World’s most dangerous roads for extreme road trips

Carved into remote, mountainous terrains with unforgiving cliffs and precipitous drops, these roads offer narrow pathways barely wide enough for a single vehicle.

They challenge both drivers and vehicles with thin air, extreme temperatures, and the looming threat of altitude sickness. Moreover, their vulnerability to unpredictable and severe weather, from torrential rains and snowstorms to dense fog and gale-force winds, further complicates the journey.

These roads are definitely not for the faint of heart. But when it comes to extreme road trips, it’s nothing but the best. And by best, we mean, some of the world’s most dangerous roads.

North Yungas Road, Bolivia

Known as the Death Road, this narrow, winding route is carved into the mountainside, with steep drops of up to 600 metres (1,968 feet) and unpredictable weather conditions, making it one of the most treacherous roads globally.

Guoliang Tunnel Road, China

Carved into the side of a mountain by villagers, this road features narrow passages, sharp turns, and sheer drops, presenting a daunting challenge for drivers.

Trans-Siberian Highway, Russia

Spanning nearly 11,000 kilometres (6,835 miles) across Russia, this highway traverses diverse terrains, including icy tundra, dense forests, and mountainous regions, presenting challenges such as harsh weather and vast distances between services.

Fairy Meadows Road, Pakistan

Accessible only by a narrow, unpaved track, this road leads to the base of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest mountain. It is prone to landslides and hazardous driving conditions due to its steep inclines and rugged terrain.

Leh-Manali Highway, India

Crossing the Himalayas, this high-altitude road is susceptible to landslides, snowstorms, and freezing temperatures, with numerous hairpin bends and narrow stretches along the route.

Trollstigen, Norway

Known as the Troll’s Path, this serpentine mountain road features steep gradients, sharp curves, and dizzying drops, offering breathtaking views but also posing significant risks for drivers.

Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand

Carved into the cliffs of Skippers Canyon, this narrow, winding road has sheer drops and limited passing spaces, requiring exceptional driving skills and nerves of steel to navigate safely.

Stelvio Pass, Italy

With its 48 hairpin turns and steep ascents, this mountain pass in the Italian Alps is renowned for its challenging driving conditions, especially during inclement weather and winter months.