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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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