Driving through mountain passes can be an exhilarating experience but can also be incredibly challenging, especially for those who are not experienced drivers. The road conditions can change drastically, and the steep and winding roads can be nerve-wracking. Here are the top 10 most challenging mountain passes to drive to test your driving skills.
Located in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in Europe. The pass has 48 hairpin turns and is 15.3 miles long. Driving along this pass can be challenging, especially for those who are not experienced drivers.
Trollstigen, also known as the Troll's Path, is a scenic road in Norway. It has 11 hairpin turns with gradients of up to 10%. The steep inclines and winding roads can be challenging to navigate, but the stunning mountain views make every turn worth it.
The Col de Turini is a mountain pass in the French Alps that is famous for its winding roads and steep inclines. The pass has been featured in many rallies, including the Monte Carlo Rally, and is a favorite among adrenaline junkies. The road is thin, and the turns are tight, so it requires a lot of skill and concentration.
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a scenic road that winds through the Austrian Alps. It has 36 hairpin turns and reaches an altitude of 2,505 meters. The road is narrow, and the hairpin turns can be challenging, but the breathtaking scenery of the Hohe Tauern National Park is worth the drive.
The Sani Pass is a treacherous mountain pass located in the Drakensberg Mountains on the border between South Africa and Lesotho. The pass is only accessible to 4x4 vehicles and requires a lot of skill and concentration to navigate. The pass has a steep incline and drops off more than 1,300 meters on its way to the summit.
The Jebel Hafeet mountain road is located in the United Arab Emirates and is one of the highest roads in the country. The road is narrow, and the hairpin turns can be challenging to navigate. The steep incline and breathtaking views make it worth the effort.
The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile highway that connects the Florida Keys to the mainland. The highway has many bridges over the ocean that are prone to high winds and can be challenging to navigate. The narrow road and the heavy traffic can make for a challenging drive.
The Canning Stock Route is one of the most remote tracks in Australia and is only recommended for experienced 4x4 drivers. It is a 1,850-kilometer-long route that goes through the Gibson and Great Sandy Deserts. The road is rough and takes a lot of skill to navigate.
The Tianmen Mountain Road, also known as the 99-Bend Road, is one of the most scenic mountain roads in China. The road has 99 hairpin turns and a steep incline of 1,100 meters. The tight turns require a lot of concentration and skill, but the stunning scenery makes it worth the effort.
The Rohtang Pass is a mountain pass located in the Himalayas, and it connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys in Himachal Pradesh. The pass has a narrow road, and there are no safety barriers, which makes it a challenging drive. The steep climbs and rough terrain require a lot of skill to navigate.
A: No, some of the mountain passes require high ground clearance, and others require 4x4 vehicles. It's important to research the mountain pass before attempting to drive it.
A: Yes, some of the mountain passes are incredibly challenging, and experience is essential when driving on them. It's important to have good driving skills, concentration, and knowledge of the road conditions.
A: While the mountain passes can be challenging, they are generally safe to drive as long as drivers follow the rules of the road and exercise caution.
A: The best time of year to drive these mountain passes varies depending on the location. However, they are generally best driven during the summer months when the weather is clear and road conditions are better.
A: It's important to have a basic knowledge of car maintenance and to have a spare tire, jump leads, and other essential items that can help in the event of a breakdown. Additionally, having a cell phone in case of emergencies can be helpful.
