Leh-Manali Highway
The Leh-Manali Highway is one of the highest highways in the world. It has an average elevation of 17,000 feet and serves as the connection between the Indian cities of Leh and Manali. Fortunately for drivers on the road, the road is well-maintained because it is important to the Indian army. So, what makes this road so dangerous? It’s open only during the summer months because in the winter it’s not possible to pass through it.
Buses and trucks are able to travel at a reduced speed of 15 mph on the road because of its narrowness and difficulty to navigate in some places. And if you get sick in high elevation, then this is one road you’ll want to avoid as its high elevation can cause people to feel sick.
Gorges du Dadès
There’s no denying that the higher you go up a mountain, the prettier the views become. There is a very scenic drive in Morocco which culminates in the Dades Gorge. Of course, the views here are stunning, but they aren’t 100% priceless, as the drive is risky and can come with a price.
While the roads are fortunately paved, there isn’t so much space between your car and the side of the mountain. Moroccan drivers don’t exactly have the reputation for being the safest drivers. So, if you’re not an experienced driver, you’ll want to let somebody else take the wheel.
Amalfi Coast Highway
The Amalfi coast brings millions of visitors to its coast every year and it’s no surprise why; it is one of the best coastal drives in the world. The popular Italian coastal route which runs from Sorrento to Salerno for 30 miles offers beautiful views of the ocean the entire way.
The road is on our list because of its many hairpins, zigzags, and lack of stable railings. The road is very winding and narrow and can be dangerous if you don’t drive safely on it.
Colorado 550
Where there is great beauty and mountains, also comes dangerous roads. The road, which is also called the “Million Dollar Highway” is a north-south route that runs through the state of Colorado. Apparently, the road cost a million dollars per mile to build because it runs through the mountains.
The weather on this road is very questionable and can change fast, going from clear skies to storms in a moment’s notice. There are also areas in the road which have a steep drop-off and no rail. So basically, if you’re planning to drive on the road, you must pay attention at all times or you can forget about being able to carry on with your trip.
Karakoram Highway
Also referred to as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, the Karakoram Highway is anything but friendly. It is full of hazards: landslides, avalanches, floods, animals herds, boarder-less cliffs and, of course, reckless drivers who make matters just that more treacherous. This dangerous road spans more than 810 miles (1,300 kilometers), cutting through the most mountainous region in the world.
Many consider the Karakoram Highway to be the Eighth Wonder of the World because of its marvelous construction under unimaginably rough conditions. At its peak it reaches as high as 15,000 ft. (4572 m) above sea level, making it one of the highest paved roads in the world.