The most dangerous roads in the world are frequently those that have been carved into the mountainside and are situated at elevations that will amaze you. While some roads slope and curve into the ferocious waves found close to the beach. People frequently choose the less traveled route for a reason, especially those looking for adventures. Many people travel on these scary roads and take in the magnificent beauty of nature despite all the life-threatening scenery and highways. Explore this list of the most dangerous roads in the world that will surprise you, whether it includes bends, steep mountain drops, or roads through conflict zones. Tread carefully!
1. Guoliang Tunnel Road, China –
Our first entry in the most dangerous roads in the world is The tunnel that connects the town of Guoliang to the outside through the Taihang Mountains, which are located in the Huixian, Xinxiang, Henan Province of China. Yes, “carved” in a mountain. The tunnel, which was built by just 13 villagers over the course of five years, is utilized by both automobiles and pedestrians. The mountain is reputed to provide stunning views and has grown into a popular tourist destination in China. This one is a must-avoid if you’re staying away from the most dangerous roads in the world.
2. Stelvio pass, Italy –
This mountain pass in northern Italy is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps and also among the most dangerous roads in the world, rising 2,757 meters above sea level. Although it’s not the most picturesque route on this list, it’s nevertheless a fantastic riding route that has hosted numerous cycling competitions. The road was chosen as Top Gear’s preferred driving route back in 2008, but we differ because there are so many other beautiful roads on this list—another Top Gear favorite driving route actually appears further down this list. A humdinger in the list of most dangerous roads in the world.
3. Transfǎgǎrǎçan, Romania –
Transylvania is connected to Muntenia by Ceaușescu’s Folly, a paved mountain route that cuts across the Romanian Carpathian Mountains’ southern region. After the Transalpina, the road ascends to a height of 2,042 meters, making it Romania’s second-highest mountain pass. Long curves, severe descents, and several steep hairpin twists characterize the twisty road. For hikers, cyclists, drivers, and motorbike enthusiasts, it offers both an attraction and a challenge when compared to other most dangerous roads in the world. This route was named the “World’s Best Road Trip” by Top Gear in 2009 and still is counted among the most dangerous roads in the world.
4. Khardung La Pass, India –
In the Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir, this road is a mountain pass which is deserving of being in any list of the most dangerous roads in the world. It is a three-hour drive up a twisting road and is not for the faint of heart because it is 5,359 meters above sea level. These roads are not paved, and the frozen mixture of ice and mud that serves as a road creates a slick, narrow route with extremely steep dips right next to you. There are also no safety barriers next to the road. This trail travels through isolated locations, therefore there is typically a chance of delays because of backed-up traffic on one-lane parts, washouts, landslides, and accidents on the road. A scary entry among the most dangerous roads in the world.
5. Col De La Bonette, France –
This is a significant mountain pass in the French Alps that is close to the Italian border and among the most dangerous roads in the world for a reason. It is located in the Mercantour National Park, straddling the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments. The road across the col is the Alps’ seventh-highest paved road. The road is the tallest in all of Europe. The pass ends at about 2700 meters, but a recent extension made by the French to keep the title gave it its full height. Although it is the steepest road in Europe, the Col de la Bonnette ascension is not as challenging as one might anticipate given the good road surface and spectacular surroundings.
6. Eshima Ohashi, Japan –
Over Nakaumi lake, this rigid-frame bridge in Japan connects Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, with Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. The largest rigid-frame bridge in Japan and the third largest in the world, it was constructed between 1997 and 2004. Its extraordinary gradient, which is 6.1% on the side facing Shimane Prefecture and 5.1% on the side facing Tottori Prefecture, lends it a rollercoaster-like aspect.
The steep start alone would have given us nightmares; thus we would have preferred not to take our license test on this scary entry in the most dangerous roads in the world.
7. Karakoram Highway, Pakistan –
The N-35, or National Highway 35, is a 1300 km national highway in Pakistan that runs from Hasan Abdal in the Punjab province to the Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan. It is also known as the Karakoram Highway and the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. The highway, which travels across the Karakoram mountain range at a height of 4,714 meters, is a well-liked tourist destination. It is also one of the most dangerous roads in the world. It is known as the ‘great wonder’ due to its great height and the challenging circumstances in which it was built. A unique choice among the most dangerous roads in the world.
8. Zojila Pass, India –
The pass, which connects Ladakh and Kashmir, is essential, but because of the hazardous winter weather, becomes one of the most dangerous roads in the world, cutting off Ladakh from the global remains. The roads are narrow, the drops are high, and there are no barriers even when the sun is shining. Overturned buses, wrecked cars, and livestock are all over the place. You will encounter everything, from strong winds to heavy snowfall, on this high-altitude route. Your search for the most dangerous roads in the world probably ends here.
9. Caucasus Road, Russia –
A Russian entry among the most dangerous roads in the world is a must. The “Caucasus” Highway or Road, commonly known as Russian Route M29, runs from Krasnodar to Chechnya and Dagestan until coming to an end at the Russian-Azerbaijani border. Its 1118 kilometers of magnificent beauty, run the length of it. Although the road appears to be easy to travel on, there are several sections that are difficult to navigate through and may be quite small, making the trip both magnificent and terrifying in some places. Truly one of the most dangerous roads in the world by far.
10. Gotthard Pass, Switzerland –
A high mountain pass in the Alps that connects north and south Switzerland is known as the Gotthard Pass or St. Gotthard Pass. It is one of the Alps’ highest mountain passes, rising 2091 meters above sea level. Throughout the pass, there are numerous precipitous drops and turns that can be difficult for drivers of all skill levels. Over the years, the road has undergone numerous improvements to make it safer and simpler to go from one side to the other. This road is crowded with vacationers who come to admire the breathtaking sights during the summer. One of the most dangerous roads in the world, indeed.
11. Skippers Canyon Road, NZ –
The 16.5-mile route, which is in New Zealand, was manually dug by miners more than 140 years ago. Even your auto insurance won’t be honored if you drive on the road because it is so hazardous and among the most dangerous roads in the world. Don’t forget your camera—the drive is absolutely worthwhile because it offers some of the most breathtaking photo opportunities! It is made of gravel and relatively narrow, despite being incredibly scenic. The Skippers Canyon will put your driving skills to the test with its winding, narrow roads, high elevations, steep grades, and twisting hairpin turns. When taking on this one, it’s crucial to be ready due to its unusual and distant location, as well as the poor road conditions. One of the most dangerous roads in the world, for sure.
12. Los Caracoles Pass, Chile –
It is situated in the Andes Mountains, halfway between Argentina and Chile, and is known as the “snails” pass. Another road that is popular among most dangerous roads in the world and with both bicycles and motorcyclists but is frequently congested with traffic, especially trucks and lorries trying to negotiate the treacherous bends and turns of the road without any fences or security around it. So, if you want to gamble and believe you have excellent driving skills, you might enjoy this route. However, for the time being, we don’t plan to add it to our list any time soon. One of the most dangerous roads in the world, if you’re wishing for an untimely life risk.
13. Atlantic Road, Norway –
Seven bridges on the picturesque Atlantic Road, also referred to as one of the most dangerous roads in the world, and allows it to follow the seaside islands. Due to a combination of cutting-edge engineering and breathtaking locations of exceptional beauty along the route, this National Trust tourist route, which was first opened to the public in 1989, is regarded as the most magnificent road trip in the entire world. Watch your step on this one, as some of the roads has a rollercoaster-like sensation to it with its curved bridges that frequently have waves pouring over them and its tight dips.
14. Yungas Road, Bolivia –
The “Death Route” is also referred to as El Camino de la Muerteto by the locals, and in 1995 it was fittingly named among the most dangerous roads in the world. Over 25,000 mountain bikers are drawn to this 40-mile road each year, making it a popular tourist cycling path. Don’t be fooled by the beautiful surroundings and landscape; this road is not for the faint of heart, and should be avoided at all costs. One of the most dangerous roads in the world, since a long time.
15. Trollstigen Mountain Road, Norway –
One of the most dangerous roads in the world is the Trollstigen Mountain Road, which is tucked away in the highlands off the country’s western coast. It is a section of Norwegian County Road 63, which links Valldal Village in Norddal Municipality to the town of Andalsnes in Rauma. Rnevegen, or “the Eagle Route,” is the name given to the highest section of the road up the hillside from Geiranger to Eidsdal, at 620 meters above sea level. The road is narrow with numerous hairpin bends. Here, the route ascends to Stigrra, located 858 meters above sea level, via winding through eleven hairpin turns. Last but not least among the most dangerous roads in the world.
