The 10 most dangerous roads in the world
The 10 most dangerous roads in the world are characterized by gravel, ice, unsecured precipices and sharp curves. If there is an additional risk of avalanches and landslides, these streets become an absolute nightmare or a test of courage par excellence.
- The Yungas Street in Bolivia
The mountain road built by prisoners in the 1930s is unpaved and has no guardrails. Due to the warm, humid climate, there is often little visibility and a softened road surface. Erosion and stone chips can also be expected. Because of its dangerous nature, it is also known as the Road of Death. Downhill riders are magically attracted to her. All others have been using the somewhat longer but much safer bypass since 2007, which has also led to a significant decrease in the number of deaths per year.
- The Manali-Leh Highway in India
The 477-kilometer-long traffic route in India is largely only one-lane developed. It leads over the world’s highest mountain passes that can be driven over. Masses of snow and landslides threaten the road, which is regularly repaired by the Indian army. On the Manali-Leh Highway, which is only open from June to mid-September, drivers can often not drive faster than 20 kilometers per hour.
- The Srinagar-Leh Highway in India
On this over 400 km long and narrow route with extreme gradients there are huge snow drifts and sometimes snow depths of more than 17 meters. Therefore, the highway should only be used from June to November. Rockfalls must also be expected.
- The Grand Trunk Road
This specimen of the 10 most dangerous roads in the world is one of the oldest and most important highways in South Asia. The Grand Trunk Road is approximately 2,500 kilometers long and connects India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. There is a lot of traffic on this street. Dromedaries, bullock carts and pedestrians are also on the move, which leads to traffic jams and an increased risk of accidents. India has the most traffic fatalities worldwide, especially on Trunk Road.
- The Guoliang tunnel in China
The origins of the Guoliang tunnel are remarkable. Since only a demanding footpath connected the village of Guoliang in the Taihang Shan Mountains to the outside world and the government in China did not want a road built, in 1972 13 strong villagers got together to use hammer and chisel to make one of the 10 most dangerous roads in the To build world.
- The Karakoram Highway
This narrow highway between China and Pakistan is the world’s highest paved trunk road. It leads past deep abysses and erosion-prone, steep mountain slopes. A massive landslide in 2010 created a lake that was 22 kilometers long and under water and can only be navigated by boat.
- The Tibbitt Contwoyto Ice Road in Canada
The longest ice road in the world can only be used about 60 days a year, since 87 percent of the way leads over frozen lakes. The 568-kilometer route is mainly used by trucks that are traveling in a convoy for safety reasons, drive a maximum of 25 kilometers per hour and keep a distance of around 500 meters in order to distribute the weight over more space.
- Trollstigen in Norway
Between mid-May and October, this tourist attraction with eleven hairpin bends is released. The road is very narrow and oncoming vehicles are a challenge when there are over 2,000 vehicles on the route.
- Carretera Hiram-Bingham in Peru
On the gravel track with 13 hairpin bends, boulders and mud holes, there are especially landslides. Chains are mandatory, but only a few adhere to them.
- Road to Cotopaxi, Ecuador
The 40-kilometer gravel track is paved with huge potholes. Some steep slopes are not protected by guard rails. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
