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Most Dangerous Roads Around The World
Take a closer look at the dangerous roads in the world and consider whether you would rather avoid them or enjoy the scenery and thrill. Traveling can be an exhilarating adventure, but some roads around the world pose extreme challenges to drivers. These treacherous routes are notorious for their perilous conditions and hair-raising landscapes.
In this article, RNN will explore some of the most dangerous roads worldwide, taking a closer look at the risks they present and the awe-inspiring views they offer.
1. North Yungas Road, Bolivia
North Yungas Road in Bolivia, also known as the “Death Road,” is infamous for its high fatality rates due to its narrow, winding path clinging to steep cliffs. The absence of guardrails and frequent landslides add to its danger. Despite its ominous reputation, the road remains a popular spot for thrill-seeking adventure tourists who are drawn to its stunning Andean views.
The Yungas Road spans about 60 km, connecting La Paz to Bolivia’s Yungas region. It attracts approximately 25,000 tourists annually and is a prominent attraction in La Paz. Many tour operators offer downhill mountain biking experiences along this route. Unfortunately, since 1998, at least 18 cyclists have lost their lives on this treacherous road.
The tourist route covers 64 km in total and involves a descent of 3500 meters.
2. Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
The Guoliang Tunnel is an impressive and one of the most dangerous roads in the world. This road was carved by villagers alongside and through a mountain in China. It connects the village of Guoliang to the outside through the Taihang Mountains in Huixian, Xinxiang, Henan Province.
This tunnel is a testament to human ingenuity and determination, as it was constructed by villagers over several years. Though it is only 0.75 miles long, the construction was a challenging and arduous task. However, the road remains perilous due to its narrow width and rough interior. Despite the risks, travelers who dare to venture through it will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Kabul-Jalalabad Highway, Afghanistan
The Kabul-Jalalabad Highway winds through beautiful landscapes in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan, but it has numerous hazards. Reckless driving, landslides, and the threat of insurgent attacks make it exceptionally perilous. However, this road is crucial for transportation and commerce in the region, attracting brave drivers willing to navigate its treacherous path.
The road covers about 152 kilometers (94 miles) and ascends from 575 meters in Jalalabad to 1790 meters in Kabul. Unfortunately, due to numerous traffic accidents, the road between Jalalabad and Kabul is considered one of the world’s most dangerous routes. It consists of narrow roads with sharp turns along high cliffs and parallels the Kabul River valley below.
This road plays a significant role in the Afghan leg of the Grand Trunk Road and even follows parts of the British Army’s disastrous 1842 retreat from Kabul.
4. Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand
Skippers Canyon Road, nestled in New Zealand’s South Island, is celebrated for its breathtaking vistas and adrenaline-inducing drops. The winding gravel route necessitates unwavering driver focus, as a single misstep could result in a perilous plunge into the canyon depths. Yet, despite the risks, daring explorers flock to this road, seeking the exhilaration of mastering its challenging twists and turns.
5. El Caracol, Chile-Argentina
The Ruta del Caracol, also known as Paso de Los Libertadores, is a road nestled in the picturesque Andean mountains, linking Argentina and Chile. This high-altitude route stretches close to 3900 meters above sea level and is notorious for its treacherous twists and turns, particularly on the Chilean side. The road’s danger is amplified by the regular passage of heavy lorries, earning it the reputation of being one of the world’s most hazardous routes.
6. Passage du Gois, France
The Passage du Gois, also known as Gôa, is a 4.5-kilometer causeway connecting the island of Noirmoutier with mainland France in the Vandea region. It is situated on the Atlantic coast and gets flooded by the high tide twice a day. The causeway features a road that is famous for being part of the Tour de France route in 1999.
Visitors to Noirmoutier should be aware that access to the island is tide-dependent. The causeway is only accessible for approximately three hours each day, making timing essential for crossing.
7. James Dalton Highway, Alaska, USA
The Dalton Highway, officially known as Alaska Route 11, spans 414 miles (666 km) in Alaska and is the focus of notable TV episodes like America’s Toughest Jobs and the BBC’s World’s Most Dangerous Roads.
Covering over 400 miles, the James Dalton Highway in Alaska cuts through the Arctic wilderness, offering a remote and desolate passage. Its rugged landscape, harsh weather, and scarce facilities present a formidable challenge, even to experienced drivers. With treacherous driving conditions caused by ice, snow, and strong winds, it has earned the reputation of being one of America’s most dangerous roads.
8. Killar to Pangi Road, India
Kishtwar, a mountainous region in northern India, hosts a treacherous road that spans 70 miles (113 kilometers). This road has witnessed hundreds of reported deaths, with experts suspecting that many more accidents have gone unreported. The road’s perilous nature is attributed to a combination of factors.
Firstly, the cliffs surrounding the road boast some of the steepest drops, exceeding 2,500 meters, and lack protective barriers or guardrails, exposing travelers to the risk of falling. Moreover, the terrain is unstable, featuring numerous rocky overhangs, adding to the hazards.
Compounding the dangers, this road remains unpaved and is only wide enough to accommodate a single vehicle at a time. During the winter, mudslides pose a significant threat, coupled with poor visibility, making the road officially operational only during the summer.
9. Karakoram Highway in Pakistan and China
The China-Pakistan Highway is an 800-mile-long road connecting the two countries. Despite its natural beauty, the highway poses significant dangers, primarily from landslides, floods, heavy snow, and avalanches.
The road’s construction in 1959 was marred by tragedy, claiming the lives of 1,000 workers due to a combination of landslides and accidents. Even today, fatalities remain common, attributed to accidents such as landslides and falls into gorges.
Surprisingly, the highway remains a popular tourist route, attracting travelers seeking the allure of its breathtaking landscapes. However, potential visitors must be aware of the inherent risks and the potentially perilous nature of this route.
10. Bayburt D915 in Turkey
Turkey boasts many stunning roads, but one, in particular, stands out due to its extreme danger – a treacherous 66-mile stretch with 29 hairpin bends. Astonishingly, this perilous road lacks any barriers or railings along its route, leaving drivers solely reliant on their own skills to prevent a potential disaster.
During the winter months, the dangers of this road are amplified to an even greater degree. Certain sections are forced to close due to harsh weather conditions, including blizzards and treacherous weather, rendering the road impassable. Even the most cautious drivers are at risk, as heavy snowfall, avalanches, or landslides may suddenly turn this journey into a life-threatening ordeal.
Despite the inherent risks, locals brave this hazardous route and rely on it for their daily commutes. They use various modes of transportation to navigate the dangerous twists and turns, making it an integral part of their daily lives.
      Here is a Summary of the Top 10 Dangerous Roads
- North Yungas Road, Bolivia
- Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
- Kabul-Jalalabad Highway, Afghanistan
- Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand
- El Caracol, Chile-Argentina
- Passage du Gois, France
- James Dalton Highway, Alaska, USA
- Killar to Pangi Road, India
- Karakoram Highway in Pakistan and China
- Bayburt D915 in Turkey
Conclusion
While these roads offer astonishing scenery and unforgettable experiences, they also present substantial risks to drivers. Navigating these treacherous routes demands unwavering focus, caution, and respect for the unpredictable forces of nature. For those willing to brave the dangers, the reward is a sense of accomplishment and the chance to witness some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. However, it is crucial to remember that safety must always be a top priority when embarking on these daring journeys.
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