Top 5 most dangerous roads in the world

1. Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand

Skippers Canyon Road is a narrow, winding path carved from the side of a sheer cliff face in New Zealand. Originally built during the gold rush over 140 years ago, it is highly challenging due to its lack of guardrails, narrow width, and sharp turns. Drivers must navigate through rocky overhangs and steep drop-offs, making it one of the most hair-raising drives in the world. The road is so dangerous that rental car insurance often doesn't cover travel.

2. James Dalton Highway, Alaska, USA

Also known as the Dalton Highway, this remote, isolated road stretches 414 miles from Fairbanks to Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean. The road is primarily used by truckers servicing the oil fields and is known for its extreme conditions, including ice, snow, and potholes. With only three small towns along the route, drivers must be fully prepared with supplies, as there are no services for hundreds of miles. The combination of harsh weather, wildlife, and rough terrain makes this one of the most dangerous roads in North America.

3. Fairy Meadows Road, Pakistan

This treacherous road leads to the base camp of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world. The road is narrow, unpaved, and carved into the side of a cliff, with no guardrails to protect vehicles from falling into the ravine below. The road is only open during the summer and is impassable during the winter due to snow and ice. The stunning views of the Himalayas contrast sharply with the danger of navigating this difficult path.

4. Sani Pass, South Africa

Sani Pass is a high mountain pass connecting South Africa to Lesotho. The road is steep, rough, and unpaved, climbing to an altitude of 9,436 feet. It requires a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the hairpin bends and rocky terrain. The pass is often covered in snow and ice during winter, making it even more hazardous. Despite the risks, the pass offers breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Mountains and is a popular route for adventurous travelers.

5. BR-319, Brazil

The BR-319 highway in Brazil runs between Manaus and Porto Velho and is notorious for its poor condition and dangerous travel conditions. Built in the 1970s, the road has fallen into disrepair, with long stretches turning into impassable mud during the rainy season. The remote location means travelers are often isolated, with little access to help or services. The dense Amazon rainforest surrounds the road, adding to the sense of isolation and danger.