For some, such roads are a real nightmare, while others are attracted to them by some kind of magical power. The absence of fences, slippery sandy slopes, steep climbs, water streams suddenly crossing the path, mountain passes and other “charms” - these are the things that these routes can offer to drivers who lack adrenaline in life.
Those who dare to take a risky trip need to pack more courage in the trunk of their car. Without it, it is impossible to conquer the most dangerous roads in the world.
Seventh place - Stelvio Pass
The pass is located at an altitude of 2757 meters above sea level and is the largest in Italy and the second largest in the Alps. A 50 km long road connects the Italian region of Lombardy with South Tyrol. The path through Stelvio, which is permitted from late May to November, was opened in 1829. Since then, the alpine zigzag route has changed little. A lot of bottlenecks, steep climbs, descents and 75 turns - this is a real challenge to vehicle drivers and their passengers. Speeding and inattention while driving more than once led to sad consequences.
Stelvio is a popular track for motorcycling fans, and the Girod’Italia bicycle race is also held here annually. The pass serves as a favorite place for filming Top Gear programs. Among the mountainsides, renowned racers and thrill-seekers test their driving skills.
Sixth place - Karakorum highway
Previously, this road connecting China and Pakistan was called the Great Silk Road.In 1986, the 20-year-old construction of the Karakorum highway was completed, the length of which is 1,300 km. Throughout the route, drivers are unlikely to be able to show the wonders of a fast ride - the average speed here is about 40 km / h. And this is due not only to the poor condition of the asphalt pavement. Steep turns, deep cliffs, frequent downpours, as well as snow and stone blockages occurring in these places with frightening regularity.
In 2010, a huge landslide in the Hunza Valley caused a flood that flooded 22 kilometers of the highway. Until 2015, the stretch of road through Lake Attabad could only be reached by boat. Today, bypassing the rubble, a network of tunnels has been laid, the portals of which often cover glaciers descending from the mountains.
Fifth place - Guolyan tunnel
The tunnel in the Chinese mountains of Taihanshan is not only included in the list of the most dangerous roads in the world, but also stands out for its incredible history of construction. In 1970, 300 residents of the small village of Guolyan, connected with the outside world only with a narrow mountain staircase, turned to the government with a request to build a road. Their application was rejected. In 1972, the 30 strongest men of the village, using simple hand tools, began to carve a path into the rock.
Five years later, a road appeared that cost the lives of many villagers and became an example of the perseverance and hard work of the Chinese people. The length of the tunnel with 30 openings-windows that let in light is 1.2 km, width - 4 meters, height - 5 meters. Now the track, carved into the mountain, not only connects Guolyan with the world, but also serves as a kind of attraction for those who want to ride a stone "pipe".
Fourth Place - Trollstigen (Troll Staircase)
Before the eyes of motorists traveling along the Ondalsnes-Valldal route, a breathtaking panorama opens up. Among the majestic mountains with a 9 percent slope, a winding path winds, which has become one of the main attractions of Norway. But deep-sea fjords, endless valleys and a sparkling waterfall 180 meters high should not distract the attention of drivers. The scenic road prepared a surprise in the form of eleven dizzying turns and narrow sections 3.3 meters wide, suitable for driving only one car, the length of which does not exceed 12.4 meters.
Due to the humid climate, the danger of avalanches and icy air from the Norwegian winters, it is possible to move along the winding Troll Staircase from May to mid-September. Yes, and in the summer we must not forget about caution - ride on steep slopes is allowed at a speed not exceeding 80 km / h.
Third place - Kabul-Jalalabad highway
Partially destroyed roadbed, a continuous series of bottomless cliffs, winding sections and sharp changes in height - all this is a 60-kilometer highway connecting the Afghan cities of Kabul and Jalalabad. Local motorists are not too concerned about traffic rules and only know firsthand about speed limits.
Second Place - Zoji La Pass Pass
For drivers who decide to conquer the road connecting the Indian cities of Cashmere and Ladakh, it is better to buckle up and hold on to the steering wheel. Those who lack experience in extreme driving can hardly imagine how Zoji La Pass can be overcome with a passenger car.The 9 km high mountain pass, laid at an altitude of 3,529 meters, is replete with dangerous sections that meet travelers with sharp turns, frequent landslides, and continuous rainfalls for days.
The path to the top of Zoji La Pass rises almost vertical wall and inexorably narrows. Where the clouds touch the mountains, the road turns into a narrow path. Transport can only go one way. In the cold season, the pass, which is part of the Himalayan ridge, is covered with snow, so the movement is open here from May to October. In the dark, it is forbidden to move along the rock track.
The most dangerous road in the world
The most dangerous road in the world is the northern road of Yungas. - a route of 70 km in length connecting the capital of Bolivia, La Paz and Koroyko - a city in the west of the country. The width of the track is only 3.5 meters. Only 20 km is covered with asphalt, and the remaining path is buried in mud, which does not contribute to a serene driving.
Jungas originates at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level and gradually decreases to 330. On the one hand, the road is propped up by mountains, on the other, an abyss 600 meters deep. In some areas, cars, driving, are forced to hang over the abyss. Fortunately, since 2007, a bypass route has been operating in this area of Bolivia. Today, this road attracts mainly fans of extreme driving.
The list of the most dangerous roads in the world until recently included the Russian Federal Highway Lena. People deservedly called it “hellish highway”.The shocking state of the road surface and the disgusting weather prevailing in the territory from the Amur to Yakutsk made several zones impossible to travel. But the large-scale construction work unfolding on the A360 (the former M56) gives hope that by 2025 the northern route will turn into a "road of life."
