If you have meandered around on scenic roads, having photo ops and roadside fun, driving casually with one hand on the steering and changing radio stations with the other, this story about the most dangerous roads in India is not for you. It’s a serious affair driving across these roads and requires skilled driving. Weather check is of utmost importance while you navigate these roads, and so is carrying appropriate clothes and medical care. This guide will inspire adventure enthusiasts to burn some rubber for sure; read on for the love of thrill and roads!

Leh-Manali Highway

Driving in this tough terrain is quite a challenge; although India is invariably infamous for its bad roads, this one would be quite a ride. The Leh-Manali Highway is one of the most beautiful roads in the country but as dangerous as it is beautiful. Stretching for about 490 km, this road passes through Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. While driving on this one, the driver should be extra cautious and attentive, for the weather becomes extremely cold and no humans are seen for long stretches. Do carry extra fuel for emergency situations.

Zoji La Pass Stretch

Resting at an elevation of 11575 ft above sea level, the Zoji La Pass is about 9 km along and passing through this strip of rock is no child’s play. It’s the western section of the Himalayas on NH-1, tucked between Srinagar and Leh. This dangerous patch is the second highest after Fotu La and is often closed in winters due to bad weather. Once you make it up to here, the view of the Himalayas is worth dying for and is a once in a lifetime experience. Drive cautiously while you are here, have control on your wheels and you will be all set to enjoy this thrilling ride.

Khardung La Pass Stretch

A gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valley, Khardung La is supposed to be world’s highest motorable road, about 40 km away from Leh. Located in the Karakoram Range, this pass offers breathtaking views of the valley as the roads wind up the mountains. If the adventurer in you seeks that ultimate thrill, this drive should be on your checklist. To make the ride smoother for the cars and motorbikes to pass through, they are allowed between 9 AM to 1 PM from Leh to Khardung La, and 1 PM to 5 PM from Khardung La to Leh. The weather remains highly unstable so you need to be prepared for the worst. The months between May and October are considered to be the most suitable for this drive.

Rohtang Pass Stretch

A gateway to Lahaul-Spiti and Leh, Rohtang Pass is one the most famous high-altitude passes in north India. Located about 53 km away from Manali, Rohtang Pass is a treacherous ride, and gets travellers terrific views of the valley, glaciers, mountain ranges and Chandra River. It’s unmissable but requires extreme care while driving. The pass remains open between the months of June and October and attracts a lot of tourists during this time.

Nathu La Pass Stretch

One of the three trading posts between India and China, Nathu La rests at an altitude of 4310 m above sea level and is a part of the ancient Silk Route in Eastern Sikkim . The road leading to it is considered to be one of the most dangerous but beautiful roads to travel; this pass is home to the gateway to military posts of India and China. While traversing through this road, you’d cross the amazingly beautiful Tsomgo Lake and Baba Harbhajan Mandir, which is quite a popular tourist attraction as well. The pass registers heavy snowfall during winters and is best visited in the summer months.

Kolli Hills

Stretching up to 47 km in central Tamil Nadu, Kolli Hills is an extremely dangerous mountain road that is popular among the bikers for its 70 continuous hairpin bends. The name literally translates to ‘mountains of death’ and is full of bad patches and pot holes, which makes the ride quite stressful. But the view of the valley below is quite neat and the surrounding dense tropical forests add to its beauty, thus luring the thrill seekers. These winding roads are a must in every biker’s to-do list but be careful while you traverse across it.

Chang La Pass Stretch

Guarded and maintained by the Indian Army, Chang La, situated in Ladakh, is the third highest motorable road in the world. At an elevation of 5360 m, it is the gateway for Changthang Plateau of the Himalayas and is quite difficult to pass through due to unpredictable weather conditions, and is best visited during the months of May and October. In proximity to this pass lie many amazingly beautiful tourist attractions , such as the Nubra Valley, Tso Morriri and Pangong Lake. You can surely go for this adventure trip but not without appropriate gears; do carry necessary winter clothes and a medical kit as you set on this treacherous journey.

Three Level Zigzag Road

This spiral network of Three Level Zigzag Road located in Sikkim has more than 100 hairpin bends and is quite challenging even for pro bikers and drivers. Apart from the dangers, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful road journeys and passes through the rugged terrain of East Sikkim. Climbing up to an altitude of 11200 ft to the Thambi View Point, this road looks exceptional during snowfall and offers stunning views of sunrise. It is advised that you check the weather conditions and route before taking on this road. Special permits are needed to go across this road; it is certainly not for the yellow-bellied people.