World's Riskiest Roadways Ranked in 2025
Buckle up for a wild ride as we dive into the heart of danger, exploring some of the scariest roads on the planet!
Prepare for the Adventure of a Lifetime: The Most Perilous Trails Await
Are you seeking thrill and excitement? These hair-raising roads will test your courage and driving skills to the limit! Whether it's climbing steep mountains or traversing treacherous coastlines, these roads will make your heart race. Brace yourself for these white-knuckle rides!
Keylong Kishtwar Road, India
India's Keylong to Kishtwar road is 235km of nerve-wracking, single-track dirt pathway through some of the world's most daunting mountain passes. There are no safety barriers to keep you from tumbling thousands of meters into the valley below, and the constant threat of landslides and unpredictable weather only adds to the suspense!
One particularly frightening section known as the "Cliff Hanger" is dangerously narrow and can crumble away if you get too close to the edge. Buckle up, folks—this road trip is not for the faint of heart!
Ibarska Magistrala, Serbia
Known locally as the "Black Highway," State Road 22 or "Ibar Highway" is one of Europe's most treacherous roads and one of Serbia's busiest. High occurrences of accidents, particularly at night, are due to speeding or motorists under the influence. With long straight roads punctuated by dangerous corners, this is no place for the reckless!
Transfăgărășan, Romania
Romania's Transfăgărașan highway winds through breathtaking mountain scenery but poses a serious challenge for even the most confident drivers. With hairpin bends, tunnels, and dramatic elevation changes, this winding road can be tough to handle, especially when huge flocks of sheep block your path!
Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand
Home to some of the world's most beautiful landscapes, New Zealand's Skippers Canyon Road is also one of its most dangerous. Carved out of the rocks by miners using only hand tools and explosives, this narrow road is only wide enough for one-way traffic along most of its 22km length. Drive too fast on this passageway, and you'll find yourself teetering on the edge of sheer drops—not for the faint of heart!
James Dalton Highway, USA
The James Dalton Highway, made famous by "Ice Road Truckers," connects Fairbanks and Deadhorse, above the Arctic Circle. Only one-third of this 666km stretch is paved; the rest consists of loose gravel and stones. Adverse weather conditions like snow, ice, and the presence of polar bears along the way make this highway a nerve-wracking journey, even for the heartiest adventure-seekers.
Zojila Pass, India
High in the mountains of the Himalayas, the Zojila Pass links Ladakh to the Kashmir Valley. This narrow road is only wide enough for one motorized vehicle at a time, and there are no safety barriers to protect you from the sheer drops. Closed for months due to snow and ice, it is not a route for the easily frightened.
A new tunnel is currently under construction along some parts of the route to protect it from the worst of the weather, but it remains to be seen if this will make things any safer.
Fairy Meadows Road, Pakistan
Traversing mountainous terrain at heights over 3,000 meters, the Fairy Meadows Road in Pakistan is only wide enough for one vehicle at a time. There are no safety barriers, and the road is so dangerous that it can only be driven by locals. This narrow, vertigo-inducing path is infamous for frequent fatal falls into valleys.
Yungas Road, Bolivia
Known as the "Most Dangerous Road in the World," Bolivia's North Yungas Road offers a gravel pathway through the mountains. Frequent fog and rain reduce visibility while the narrow, winding route forces drivers to pass each other perilously close to steep drops. Until a safer alternative was built, this death-defying road claimed between 200 and 300 lives annually.
Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China
The Sichuan-Tibet Highway is one of the highest roads in the world, with altitudes over 5,000 meters. Avalanches, landslides, and navigating single-track sections at high altitudes make this road a challenge even for experienced drivers. Add to that constant traffic jams, and you've got a recipe for stress and frustration on this epic journey.
Bayburt D915, Turkey
Regularly named one of the world's scariest roads, the winding D915 in Turkey cuts through mountainous terrain. With hairpin bends galore, it requires immense care and patience to navigate this treacherous path, which once played a vital role in the ancient Silk Road trade route.
Quick Facts
- Dangerous roads are characterized by extreme weather, steep cliffs, and narrow paths without guardrails.
- High traffic volume, poor road surface, and driver unfamiliarity escalate the risk further.
- Death rates are high on some of the world's most dangerous roads, with thousands of fatalities each year.
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In addition to the earth-shaking thrills of treacherous roads, explore the realms of science and space with the world's premier telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, providing unprecedented views of distant galaxies, nebulae, and planets. Meanwhile, nature's beauty isn't confined to land alone; crystalline blue waters and vibrant coral reefs await at As Voyage Travel's top ten scuba diving destinations. If you prefer your exercise on dry land, journey to the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo for the most intense sports competition, showcasing the greatest athletes from around the globe. Finally, unwind after your adventure-filled lifestyle with a peaceful getaway at world-renowned wellness resorts, ensuring a harmonious balance of mind, body, and spirit.
