They often say it’s the road that matters and not the destination, well in the case of these routes the statement couldn’t be truer. Often craved by the daredevils and feared by helpless residents, these roads are not for the faint of heart. The list below documents some of such life risking paths that may or may not lead you to a destination.
1. Zoji La Pass
With 60 landslides, several deaths and truck accidents, if there is a ‘highway to hell’ then this narrow strip is the name for it. This 9km long rocky strip at a height of 11,575 ft (3,528 meters) is also marked by high winds and heavy snowfall during winters. There is no relief in other seasons too as the area experiences storms and rainfall, making its weak muddy path dangerous for even two-wheelers. Zoji La Pass (also known as Zojila or Zoji La) is one of the highest motor passes in the world making it a gem for all the daredevils looking for that one crazy adventure.
2. Chang La
You will surely need Baba’s blessing for this dangerous road, situated at a height of 5,360 m above the sea level. Chang La claimed as the third highest motorable pass in the world and thus is no surprise that drivers experience breathlessness and nausea while passing through this route. It’s heavily guarded by the military due to its close borders with China. This 134 km long route on the way to Pangong Lake from Leh remains snow-covered throughout the year and locates in Ladakh region.
3. Khardung La
It’s quite a debate among International media whether Khardungla Pass is world’s highest motor road or not but this 39.7 km stretch from Leh, at an altitude of 5,359 meters is surely India’s greatest adventure. The road is often covered with thick snow and is an important gateway to the Nubra and Shyok Valley and to Siachen Glacier. Being open throughout the year, the road is always boasting of adventures travelers . The pass lies on the Caravan Route which once was the popular Silk trading route between India and China. So due to its closeness to China, is always guarded by military checkpoints, with a temple and café of the same making it a famous spot for the passers-by.
4. Kinnaur Road
The infamous Taranda ‘dhank’ (cliff) which is too unreal to exist gives this dangerous road “an edge” with its artistic structure. But not only does this route marks narrow and deadly hairpin bends but also has frequent landslides. The route being the only connection to Kinnaur and rest of the India, the place is always buzzing with “life” and scenic views that often speak of an unknown mystery.
5. Killar-Kishtwar road
This is a terrifying road, located in Jammu region’s Kishtwar District. It is definitely a BAD idea to drive on this road, unless you want to risk your life. This is a narrow and windy road and has no secure edging or guard for around 100 miles. You will get goosebumps when you look at the valley 1000’s of feet below. Traveling on this road on a windy day is a STRICT NO. You will find rocks hanging down on this road, which would obstruct the view of the traffic, making it even more dangerous. Novice drivers must never ever take this route.
6. Spiti Valley Road
Imagine ditching the famous Leh-Manali Highway and biking through a dangerous road that has no houses, no people, no vehicles to give way to, or anything to remind of the world we have left. Your imagination is brought to life with the 137km Spiti Valley Road that links Kaza and Gramphoo (Lahual and Spiti) with no pavement on 80% of the route. Driving on this road is like playing with mother nature asking for safe passage from melting glaciers, struggling through slippery sand and driving at an 11000 feet height that the road is situated at.
7. Nakee-la Road
Rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a tourist who was buried here, this 23km climb to the pass with 21 hairpin bends is called 21 ‘Gata loops’. As the road rises from 4250m to 4980m to the Nakee-la, so does the adrenaline rush of the adventures riding through the path.
8. Three Level Zigzag road
They say devil lies in the details and this particular road brings life to the proverb. The road marking more than 100 hairpins in just 30km, also happens to be one of the most scenic drives in the world. This spiral road is located in the historic Old Silk Route from Tibet to India, on the bumpy landscape of the lower Himalayas in East Sikkim. A trip to the area requires special permits but considering its unbelievable geometry of curves, breath skipping sunrise views and a divine scenery that you will never forget, who wouldn’t want that permit?
9. Kolli Hills Road
Imagine 70 hairpin bends, with pot holes and patches throughout the road and all leading to Kolli Malai or ‘the mountains of death’. The only relief this dangerous mountain road of 46.7 km offers is the scenic views, so make sure you’re driving at a snail’s speed as you soak in this beautiful adventure.
10. Nathu La
One of the highest motorable roads in the world, this daredevil’s dream is open for Indian nationals on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Located at a height of 4,310 m (14,140 ft) above the sea level, this little adventure cannot be captured in pictures as photography is strictly prohibited. The place also boasts of the world’s highest ATM facility. Lucky us!!
Think I missed out on such daredevil paths? Drop your reviews in the comments below.