Scariest Roads in India That Are A Driver's Nightmare

This list of the scariest roads in India will easily scare the most daredevil of individuals but it's astounding that so many people still continue to travel on them. Hugged by steep cliffs, devoid of guard rails and having little to no semblance of maintenance, these scary roads are absolute horror to drive one. Today, we've compiled this list of the scariest roads in India that are a driver's nightmare. If anything, this compilation should convince you to avoid these perilous paths during your next road trip.

NH 22 - Himachal Pradesh

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Carved by cutting massive rocks, National Highway 22 is considered one of the most dangerous highways in the world. Though the highway itself starts in Ambala and takes you through Haryana, the stretch around the Taranda Dhank cliff in the Kinnaur region is its most dangerous part. It has claimed many lives due to its sharp blind turns and overhanging rocks.

Khardung La Pass – Ladakh

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Local signs incorrectly tell you that the elevation of this pass is 5,602 metres, but it's actually 5,359 metres. That still doesn't stop it from being one the highest motorable passes in the world. Built and maintained by Border Roads Organisation, it is used to carry supplies to the Siachen Glacier. Consisting mostly of narrow one-lane sections, it is frequently prone to washouts, landslides, and road accidents.

Kishtwar Kailash Highway - Jammu and Kashmir

Here's another among these scariest roads in India that are a driver's nightmare. Located between Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, it's filled with scary turns and bad driving conditions. Drivers who have erred on this road have met their demise by falling 600 metres to their death.

Nathu La Pass – Sikkim

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Nathu La Pass is closed during peak winters and for good reason. The heavy snow on the roads and the resultant ice sheets make it a perilous route to take. Located along the Indo-China border, it also acts as an alternative route to the pilgrimage of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. If you somehow ignore the scary nature of this pass, however, the beautiful surroundings will indeed take your breath away.

Rohtang Pass - Himachal Pradesh

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One of the busiest passes in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the Rohtang Pass connects the Kullu Valley to Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Although not particularly high, it is made dangerous by unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards. Under the Rohtang Pass sits the Atal Tunnel that was built recently and is the longest single-tube tunnel above 3,048 metres in the world.

Those are what we think are the scariest roads in India. There are a few honourable (dishonourable?) mentions that didn't make the list as well. These include the landslide-prone Zoji La Pass, the snow-covered Chang La Pass, and the turnings-strewn Sela Pass. Driving along any of these roads is always going to be perilous.