Karnali Highway is a true adventure in Nepal

Tucked away in the Karnali Region, north-west of Kathmandu, in Nepal, Karnali Highway is said to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. The police have banned driving at nights on this road due the high number of fatal accidents.

Is Karnali Highway in Nepal paved?

The road, also known as H13, is mostly paved, with some gravel sections through a high mountainous area running along Karnali River. Karnali region is one of the least developed zones in the country. The road was completed in 2007.

How long is Karnali Highway in Nepal?

The road is 232 km (144 miles) long running from Birendranagar to Chandannath (formerly Jumla). The road is narrow, but still it’s a two-way road.  Even though you can enjoy a lot on this trip, you need to be very cautious while driving. Most of the travelers and tourist have regarded Karnali as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. As per the recent rules by the running government of the country, you cannot drive at night at this highway, and the reason behind it was the increase in the number of accidents. On research, it was found that every year, almost fifty people die particularly on this road. Even though the highway is dangerous and scary for the travel but it has helped to open many areas of Nepal. And only because of this highway the access for education, health care, and the market has opened for the people living in Nepal.

Is Karnali Highway in Nepal dangerous?

The track is a combination of narrow stretches, landslides, rocks, flooded parts, potholes, huge drops, steep cliffs, and also lots of dust along with bumpiness. Extremely narrow lane, lack of awareness among public and driver, unattended cattle on the roads, among other reasons have made it a risky road to travel. You will be shocked to know that in the month of July of the year 2011, a report came of Karnali highway, which states that almost eighty five percent of the Karnali highways are unsafe for the travelers. These all are the things, which make Karnali Highway as one of the most difficult, dangerous and scary roads for the riders. Even though you can enjoy a lot on this trip, but you need to be very cautious while driving. You can understand the dangerous level of the road by the facts, which are already mentioned earlier like you are not allowed to drive at night and all. During the monsoon times, this highway becomes more dangerous, and the reason behind it is the increase in the number of landslides and other hazards. This road definitely comes with an unlimited amount of scary moments. Accidents along this narrow highway have in fact become a regular affair. At least 50 people die each year on this road. You will be shocked to know that the Karnali region is one of the underrated; in other words, the least developed zones in Nepal. The road surface is so bad that even the cyclists who flock there for some stunning views try to ignore the path. If this is the situation with the cyclist, then you can imagine the scenario that the person driving vehicle there will feel.
Pic: https://www.nepal24hours.com/passengers-stranded-on-karnali-highway/