As car enthusiasts, driving on roads that prove to be a challenge is always a task worth attempting. Imagine driving along a scenic route, enjoying the views, when around the bend the road narrows and the strong winds plummet your car off the edge. We have accumulated our own list of 10 of the world’s most dangerous roads to get your adrenaline pumping, so fasten your seat belts, you’re in for a ride!
10. Stelvio Pass- Italy
The Stelvio pass in Italy descends in a zigzag layout across many miles. The road is one of the highest passes to drive along in the European Alps. Voted the best driving road in 2008 by Top Gear, and with an incredible 48 hairpin turns, the road may not be the most dangerous on our list, but it certainly is the most winding. Concentration is key so make sure you’re not distracted by the glorious Alpine views.
9. Sichuan-Tibet Highway- China
The road begins in Chengdu of Sichuan on the east and ends at Lhasa in Tibet on the west; the trip may take around 15 days so make sure you’re not in a hurry! Motorists braving this death trap will be rewarded with views of the region’s majestic peaks and picturesque landscapes. The Sichuan-Tibet Highway has claimed thousands of lives over the years, and a single mistake could result in death. This high-elevated road takes you through open landslides and majestic scenes. Landslides and rock avalanches are just some of the difficulties you may face on this ride.
8. Atlantic Road- Norway
Named the best drive in the world by the Guardian in 2006 and one of the most scenic drives in the world. The road is also home to Storseisundet Bridge, ‘the bridge to nowhere’, with an approach that looks like a ramp to the sky! Driving along this road is like teetering on to the edge of the sea. The brutal waves of the Norwegian Sea often crash over the road during stormy weather conditions, so be make sure you’re prepared for it all, this one is definitely a roller coaster!
7. Zojila Pass- India
The Zojila Pass is a vital link between Ladakh and Kashmir, It is often closed during winter due to the treacherous conditions, closing off Ladakh from the rest of the world. Even when the sun is shining the drops are steep, the roads are narrow and there’s no barriers. It is littered with overturned buses, crashed cars and livestock. This high-altitude pass will make you experience it all, from heavy snowfall to high winds.
6. Siberian Road to Yakutsk- Russia
This unpaved Russian highway (also known as the A360 Lena Highway) runs straight through Siberia. During the winter (which is ten months long), temperatures get so low you can’t wear your glasses, as the metal will freeze to your face. The road crosses mountains, forests, deserts and much more. During summer the icy road turns to mud, which is when driving conditions become worse. In July and August the road is a mud blanket swallowing vehicles. It is the only available route to arrive to the city of Yakutsk, so motorists have no choice. The road is isolated, so carrying survival supplies is key, just in case you get stuck. Fun fact- This road is the only road where the coldest temperature has ever been recorded outside Antarctica.
5. North Yungas road- Bolivia
It is estimated that around 200-300 people fall to their deaths in trucks, cars and buses every year. Cycling along this road is now one of the most popular activities for backpackers. It’s barely the width of one vehicle and has no guardrails to protect you from falls of up to 2,000 feet. To make it worse, weather conditions such as fog, dust clouds and rain reduces visibility to almost zero, along with mudslides and waterfalls. The North Yungas Road, also known as the Death Road, was labelled as the ‘world’s most dangerous road’. The good news, however, is that an alternative route has now been built and since then it has lost its title of the world’s most dangerous road.
4. Skippers Canyon Road- New Zealand
Located in the southwest of New Zealand, the Skippers Canyon Road constitutes of 16.5 miles and was hand carved by miners over 140 years ago. The road is so dangerous that even your car insurance won’t be honoured if you drive on it. The drive is definitely worth it, with the most beautiful views, there are many excellent photo opportunities; so don’t forget your camera! Although incredibly scenic, it is extremely narrow and formed of gravel. From twisty hairpin turns, high elevations, steep grades and winding and narrow roads, the Skippers Canyon is certainly a test of your ability. Due to its unique and remote location and bad road conditions, it is important to be prepared when tackling this one.
3. Fairy Meadows Road- Pakistan
Located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, this spectacular and dangerous mountain track consists of a length of 16.2km. Combined with unstable gravelled roads, treacherous high altitude and narrow turns. A drive along Fairy Meadow Road means that you’re certainly in for a ride. Although it is a picturesque destination the absence of guardrails and barriers means there is nothing preventing a vehicle from falling off the cliff. This road is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Did we mention it’s all gravel?
2. Keylong Kishtwar Road- India
Located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, the road is a mind-numbing vertical drop of thousands of feet, so you might want to give the Keylong Kishtwar Road a miss on a windy day. It is one of the most dangerous roads and a true test of your ability. The wonderful views of the mountains spread out before you are just some of the few scenic views you will encounter. Weather conditions such as wind and rain can make the road muddy and slippery, making it a challenge to get through, even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
1. Bayburt D915- Turkey
This 66-mile-long Bayburt D915 road consists on 29 hairpin bends with no railings or barriers to prevent cars from plunging off the edge. Dangerousroads.org have recently named it as the most dangerous road in the world, beating Yungas road in Bolivia due to its risk factor. Parts of the road are closed during the winter months due to snow blizzards and treacherous weather conditions. This road will test the skill and courage of all drivers, and there is no room for error. Avalanches, landslides and heavy snowfalls are just some of the obstacles you will face when tackling the world’s most dangerous road. Bayburt highway is a working road used by locals driving every form of transport. The road is a true highway to hell and has taken numerous lives in recent years- therefore being given the title of the most dangerous road in the world on our list!
Which of these roads would you dare take on? Just imagine breaking down on one of these roads – having a would prove more than useful!
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