What are the most spectacular roads in India?

Located in the southern part of Asia, India covers a total area of 3,287,263 square kilometres (1,269,219 sq mi). With a very diverse landscape, comprising snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, plains and a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometers, the country offers never-ending driving experiences and 200 of the most spectacular roads in the world. One of the most challenging drives is the road to Umling La. At 5.882m (19,300ft) above sea level it is the highest paved road on Earth offering views that can make you feel on top of the world. If you like challenging mountain roads situated at high elevations, remember to check out our list of the highest roads in India.

The country shares borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Some of the borders are on high mountain passes, so the country features some of the highest roads in the world. Another driving challenges are the road from Kishtwar to Keylong, said to be India's most terrifying road, or the isolated road to Jalori Pass, a mountain pass at 3,134m (10,282ft) above sea level. The country experiences a wide range of climates, from tropical to alpine, and monsoon rains influencing much of the country.

Jianan Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.360m (17,585ft) above the sea level, located in Ladakh, in Jammu and Kashmir region of India. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

If you want to sightsee India, there are so many exotic places to see and explore, where you can indulge in adventure and outdoor activities. These locations offer something special, unique, and different, giving an experience like none other. You will take with you the memories of an amazing time spent.

Lanak La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.495m (18,028ft) above the sea level, located on the disputed region of Aksai Chin, on the border of India and China. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Bamtso La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.465m (17,929ft) above the sea level, located on the Chinese-Indian border. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Zursair La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.960m (16,272ft) above the sea level, located in Leh District, Jammu and Kashmir in northern India.

Chocho Kuri La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.995m (13,106ft) above the sea level, located in the Leh district, in the Indian union territory of Ladakh.

Lamzo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.911m (16,112ft) above the sea level, located in northern India’s Leh District.

Located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India, the Nesang Bridge is a very challenging bridge. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Yar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.997m (16,394ft) above the sea level, located in the Ladakh region of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Longro La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.340m (14,238ft) above sea level, located on the Indo-China border.

Sese La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.474m (17,959ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and India. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

There is no vacation better than a fun and thrilling road trip with friends. A lot of you might have already planned a road trip to the hill station for the upcoming holidays. Sometimes these plans work out, while a lot of times they don’t.

Rizong Gompa is a high mountain monastery at an elevation of 3.420m (11,220ft) above the sea level, located in Ladakh, India.

Nestled in Tamil Nadu, India's southernmost state, the road from Valparai to Pollachi, officially designated as State Highway 78 (SH 78), ranks as one of the most breathtaking drives the country has to offer.

Tsermangchen La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.882m (12,736ft) above the sea level, close to the famous Leh city, in the Leh district of Ladakh, India.

Harong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.273m (14,019ft) above the sea level, located in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state.

Archu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.199m (13,776ft) above the sea level, located in Kargil district, in the Indian administered Union territory of Ladakh.

Charchagan La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.924m (16,154ft) above the sea level, located in the Changthang Plateau, in Ladakh in Northern India.

Bumiktse La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.420m (14,501ft) above the sea level, located in the Leh district, in the Indian union territory of Ladakh.

Kharsang La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.437m (14,557ft) above the sea level, located on the Indo-China border.

Phatarian Gali is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.575m (8,448ft) above the sea level, located in the Jammu region in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Chyupa La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.424m (14,514ft) above the sea level, located in the Leh district, in the Indian union territory of Ladakh.

Changi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.235m (13,894ft) above the sea level, located in the Indian administered union territory of Ladakh.

Mandala Top is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,220m (10,564ft) above sea level, located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India.

Tangkar La is an international high mountain pass located on the border of India and China.

Manman Top is a high mountain pass, standing at an elevation of 4,302m (14,114ft) above sea level, situated in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The journey to the summit offers a complete off-roading adventure.

Gongma La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,886m (16,030ft) above sea level, located in the Leh District of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Located in Jammu and Kashmir, in India, the challenging Lalung Valley Road is one of the highest roads on Earth, ending at 5,803m (19,038ft) above sea level.

Lamsu La is a high mountain pass, standing at an elevation of 3,672m (12,047ft) above sea level, located in the Ladakh region of India.

Kharbu La is a high mountain pass, standing at an elevation of 3,509m (11,512ft) above sea level, located in the Ladakh region of India.

Shakhar La is a high mountain pass, standing at an elevation of 3,602m (11,817ft) above sea level, located in the Ladakh region of India.

Tstato La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.056m (16,587ft) above sea level, located in Ladakh, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India.

Barla La is a high mountain pass, standing at an elevation of 4,207m (13,802ft) above sea level, located in the Ladakh region of India.

Gongkar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,811m (15,784ft) above sea level, located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, India.

India is home to some of the world’s most dangerous roads, extreme and unforgettable driving experiences, and terrain that tests both driver and machine. While routes like the Leh Manali Highway or Khardung La are well-known among thrill-seekers, there are lesser-travelled roads that offer even more heart-stopping experiences. These are the roads that don’t make it into every travel blog,  but perhaps should. 

Mankogh La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,197m (17,050ft) above sea level, located in the Ladakh union territory of India, near the Line of Actual Control with China. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

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