There are several dangerous roads in the world. And they all have a few things in common, like cliffs, unstable geological formations, severe weather conditions, high altitude, and lack of safety measures.
These serious concerns do not stop thrill lovers from traveling to the most dangerous roads in the world. Despite the danger, they go there to experience the unseen beauty and adventure to explore.
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From Bolivia to China and Italy to the Philippines, various deadliest roads in the world take lives every year. Following is the list of the top 12 of them.
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Following are the most dangerous roads in the world that you might not know but would love to go to if you are an adventurer.
1. North Yungas Road – Bolivia
The North Yungas Road, or the Road of Death, is considered one of the most dangerous roads. This road is a mere 10 feet wide and stretches for miles on the side of a mountain. The road runs for over 40 miles in these conditions.
The narrow route, combined with unpredictable weather, makes this route one of the deadliest. Until 1994, at least one car fell over its cliff every two weeks.
2. Sichuan-Tibet Highway – China
Another dangerous road in China is the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. It is running through mountains. Further, the highway is high, and narrow, and has a higher-than-average chance of clouds due to climate and elevation conditions. The road runs for 2028 kilometers through steep elevations and mountainous terrain.
Despite being one of the scariest routes, it offers the best scenic beauty of nature. The snowcapped mountains with chilly weather and icy winds will welcome you. But you must be an experienced driver, as driving on these roads is no less than any extreme sport.
3. Pan-American Highway – Alaska to Argentina
The Pan American Highways are also known as being extremely dangerous. These roads run for nearly 30,000 miles from Alaska to South America. The Guinness Book of World Records has named it the longest motorable road in the world. However, it has recorded the most fatal crashes in 2015. It has rough terrain and goes through several different types of land formations. Moreover, landslides, extreme temperatures, sudden, steep drops, and other hazardous events occur frequently.
Since it passes through diverse terrain and weather conditions, it is risky to travel through this route without any safety precautions. Driving through the deserts, glaciers, rugged mountains, and jungles is not a piece of cake for any average driver.
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4. Stelvio Pass – Italy
Despite being one of the most structured and paved roads on the list, it is considered a challenging road by many experts. The zigzag road, sharp and sudden 180-degree turns with 48 hairpin bends, can be dangerous. One wrong move can cause serious threats to life.
On the other hand, this 15-mile-long road serves one of the most breathtaking views of the Alps. Moreover, it is one of the highest roads in Europe. So, it is a must-check-out for adventure enthusiasts.
5. Guoliang Tunnel – China
Another road in China that has been considered to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world is the Guoliang Tunnel in the Taihang Mountains. This road takes its name from the Chinese meaning road that does not tolerate any mistakes. The name indicates that drivers have to maintain a sharp, laser focus on driving while crossing this risky tunnel. What makes it more interesting is the fact that it was drilled manually by the villagers for 5 long years.
Originally, this tunnel was considered a gateway to the outside world for the people of remote villages. The tunnel is 15 feet high and 12 feet wide, which can be scary to drive through.
6. Luzon the Halsema Highway – Philippines
Located in the Philippines on the island of Luzon, the Halsema Highway is known for being dangerous. You have to consider multiple factors when driving on this road. For instance, a high chance of landslides on this road, unpaved routes and hindrance of massive stones, or the possibility of extremely cloudy conditions.
7. Skippers Canyon Road – South West New Zealand
While it offers the best scenic views, it also causes several deaths every year. The Skippers Canyon Road was created by hand drilling 3 meters, and now it has become one of the most popular and thrilling destinations.
This road is extremely narrow and winding and has sudden hairpins that not any inexperienced driver can watch out for. Two vehicles can not pass each other on this route. Since there are no railings or guardrails, a small mistake can result in serious life concerns.
8. Karakoram Highway – Pakistan
If you are traveling from Pakistan to China by the Karakoram Highway, there is much chance for danger. This road is the highest paved road in the world and is known to be a tourist attraction for its stunning views. It is also called the 8th wonder of the world.
It passes through three notable mountains: the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush, making this route dangerous yet most breathtaking. Sadly, many people die in tragic accidents while passing through this road every year, just like any other dangerous road in the world.
9. Cotahuasi Canyon Road – Peru
The list of most dangerous roads in the world is incomplete without mentioning this one located in Peru, South America. The road is not paved, narrow, remote, and punctuated with waterfalls and hot springs. In short, it has all the features that can attract any adventure lover.
It was built in the 2000s, and only a 4×4 vehicle can cross it ideally. The climate is variable and unreliable. Still, tourists from every corner travel to Cotahuasi Canyon Road to experience the rarest natural beauty.
10. Russian Siberian Road – Russia
The Russian Siberian Road to Yakutsk is another very dangerous road. This road is a government-owned road and the only road that is available to get into Yakutsk. The road becomes very dangerous when it rains as it is made of clay that can quickly turn into mud. This mud has been known to swallow vehicles and even tractors.
11. Rural Russian Road
Although this road has appeared to just be another road and somewhat normal, there are an unusual number of accidents, and those who have accidents report not remembering anything before the accident and seem to be drugged after the accident. It is rumored that dangerous gases seep out from the ground that make the people suffer.
Some other roads that are significantly more dangerous are located in Nepal, Tibet, and Bangladesh. These areas have roads that are not properly maintained and that causes issues to tourists and travelers.
12. Taroko Gorge Road – Taiwan
It is a narrow and winding road where you will find cars, bikes, buses, and even pedestrians crossing. It is used for transportation, travel, and transferring logistics. Despite being created with the utmost skills and expertise, it is one of the scariest routes to take.
Experienced travelers suggest not to travel there in the rainy season as there is a chance of landslides, rockfall, dislodged soil, and other hazards.
Conclusion
Traveling can be scary enough alone but add in traveling on one of the world’s most dangerous roads and you too might have problems with being able to get home safe and sound.