Possibly the most dangerous roads in the world

Published: 27 April 2010 Updated: 26 January 2015

The most dangerous roads in the world

Say what you like about the M25, but at least it doesn’t have 3,000ft drops on either side or metre-thick cloying mud for a road surface.

Forget the UK’s crowded m-ways, these are the world’s most dangerous routes – the roads that offer you the chance to stare death in the face.

Most of us are familiar with the Stelvio pass, at least in pictures. But have you heard of the Guoliang Tunnel Road, China, Leh–Manali Highway, India or the Taroko Gorge Road in Taiwan (Chungheng)? These places offer any driver a real life-or-death challenge.

Take a look at the pics below and judge for yourself.

 

Russian Siberian road to Yakutsk

Next time you’re slagging the Highways Agency think of this: an official Federal Government highway in Russia. This is the only road to Yakutsk. Maybe delay your journey until it’s stopped raining?

Russian Siberian Road to Yakutsk

Russian Siberian Road to Yakutsk

The Siberian road in winter. No Little Chefs for the next 1000 miles.

Russian Siberian Road to Yakutsk

And the Summer isn’t much better

Russian Siberian Road to Yakutsk

 

Guoliang Tunnel, Taihang mountains (China)

Whilst originally this road was merely a path to connect nearby villages, the villagers themselves decided to take it up a notch or two, by building the 1200-metre long tunnel you see today. It took 13 villagers five years to finish.

Guoliang Tunnel in Taihang mountains (China)

Guoliang Tunnel in Taihang mountains (China)

Guoliang Tunnel in Taihang mountains (China)

Guoliang Tunnel in Taihang mountains (China)

 

Yungas road, Bolivia

Also known as the road of death. Easy to see why. With reports every few weeks of buses plunging almost 3,600 metres down the mountainside it’s a wonder it’s used at all. The road itself is 70km long and runs from La Paz to Coroico in the Bolivian Andes. Overtaking not recommended.

 

Bolivian road of death

Bolivian road of death

Just passing 

Bolivian road of death

Dead end, could be if you get it wrong…

Bolivian road of death

 Pictures courtesy of www.darkroastedblend.com to see even more dangerous roads click here.

By Sarah-Jayne Harrison

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