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.

Sengge La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.952m (16,246ft) above the sea level, located in the Zanskar region in the state of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir in northern India.

Hatu Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.184m (10,446ft) above the sea level, located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Thit Zarbo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.107m (16,755ft) above the sea level, located in south-eastern Ladakh, in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country.

Lungar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.795m (19,012ft) above the sea level, located in the disputed Demchok sector between China and India. It is one of the highest motorable roads on Earth.

In the rugged landscapes of Ladakh of India, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under the Ministry of Defence, initiated a significant project in August 2023 – the construction of the country's highest motorable road. The Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road, covering approximately 64 kilometers (39.76 miles), aims to redefine the limits of motorable roads, reaching an impressive height of 5.913m (19,400ft) above the sea level, at Mig La.

India is a country abandoned with a lot of interesting architecture. While it offers a variety of cultures, natural beauty, and adventure, the country has a lot to offer its visitors. The Hindustan-Tibet highway, for example, is a great place to go on an adventure ride.

Lipulekh Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.099m (16,729ft) above the sea level, located on the China-India border.

Lungnak La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.084m (16,679ft) above the sea level, located in the Chopta valley, in the Indian state of Sikkim. The India-China border is just a few kilometres away from the summit.

Kiagar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.859m (15,941ft) above the sea level, located in the Ladakh region of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Thato La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,090m (16,699ft) above sea level, located in Ladakh, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India.

Khungyami La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.844m (19,173ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and India. It’s one of the world's highest motorable roads.

Jelep La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,434m (14,547ft) above sea level, located on the border of India and China.

The Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road (NPDR), also known as the Zanskar Highway, serves as a vital link between the Indian union territory of Ladakh and the state of Himachal Pradesh, traversing through the picturesque region of Zanskar.

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

Cho La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.593m (16,068ft) above the sea level, located in the Himalayas.

Nestled between the mountains, Langza is a village at an elevation of 4.311m (14,143ft) above the sea level, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, in India.

Karakoram Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.542m (18,182ft) above sea level, located on the China-India border. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Mt. Saraswati is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4,532m (14,868ft) above sea level, located in Ladakh, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Gurudongmar peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.631m (18,474ft) above the sea level, located in North Sikkim, India, near the Chinese border. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Shashi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.264m (1,3989ft) above the sea level, located in the Aryan valley of Ladakh, India.

Kaatu Bannari and Talamalai are 2 viewpoints located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Kongta La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,027m (16,492ft) above sea level, located in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state.

Jai Valley is a high altitude tourist destination at an elevation of 2.336m (7,664ft) above the sea level, located in the district Doda of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

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.

If you love adventure, then you must know how adventurous road trips can be. There are many places in the world you can go for such experiences. This article has particularly picked Delhi as the focus place considering that it has numerous amazing and adventurous roads you can take for fun.

Hor La is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.908m (16,102ft) above the sea level, located in Leh District, Jammu and Kashmir in northern India

Lungmar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.776m (18,950ft) above the sea level, located on the Chinese-Indian border. It's one of the highest motorable roads in the world.

Salsal La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.201m (17,063ft) above the sea level, located in south-eastern Ladakh, in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Apharwat Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.165m (13,664ft) above the sea level, located in the Baramulla district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, close to the Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan.

Lenak La is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.519m (18,106ft) above the sea level, located in south-eastern Ladakh, in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Rightly name ‘The Detroit Of India,’ Chennai contributes to one-third of India’s total automobile industry and is also home to the popular Tamil film industry. However, it still attracts many tourists, both domestic and international, who come to visit the city for its rich history and beautiful beaches and religious institutions.

Chattarga La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.045m (9,990ft) above the sea level, located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Lhari Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.861m (15,948ft) above the sea level, located in the disputed Demchok sector between China and India.

Shilung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.808m (15,774ft) above the sea level, located in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state.

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.

The Spanggur Gap is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.308m (14,133ft) above the sea level, located in the India (Jammu and Kashmir state)–China border.

Key La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.669m (18,600ft) above the sea level, located in Ladakh, in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state. It’s one of the highest roads of the country. Altitude sickness is a common phenomenon here, so you are suggested not to stay there for more than 20 minutes.

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.

Gyu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.550m (14,927ft) above the sea level, located in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state.

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