially during the winter months.
13. What makes the Kallati Road to Ooty dangerous?
Kallati Road has 36 steep hairpin bends and narrow paths with sharp turns. It is particularly hazardous during the monsoon due to slippery conditions and reduced visibility.
14. Are there any dangerous roads in South India?
Valparai Ghat Roads, Tamil Nadu: Known for its 40 hairpin bends and dense forests, making it a challenging drive, especially with frequent fog and wildlife crossings.
15. Why is the Leh-Manali Highway known as one of the toughest roads in India?
The Leh-Manali Highway is notorious for its high altitude, extreme weather conditions, and rugged terrain, including several high passes such as Tanglang La and Baralacha La, making it one of the toughest and most dangerous roads to navigate in India.
