How long is Tata Road in India?
India, asia
84.6 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through Jharkhand, India, on National Highway 43, specifically a stretch known as Tata Road. This paved ribbon of asphalt winds for about 84.6 km (52.5 miles) between Ranchi and Jamshedpur, snaking through the Chandil-Gamharia Range. It's not the highest road in India, but it IS unforgettable.
Now, here's where things get interesting. This road has a reputation, and not just for its scenery! Legend has it that a "white lady" haunts this stretch, especially at night. Locals whisper stories of accidents and misfortunes, so much so that temples have popped up at either end, offering prayers for safe passage. Some even say that careful driving and prayers aren't always enough! The numbers from 2010 to 2013 speak volumes with 245 fatalities. Tata Road is infamous for the number of deaths on this paved stretch of road. Whether it's the ghost or just plain bad luck, Tata Road is not for the faint of heart!
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 84.6 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
hardHow Long is Heaven's Road?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Heaven's Road, and yeah, the name is pretty accurate! This cliff-hugging motorway in China is a total jaw-dropper. We're talking some serious elevation changes, starting at 2,050 feet and climbing to a breathtaking 3,855 feet above sea level. The scenery is absolutely astonishing. Now, let's be real, this isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart. The road winds and weaves for roughly , packed with dozens of super-tight hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. It’s carved right into the side of a seriously steep mountain. But hey, the dramatic views are totally worth it! You'll start your adventure near , a tiny mountain village, and end up... well, wherever the road takes you, hopefully somewhere with even more incredible views. Just maybe skip this one if you get queasy easily!
moderateHow's the road to Sahand Ski Resort?
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, picture this: You're in Iran, East Azerbaijan province to be exact, and you're headed to Sahand Ski Resort, a lofty 2,942m (9,652ft) above sea level! The road? It's called Sahand Ski Resort Road and it's your ticket to winter (or even summer!) fun. Starting from Saied Abad, a cool little city, you'll cruise for about 24.4 km (15.16 miles) on a perfectly paved road winding into the heart of the stunning Sahand mountains. The road is generally in great shape, but hey, this is mountain country, so bad weather can sometimes shut things down. Locals whisper that because it's so cold up here you can ski as late as June! Feeling adventurous? Just south of the resort a gravel road starts climbing to the northern slopes of Mount Sahand. This rough and ready track eventually leads to a chairlift at a whopping 3,209m (10,528ft) up. Warning: this isn't for the faint of heart – 4x4 is a MUST!
extremeAustrian Road is a brutal drive in the Altai Mountains of Kazakhstan
🌍 Kazakhstan
# The Austrian Road: A Historic Mountain Route Through the Altai Hidden in the remote borderlands between Kurshim and Katonkaragay districts in East Kazakhstan lies one of the world's most fascinating—and challenging—mountain roads. The Austrian Road is a 108km (67 miles) unpaved track that winds through the Sarym-Sakty Range, connecting the small settlement of Enbek on Highway P-163 to Moyildy. What makes this route truly special is its incredible backstory. Built between 1915 and 1917 by captured Austro-Hungarian prisoners from WWI (Czech, Slovak, Austrian, and Hungarian soldiers), the road was carved through unforgiving wilderness using nothing but shovels, saws, pickaxes, and cables. It's hard not to be humbled when driving a route constructed under such brutal conditions with such primitive tools. The Austrian Road stands as a testament to human resilience and engineering ingenuity—a nearly 100-year-old monument to the determination of those who built it. The drive itself is no casual cruise. You'll climb through multiple mountain passes, including the challenging Burkhatskiy Pass at 2,137m (7,011ft) and Alatajsky Pass at 1,792m (5,879ft), ascending from 990m in the Bukhtarma Valley. The route follows the scenic Sorvenok Valley through Katon-Karagaisky State National Nature Park, crossing 16 bridges and fords along the way, with the Kara-Koba River appearing repeatedly as you wind through a dramatic ravine. The road eventually descends toward the stunning Lake Markakol at 1,445m. **Before you go:** You'll need a serious 4x4 vehicle and absolutely should not travel alone. Pack sufficient food and water, and be prepared to camp. Some bridges are deteriorating, and wet conditions make the passes genuinely dangerous—avoid ascending in rain. Traffic is virtually nonexistent, and the remoteness demands genuine self-sufficiency. But if you're up for the challenge, you'll experience some of the most spectacular mountain scenery imaginable.
moderateFuji Subaru Line: enjoy a drive among the clouds in Japan
🇯🇵 Japan
Okay, picture this: You're cruising up Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic volcano, on a perfectly paved road called the Fuji Subaru Line. Forget hiking boots for now! This route winds up the lower northern slopes, taking you from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi almost within touching distance of the summit. The toll road is about 30km (18 miles) long, and the drive takes around 40 minutes, taking you to a whopping 2,305m (7,562ft) above sea level. At the end of the line is the 5th Station, the biggest hub on Fuji. Think souvenir shops, restaurants, and viewing platforms galore. It's a great place for sightseeing, even if you don't fancy a climb, and a guidance center with firefighters and police are stationed, in case you need any help. Just a heads up: the Fuji Subaru Line closes to private cars during peak climbing season (July and August) - extra buses will be running during this time. The good news is the road is open all year round, but those gates close after hours. The weather around Mount Fuji can be super unpredictable. We're talking sudden snowfalls and icy patches, so winter tires or snow chains are a must in winter.