India’s Most Terrifying Trails: 10 Roads That Will Test Your Nerves
When it comes to the most terrifying roads in India, some of them are so awful that they may frighten even the most experienced drivers. Instead of taking them to their intended goal, the winding roads, abrupt twists, precarious cliffs, and severe weather can send them to their deathbed.
In addition to inadequate upkeep, a carefully curated compilation of India’s most dangerous roads that have taken many lives in the past. However, there are situations when a road’s exact position makes it a scary drive. We present to you a single one among many; some courageous men may find a certain joy in these drives. Examine this and determine your stance!
1. Khardungla Pass
Where: Ladakh, on the Caravan Route, which connected China and India and was formerly the Silk Route
Why is it frightening?
Due to its sheer, unbeatable height of 5,602 meters above sea level, the road is terrifying. The route is also unpaved and hazardous because of the combination of frozen ice and dirt. Then there are the hairpin curves, which even the most seasoned drivers in the area find terrifying.
2. Kishtwar Kailash Highway
Where: The easternmost point of Jammu’s Kishtwar district
Why is it frightening?
The road is roughly 150 meters long, winding, and guard rail-free. It’s so low that a Tata Sumo or equivalent vehicle would hardly fit over the overhanging cliff. It is more challenging to navigate the steep turns because of the vision obstruction caused by the cliff. With just one error, the drop is roughly 600 meters.
3. Killar – Kishtwar Route
Where: Himachal Pradesh’s Pangi Valley
Why is it frightening?
The road is small, has overhanging slopes and steep twists, and lacks guard rails, just like its twin route, the Kishtwar Kailash Highway. Even during the day, the route is difficult to drive, let alone at night.
4. Zoji La Pass
Where: Between Ladakh and Kashmir, nine kilometers from Sonamarg.
Why is it frightening?
Situated at 3,538 meters above sea level, the road is incredibly narrow and slick all year round because of the mixture of snow and dirt. It becomes obstructed during storms and becomes muddy during rainy seasons. It’s also one of the scariest highways in India due to the frequent landslides.
5. Chang La Pass
Where: In the Ladakh region, midway between Pangong Lake and Leh
Why is it frightening?
Situated at an astounding 5,360 meters above sea level, the route is always covered in snow. The road becomes slick as a result. On this path, the lack of oxygen is also palpable. The third-highest motorable road in the world is a source of frustration for commuters due to the region’s low temperatures.
6. NH 22 Kinnaur Road
Where: NH 22, at the Kinnaur region’s beginning
Why is it frightening?
The fact that Taranda Dhank is notorious for taking multiple lives is what makes it dangerous. This route is extremely dangerous because to the low hanging rocks, small, dark pits, and blind twists. If something goes wrong, the car will tumble into the Baspa River. In the event that a car does not fall, collisions involving blind turns can be extremely deadly.
7. Rohtang Pass
Where: 53 kilometers from Manali along the Leh-Manali Road
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Why is it frightening?
At 3,979 meters above sea level, Rohtang Pass serves as the entry point linking Manali with Leh and Lahaul – Spiti. But the 479-kilometer journey as a whole is hazardous. Landslides can occur on snow-covered roadways, particularly in areas surrounded by mountains on two sides.
8. Nathula Pass
Where: Near Tsomgo Lake, near the Indo-Chinese border, 54 kilometers east of Gangtok, Sikkim
Why is it frightening?
The route is vulnerable to snow muck in the winter and landslides during monsoons, which is what makes it hazardous. In addition, the curved roads are slick.
The multi-level, zigzag sections of road that link Thambi View and Zuluk near Nathula Pass
9. Neral – Matheran Road
Where: Maharashtra’s Raigad District At Neral, the road starts at a height of 40 meters above sea level. The road to Matheran, which is 800 meters above sea level, is 8.9 kilometers long.
Why is it frightening?
For a total elevation rise of 760 meters, the average elevation gain each stretch is 8.5%. Hairpin turns follow the steep and narrow parts. In some of these places, guard rails are not even present. Rainfall exacerbates traffic problems for vehicles by making roads slick and sometimes triggering landslides. On the other hand, landslides are extremely uncommon.
10. Sela Pass
Where: Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang District The route links Tezpur and Guwahati with the Buddhist city of Tawang Town.
Why is it frightening?
The high mountain pass is 4,170 meters above sea level, which is what makes it frightening. However, its treacherous curves, abrupt turns, and convoluted layout can be lethal. In addition, snow covers the route for the most of the year. This makes driving more difficult for the passengers. Therefore, it is advised to travel very slowly so as not to get lost in the expansive vistas.
