10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare
Scariest Roads In India : Roads and highways are set to receive a significant boost of INR 97,000 crore, as announced by the honorable Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during the presentation of Budget 2016. Given the poor condition of existing roads and the alarming number of fatalities on narrow, treacherous routes with hairpin bends, it’s clear that an upgrade is urgently needed.
When it comes to India’s most dangerous roads, some routes are so perilous that even the most experienced drivers might think twice before venturing on them. The combination of narrow pathways, sharp twists, overhanging cliffs, and extreme weather conditions can turn a simple journey into a brush with danger.
In some cases, it’s not just neglect but the very location of a road that makes it a daunting challenge. Among the many hazardous routes in the country, we’ve curated a list of India’s scariest roads that have claimed countless lives over the years. Yet, for a few adventurous souls, these drives hold a certain thrill. Take a look and decide—are you up for the challenge, or would you rather steer clear?
1. Khardungla Pass: World’s Highest Motorable Road
Location: Ladakh, along the historic Caravan Route that once formed part of the legendary Silk Road connecting India and China.
Why it’s terrifying: This road’s fear factor lies in its staggering altitude of 5,602 meters above sea level. Adding to the challenge is the unpaved surface, made dangerously slick by a mix of frozen ice and dirt. To top it off, the hairpin bends present a daunting challenge, even for the most skilled and seasoned drivers in the region.
2. Kishtwar Kailash Highway: Sharp Turns, Overhanging Cliffs, and No Guard Rails
Location: Eastern edge of Kishtwar district, Jammu.
Why it’s terrifying: This road is a nerve-wracking experience due to its winding, narrow stretch that lacks guard rails for approximately 150 meters. The overhanging cliff is so low that only compact vehicles like a Tata Sumo can barely pass through. To make matters worse, the sharp turns and obstructed views caused by the cliff make navigation incredibly tricky. A single misstep here could result in a plunge of nearly 600 meters.
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3. Killar – Kishtwar Route: A replica of the Kishtwar Kailash Highway
Location: Pangi Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Why it’s terrifying: Similar to its counterpart, the Kishtwar Kailash Highway, this road is fraught with danger. It lacks guard rails, is flanked by overhanging hills, and features sharp, treacherous turns. The narrow pathway makes driving a challenge even during the day, and navigating it at night is an even more daunting task.
4. Zoji La Pass: Prone to landslides
Location: Approximately 9 km from Sonamarg, connecting Ladakh and Kashmir.
Why it’s terrifying: Situated at a lofty altitude of 3,538 meters, this road is alarmingly narrow and dangerously slippery due to the constant mix of snow and dirt throughout the year. During the rains, it turns muddy, and storms often render it impassable. Additionally, frequent landslides add to its reputation as one of the most perilous roads in India.
5. Chang La Pass: Third Highest Motorable Route in the World
Location: Connecting Pangong Lake and Leh in the Ladakh region.
Why it’s terrifying: Perched at an astonishing altitude of 5,360 meters, this road stays blanketed in snow year-round, making it dangerously slippery. Travelers often experience oxygen scarcity at this height, further complicating the journey. To top it off, the region’s freezing temperatures amplify the challenges of navigating this third-highest motorable road in the world.
6. NH 22 Kinnaur Road: Cut into hard rocks to make Kinnaur accessible
Location: NH 22, at the entrance of the Kinnaur region.
Why it’s terrifying: Taranda Dhank has a notorious reputation for numerous fatalities. The road features low-hanging rocks, narrow dark tunnels, and blind curves that make it extremely hazardous. A single misstep could send a vehicle plunging into the Baspa River below. If not the deadly drop, the risk of head-on collisions around the blind turns adds to the road’s peril.
7. Rohtang Pass: The Ground of Corpses
Location: Leh–Manali Road, approximately 53 km from Manali.
Why it’s terrifying: Rohtang Pass, situated at an altitude of 3,979 meters, serves as the gateway between Manali and the regions of Leh and Lahaul–Spiti. However, it’s the entire 479-kilometer stretch that poses significant dangers. The snow-covered roads are highly susceptible to landslides, particularly in sections flanked by towering mountains on either side, making the journey both challenging and risky.
8. Nathula Pass: The Pass of the Listening Ears
Location: Near the Indo-China border, 54 km east of Gangtok, close to Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim.
Why it’s terrifying: This route is highly vulnerable to landslides during the monsoon season and becomes coated with snow sludge in the winter months. Additionally, the winding roads are often slippery, adding to the risk for travelers.
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9. Neral – Matheran Road: Slippery Roads and Sharp Turns
Location: Raigad District, Maharashtra – Starting at Neral (40 m above sea level), this 8.9 km road ascends to Matheran, situated at an elevation of 800 m above sea level.
Why it’s terrifying: With an average elevation gain of 8.5% across the stretch, the road climbs a total of 760 meters. The route features steep, narrow sections and sharp hairpin bends, some of which lack guard rails entirely. During the monsoon season, the slippery roads and occasional landslides—though rare—add to the challenges faced by drivers.
10. Sela Pass: Curvy Leisurely Road to Hell
Location: Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh – This road links the Buddhist city of Tawang Town with Tezpur and Guwahati.
Why it’s terrifying: Perched at an altitude of 4,170 meters, this high mountain pass poses significant challenges. Its winding layout, sharp bends, and slippery curves make it potentially life-threatening. The road remains snow-covered for most of the year, further complicating navigation. Travelers are strongly advised to drive cautiously and focus on the road rather than getting distracted by the breathtaking scenery.
Which of these treacherous roads and highways give you the most chills? We’d love to hear about your experiences on some of India’s most dangerous routes. Share your stories with us!