Some of the
world’s most dangerous bridges are meant only for walking. These are
the so-called rope hanging bridges and you can find a wide variety of
these bridges in countries like India, Malaysia, Philippines, New
Zealand, Pakistan, Nepal, as well as in the interiors of some other
countries.
A bridge can be dangerous for a variety
of reasons either because it could be very old, narrow, too high, over a
quick river or if wooden floors gone missing. What makes bridges
dangerous is that in spite of the condition of the bridge, they are used
for various purposes. These are used as pathways or even the only way
for the local inhabitants of a small village or tourists to reach a
bigger city. Among all the bridges the most popular are the following
hanging bridges.
1. Hussain Bridge of Borit Lake, Pakistan
One of the most scariest and dangerous
bridges of the world is the Hussaini- Borit Lake Bridge in Hunza
Pakistan. There is absolutely no way this is safe but is actually used
on a regular basis by those attempting to travel to the larger cities in
northern Pakistan from one village to another. The bridge (if you can
even call it that) is very old, missing planks, extremely narrow, and
high above the lake. If you are searching for extreme thrills then this
bridge might be a delight for you, however for the majority of visitors
and locals alike the bridge is truly death-defying and fearful. It is
not known exactly how many people may have become a casualty while
crossing this treacherous structure, but more than enough.
2. Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, Nepal
This bridge has been created out of
necessity and in hopes of eliminating the congestion in town due to
herds of animals constantly being walked up and down the narrow roads;
the villagers in Nepal developed the Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, a very
long and frightening suspension bridge, to help curb the traffic. This
bridge is used by the locals and the animals on a daily basis so perhaps
they are used to its unsteady and dilapidated state. It is pretty high
and judging from the photographs it is high enough to seriously injure
or kill an unlucky creature if they fall.
3. Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, US
Construction of the Royal Gorge Bridge
in Colorado (USA) the world’s largest suspension bridge began on 5 June
1929. It is 1,053 feet (321 meters) above the ground below and 1,270
feet long. This bridge was built for $350,000 weighing roughly 1500 tons
and the cost today can easily exceed $15 million. Taking care of this
old bridge is no small achievement either- the walkway alone is made of
1,270 planks of deck; about 250 are replaced annually.
This suspension bridge is famous the
world over. This bridge was not erected for transportation purposes but
it was built with the intension that it would serve as a tourist
attraction. It has continued to be one of the most-visited tourist
attractions in Colorado since its opening. The Royal Gorge Route
Railroad runs under the bridge along the base of Royal Gorge. Walking on
this bridge makes for a breathless journey.
4. Danyore Suspension Bridge of Gilgit, Pakistan
Danyore suspension bridge is located in
Gilgit – Pakistan. It allows vehicles to cross Hunza River. This is a
very unique experience and can be a little bit frightening when crossing
the bridge. The old swinging bridge is made of wood and seems ready to
break at any moment. In the middle you can feel your vehicle moving as
the bridge swings with the weight. If you make it across the bridge,
the road immediately enters a very narrow, dark and scary tunnel. There
is only enough room for one vehicle and sometimes even one vehicle
seems like too much! Many tourists take this route on their way to or
from Hunza and it should not be missed.
5. Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge is just 20
meters long and 30 meters high above the rocks near Ballintoy, County,
Northern Ireland. This Bridge swings a lot when people walk across the
terrifying rope bridge which links the mainland to the small Carrick
Island. On a windy day hold as tight as you can, as this bridge surely
takes your breath away and leave you in fear of heights for a long time
to come. Weak-hearted people are advised not to walk on this bridge as
the swinging of bridge particularly on windy day can affect you badly.
A short coastal footpath leads to this
Bridge. On the way, there are wonderful points to stop and enjoy the
natural beauty. Travelling on Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is also a thrilling
experience. Traditionally this bridge was erected by fishermen over a
23m-deep and 20m-wide to check their salmon nets. Today visitors come
here simply to take the rope bridge challenge. Do not look down when
crossing the bridge!
6. Taman Negara National Park Bridge, Malaysia
The Tama Negara National Park Bridge
is claimed to be the world’s longest canopy pathway. It is a terrifying
and unstable hanging rope bridge that measures approximately 500 meters
long. Created with only ropes, netting, planks, and a few ladders
consists of a long and winding pathway of rope bridges that connect via
trees. Built at 50 meters above the ground, it is high enough to scare
those with a fear of heights. This is an exciting tourist attraction for
those who look for some serious thrills.
7. Arenal Hanging Bridges, Costa Rica
The Arenal Hanging Bridge is the
greatest Eco touristic project in Costa Rica, with the energetic primary
rain forest where you will find a great biological diversity with an
incomparable scenic splendor. The tourist will be able to appreciate the
natural beauties of the majestic environment.
Arenal Hanging Bridges is offering all
the visitors with the natural surroundings in a responsible and
sustainable way with all the permissions, evaluations and certifications
required for the protection of reserve and all the living organisms
that live in there.
8. Hanging Bridge at Trift Glacier, Switzerland
One of the most beautiful but scary
bridges of the world is Hanging Bridge at Trift Glacier in Switzerland.
The Bridge sits directly above the Trift Glacier at 100 meters high,
170 meters long, and is considered to be one of the longest and highest
pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps. You can hike or take the
cable car to get to this impressive bridge which often times looks out
to raging frozen waters and spectacular views.
It is a very thrilling for those who
prefer to explore by walking instead of pedaling. Take a tour of a
naturalist-led Arenal Hanging Bridges.
9. Canopy Walk in Kakum Nat’l Park, Ghana
The Kakum National Park offers a long
sequence of hanging bridges throughout the forests covering known as the
Canopy Walk. There are over 7 bridges that expand to a length of over
330 meters or 1,080 ft long and 40 meters or 130 feet high. The Canopy
is made out of netting and wires and maintains safety inspection,
however with the large number of visitors and incredible heights it just
screams out scary. It does, however offer an incredible view of the
forest if you can handle the heights and daring nature of walking high
up in the trees.
10. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada
The Capilano Suspension Bridge in
British Columbia was originally constructed in 1889 by George Grant
Mackay, a Scottish civil engineer and park commissioner for Vancouver.
This bridge stretches 450 feet (137m) across and 230 feet (70m) above
the Capilano River. The bridge was completely rebuilt again in 1956
after some modifications.
This is a great tourist attraction. This
long and incredibly high up suspension bridge has been very exciting
with extreme fear of heights. This bridge is considered to be the oldest
tourist attraction in Vancouver. Beautiful views thrive here, yet the
height is unbelievably awesome and frightening.
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