Some roads make your heart skip a beat.
Adventure of a lifetime or a driver’s worst nightmare? You decide. While there’s no dearth of scenic highways and smooth expressways in India, there are roads that test every ounce of your courage. While narrow roads, low hanging cliffs, hairpin bends, and extreme climatic conditions are best avoided, for thrill-seekers, driving on such roads is the highlight of every road trip.
If you’ve ever wanted to find out about the most dangerous roads in India, here’s a list that will excite you and maybe even scare you a little. But before you start planning, remember: adventure and safety should always go together. Drive carefully, prepare well, and respect the road.
Zoji La sits at around 11,600 feet and is one of the main links between Srinagar and Leh, on paper. It doesn’t sound too bad, but once you’re there, the word’ nerve-wracking will have a whole new meaning. The road is narrow, often muddy, and prone to landslides. Add heavy snow to the mix, and suddenly, even experienced drivers feel their palms sweat.
A demanding drive can be made comfortable and stress free with a self-drive car rental from Revv. Enjoy independence and privacy – no sharing, no overheard conversations, and no compromises.
Another jewel of Ladakh, Chang La, is perched at 17,590 feet. The road is steep, rough, and often covered in snow. The thin oxygen adds to the difficulty, making it one of the toughest passes to drive through. Even seasoned drivers take it slow here.
But just like Khardung La, the reward is worth it – snowy peaks, vast open skies, and that unbeatable sense of achievement when you finally make it across. A self-drive car rental might just make your journey that much more convenient because of multiple reasons like the choice of the right car, all-India permits, unlimited distance option, and more. If planning an adventure, start with a quick look at the Revv website.
Among scary roads in India is the Rohtang Pass, the name literally translates to “pile of corpses,”. Not too reassuring, right? At 13,058 feet, this pass connects Manali to Lahaul and Spiti. Heavy snowfall makes it one of the toughest routes to cross, and sudden weather changes can throw even confident drivers off balance.
And if you’re planning a trip here, it’s worth considering a self-drive SUV rental instead of taking your own car – those steep climbs and slippery stretches are easier to handle in a vehicle built for such terrain.
NH-22 is also known as the Hindustan-Tibet Highway. One of the most infamous roads in India. The Taranda Dhank stretch is especially bone-chilling, with cliffside paths that have barely enough room for a vehicle. Add tunnels and sharp turns, and you’ve got yourself a road that feels straight out of an adventure film.
Despite the fear it brings, NH-22 is fascinating. It’s a reminder of how incredible engineering can carve paths through impossible landscapes. But it’s also a road where extra caution is non-negotiable.
At 18,379 feet, Khardung La was once famous as the highest motorable road in the world. The air is so thin that you’ll feel breathless quickly, and sudden snow or icy patches can make the road tricky. Despite the challenges, Khardung La is iconic. Do it for the bragging rights alone. Bikers and adventure lovers from across the world come here to test themselves. The road is as much about endurance as it is about skill.
If there was ever a road made to test your fear of heights, this is it. The Kishtwar-Killar stretch looks like it’s been scratched into the side of a mountain. One wrong move, and you’re looking at a vertical drop of hundreds of feet. The road is so narrow that two cars can barely pass each other, and there are no guardrails to offer comfort.
It’s dangerous, yes, but the views make it worth it. Many drivers call it the scariest road in India, and honestly, they’re not wrong. Consider the best car rental service to pick the right car for yourself, and at the best prices. Exploring the country’s most dangerous road requires absolute trust in your vehicle. Pick out the right ride for rugged terrains and enjoy the convenience of doorstep delivery.
Neral-Matheran road is one of the well-known dangerous roads in India. Closer to Mumbai, it is smaller than the Himalayan passes but no less thrilling. With sharp hairpin bends, steep climbs, and roads that get foggy and slippery in the monsoon, this stretch demands focus.
Matheran itself is a vehicle-free hill station, so cars stop at a parking point near Dasturi Naka. From there, you continue on foot or horseback, making it one of the most unique hill drives in India. It’s a shorter challenge, but definitely not one to underestimate.
The roads leading to Munnar are narrow, winding, and often hidden under thick mist. During the monsoon, they become slippery and unpredictable, keeping drivers on edge.
What makes up for the risk is the drop-dead gorgeous views waiting for you – lush green tea estates, rolling hills, and cool fresh air that instantly lifts your mood. Driving here is less about speed and more about enjoying the calm beauty of the Western Ghats.
Talking about dangerous roads in India, seventy continuous hairpin bends in just 46 kilometers – navigating Kolli Hills Road is not for the faint-hearted. It’s dizzying, demanding, and downright exhausting for drivers. Every turn requires full attention, and overtaking is almost impossible.
The locals call these the “Mountains of Death,” but the road has its charm. At the top, you’re rewarded with peaceful hill views, waterfalls, and a break from the chaos of city life. This road is proof that danger and beauty often come hand in hand.
Near the Indo-China border, Bum La Pass sits at 15,200 feet and is one of the most remote roads in India. The icy conditions, rough terrain, and extreme cold make it a serious challenge. For much of the year, the road remains closed, and even when open, it’s not for everyone.
Yet for those who do make it here, the experience feels surreal. It’s not just about the road—it’s about standing in a place where history was made, and where very few people ever go.
Of course, you don’t need to risk your own car on these adventures. A self-drive car rental is the first thing to finalise. You can pick a sturdy SUV designed for tough terrains, enjoy the freedom to stop wherever you like, and travel at your own pace. Whether it’s the steep bends of the Kolli Hills or the icy passes of Ladakh, having the right car makes all the difference. And with Revv, the process is easy, flexible, and reliable.
No matter which route you are choosing, there nearby places to visit where you can stay for as many days as you want. To make the most out of this trip, you can go for a self-drive car rental in India. You can very easily get safe and sanitized cars from Revv. All that you need to do is to visit Revv’s website or browse through the app. Make sure you choose a car that is right for these kinds of roads.
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