We all find India’s topography fascinating. Incredible India has a lot to offer. From the tallest mountain range in the world up north to backwaters and mysterious caves, one can never be bored in this country. Travel buckets and relaxing destinations are always on our mind but, this year we have a new dare for you. Adventure goals have been set right in the beginning so, you never have to look for vacation destination. India has some highly dangerous roads and 2020 is all about conquering them.
1. Rohtang Pass
At 12,000 feet, this famous road is a major Leh-Manali Highway. Snow and extreme weather conditions make it prone to landslides. The name Rohtang points at ‘ground of corpses’. It’s like they wanted this road to make it on our list. Yet, it’s a tourist favourite and a must visit in 2020.
Where: Himachal Pradesh
2. National Highway 22
This road is called the ‘highway to hell’. We’re not so morbid; just adrenaline junkies. National Highway 22 starts at Ambala and takes you through Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The route goes through peaks and cliffs. There are a few dark tunnels which can get pretty scary for a while. The main reason for dangers on this path is its unkempt condition according highway standards. At the same time, it is also one of the most scenic roads in India.
Where: Himachal Pradesh
3. Tirupathi Road
The road that millions take every year is actually one of the most dangerous roads in India. Sri Venkateswara Temple sits at 3,200 feet atop one of the seven peaks of Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh. Tirupathi Road is the primary path for pilgrims visiting the temple. It’s considered to be a challenging fleet because of sharp curves and deep turns. The monsoon is what truly makes this road extremely dangerous and prone to accidents.
Where: Andhra Pradesh
4. Khardung La Pass
16,806 ft above sea level was the highest driving point in India until 2017. It is still one of the most dangerous roads in India and even the world. Leh’s beautiful peaks and breathtaking beauty is enough to make anyone stop and stare. Khardung La Pass is not paved which is why it’s so terrifying and mesmerising. On top of that, the weather remains cold and icy all year long giving the road the extra slippery feature.
Where: Ladakh
5. Umlinga Pass
At 19,300 feet, this is the world’s highest motorable road connecting the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen glacier. Quite literally, air up there is really thin! It is not for the faint-hearted (or lunged) to endure this painfully beautiful landscape. The hottest summer here is minus 10 degrees! Frost bites burn all year round as winter dips to minus 40 degrees. Oxygen levels are 50% less than where civilisation typically resides.
Where: Jammu & Kashmir
6. Kinnaur Road
This narrow road has not only sharp but blind turns. It’s carved out of rock and requires hard core drivers to make it through. The roads are so narrow that two cars cannot pass each other at the same time. The views are absolutely stunning on the way. Despite its dangers, people keep coming back.
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Also read: The List Of Most Dangerous Countries To Travel To In 2020 Is Out!
7. Zoji La Pass
At 11,575 feet, this is one of the highest pathways in Delhi. This dangerous road connects Srinagar and Leh. It’s a long muddy stretch in extreme weather conditions. This leads to unexpected accidents caused by sudden landslides. Fatal accidents are common here. Those who dare to conquer must be careful!
Where: Ladakh
8. Nathu La
At 14,000 feet, this is one of the most dangerous roads in India. It’s also one of the most loved. It connects tourists to Sikkim. Only people with a proper permit can enter and begin their journey. The monsoon makes sure this road is as dangerous and unpredictable as can be. Its sharp turns don’t help either. Snow is just the icing on top!
Where: Sikkim
Also read: Long Weekend Getaway From Mumbai To Sikkim- Gangtok
9. Three Level Zig Zag Road
At 11,200 feet, this magnificently dangerous road is not just the way but a destination in itself. Its unique structure leaves passersby breathless at its own beauty. The road is in spiral, leaving passengers dizzy. This journey is not for the weak stomachs. Travellers need a special permit to traverse this path.
Where: Sikkim
10. Gata Loops
At 15,547 feet, this spectacular Manali-Leh highway has 21 hairpin bends. If that wasn’t enough, the area is also known to be haunted. If it’s the ghosts of the travelers who never got to see it or the ones who died trying, we’ll probably never know. This road is surely an adventure for the thrill seekers but, it’s also frightening.
Where: Himachal Pradesh – Ladakh
These dangerous roads are on our to do list this year. How can we miss something that’s so beautiful? Safety is always the first priority, so, we’ll drive slowly. The view is too good to just skim through anyway. These roads lead to destinations just as beautiful so, the trip will be worth it. Which ones of these are on your list?
Also read: Trek To Ladakh’s Stok Kangri Peak May Now Be Banned For The Next Three Years!