We all love to travel and explore new places. Sometimes we want to return to our favorite places. People travel for many reasons, to explore an exotic new destination or to take break from routine monotonous life or to know the other cultures of this diverse planet. Whatever be the reason, traveling gives us delightful experience and sometimes helps us in self discovery. Roads play significant role while traveling .Its most common and convenient modes of transportation. So today in this article I am going to tell you about 10 most dangerous roads in India.
It takes us to our destination if we are not traveling by train or air. Traveling on Indian roads is pleasant experience and sometimes it all turns into an adventurous and dangerous one. Some of them are smooth and easy to travel while some roads are so risky that you almost deserve medal to drive your vehicles on these dangerous roads .What makes this roads dangerous are its harsh weather, risky bumps and turns, breathlessness and many other factors. Let’s knows about this wonderful roads of India which looks challenging and also gives you adrenaline rush while traveling.
Rohtang pass
Rohtang pass is famous for its splendid and panoramic views. It is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 13,054 ft above the sea level located on the eastern Pir Panjal range of Himalayas. This pass connects Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti, it also provides access to Leh. The roads demands careful and courageous driving because of heavy snowfall, heavy mist and frequent patches of ice. There is also peculiar fact attached to its name, Rohtang Pass means “Land of corpses”. It’s because many people died while trying to cross this road. So, though dangerous, Rohtang pass is worth a visit to view scenic beauty of snow capped mountains, valleys and have fun in ice.
Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass comes under one of the highest motor able and dangerous roads in the world. It is located in the magnificent Himalayas, on the border between India and China. It’s a major link between Sikkim and Tibet. This high mountain pass is situated at an elevation of 4,310 m (14,140ft) above sea level. It’s an adventurous feet to cross this pass because of its steepness and heavy snow. It can be closed at any time because of landslides and heavy snowfall. So, when you visit place, make sure you are hiring good vehicle with skilled driver. Also keep yourself warm by wearing proper woolen clothes. It’s a awesome place to see the beautiful nature in rough, natural and rustic form and also salute our hard working soldiers who are toiling day and night to keep us safe.
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Zojila Pass
Zojila Pass also known as Zoji Pass or Zojila is high mountain pass in Jammu and Kashmir. People comes here to watch the breathtaking views of valleys and gorges. Through this pass you can go to Leh Ladakh. Heavy snowfall, low temperature and rough weather make it a memorable but scary drive. Still it makes a thrilling experience because of its wonderful natural beauty.
Munnar road
Munnar is a popular honeymoon destination. It is a beautiful hill station situated in Kerala .The Munnar road starts from Kochi and ends at Adimali. Though the road is smooth, the zigzag turns and steepness makes it a risky drive. Tea plantations are chief attraction of this place .Awesome views of mountains, Western Ghats and waterfalls makes it an unforgettable experience. You can also stop and click snaps near waterfalls.
Gata Loops
While driving from Manali to Leh , you will come across a series of 20 hairpin bends that take you to Nakeela , a high altitude pass at 16000 feet. While continuing on your journey you will come across a Shrine on the road with piles of water bottles and some packets of biscuits kept reverently. These offerings are kept to appease a soul or spirit that haunts this place. People says that few years ago , a truck with its driver and cleaner were headed towards Leh. The truck broke down near Gata Loops due to heavy snowfall. As all other routes were closed, there are no other vehicles in road. So, the driver decided to go to the nearby village and take some help while the cleaner was left behind to safeguard the truck. Bad weather made it impossible for driver to return to the truck for few days. By the time he returned, the cleaner had died of thirst, cold and hunger. When the highway opened the following year, people saw strange boy in form of beggar asking for food and water. Soon the word spread and local people established a Shrine in the name of dead. Local people, passersby often made offerings of food and water in shrine.
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Sach Pass
pic credit – Tony John
Sach Pass is a high mountain pass situated in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It connects Chamba and Pangi valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is known as one of the toughest route because of water flowing from the fall right through the roads and heavy rocks which block the road sometimes. Still it’s a must visit place for its stunning natural beauty. You can find here beautiful walls of snow; it’s a awesome place to enjoy the snowfall. You need IDs to show at Checkpoints to army .Avoid self driving and hire a local taxi with good driver to enjoy the thrilling and memorable experience. It’s a very difficult and treacherous road. But views of snow covered mountains are simple awesome and refreshing. It’s like a little heaven on earth with breath taking natural scenic beauty.
Chang La
The Chang La is a highest motor able road in India. It is the high mountain pass in Ladakh. It is situated at an elevation of 17,590 ft above sea level. People often encounter here problem of road closure because of blockage by snow and loose stones. It’s a perfect place to views the magnificent snow covered mountains. It’s quite a chilly place, so make sure you are wearing sufficient warm clothes. You can also visit beautiful temple here dedicated to Changla Baba to seek blessings and then continue your journey. Don’t forget to take memorable selfies and pictures of this wonderful place.
Leh – Manali highway
The Leh Manali highway is considered as one of the toughest and dangerous
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Killar to Kishtwar Highway road
This highway is not meant for faint hearted as it is known as world‘s most dangerous roads.This is a road between Kishtwar (Jammu and Kasmir ) and Khillar (Himachal Pradesh).It is dreaded by most people because of its extreme narrowness. The road is in poor condition and need extremely skilled and focused driving.
Khardung La Pass
This magnificent mountain pass is situated in Ladakh region of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys. It makes a very risky and adventurous drive as roads often becomes slippery because of snow, difficult terrains and windy cold weather. But is offers mind blowing views from top .It’s a thrilling experience to go through the mountain peak and view the awesome scenic beauty of surrounding valley.