Over 11,500ft above sea level and no protective barriers: Is this terrifying mountain pass in India the world's most perilous road?
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Used as a route between Ladakh and Kashmir, the Zojila mountain pass is located at a staggering 11,580ft above sea level and is enclosed by Kashmir valley on one side and Drass valley on the other.
The narrow road is on the western section of the Himalayas mountain range and is part of the 275-mile long route from Srinagar to Leh
It is said to be one of the most dangerous passes in the world, not just because it is extremely narrow and has no barriers, but also because of the vicious winds and heavy snowfall that often affect the region.
The route is a lifeline that keeps the people of Ladakh in touch with the rest of the world, but it is often closed during winter due to heavy snow, which can be anywhere between 15 and 24 metres deep.
There have been over 60 landslides on the pass and, in 2009, police had to rescue 350 people who had become stranded on the road due to heavy snowfall.
In 2012, 11 tourists were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge.
The road reopens in late spring but travellers still witness violent breezes because of the conical shape of the valley.
Even though the road is highly perilous, Zojila is actually the second highest pass, after Fotu La on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, which is located at 13,000ft above sea level.
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Don't take the shortcut: A convoy of Indian army trucks makes its way along the treacherous pass - a major link between Ladakh and Kashmir
High and mighty: The pass, located on the edges of the Himalayan Mountains, is 11,500ft above sea level and is part of the road that stretches from Srinagar to Leh
During winter travellers on the pass have to face snowstorms, fierce air currents and the biting cold, all whilst travelling in highly dangerous circumstances
Teetering on the edge: Most of the road is so narrow that it is usually a one way street and it can be treacherous when vehicles have to pass each other
Camouflage: An Indian army convoy snakes its way along the Zojila pass. The road is a lifeline that keeps the people of Ladakh in touch with the rest of the world
Nomadic women carry metal pitchers filled with water which they brought from a spring along the Srinagar-Leh highway
Dicing with death: Even though the road is extremely narrow and highly perilous, Zojila is actually the second highest pass in the world. The highest pass is Fotu La on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, which is located at 13,000ft above sea level
Nomads resting in tents along Srinagar-Leh highway: After bitter winters with heavy snowfall, the road reopens in late spring but travellers still witness violent breezes because of the conical shape of the valley
A nomadic woman washes clothes in a spring along Srinagar-Leh highway, about 67 miles east of Zojila
A view of snow-covered glaciers along Srinagar-Leh highway, near the treacherous pass. In winter heavy snow can be anywhere between 15 to 24 metres high
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