Hussaini suspension bridge: Pakistan’s most dangerous crossing

Around the world, there are remarkable examples of modern engineering that showcase human ingenuity. Towering bridges stretch across rivers and valleys, linking distant landscapes while maintaining high safety standards for those who use them. Among these are China’s Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge, which holds the Guinness World Record as the longest bridge in the world at 102.4 miles, and France’s Millau Viaduct, the tallest bridge by structural height, rising 1,125 feet at its highest point.

However, not all bridges are built with the same level of advanced technology or safety. Often described as the “most dangerous bridge in the world,” the Hussaini Suspension Bridge in Pakistan’s Hunza Valley offers a striking contrast to these feats of modern engineering. Despite its reputation, the bridge stands as a symbol of local determination and has become a major draw for thrill-seeking travelers. It was originally built in 1968 by residents of the nearby villages of Hussaini and Zarabad, using basic materials such as wooden planks and thick steel cables.

The suspended structure stretches approximately 635 feet across the Hunza River and is made up of narrow wooden planks supported by six main ropes. Noticeable gaps between the planks are a deliberate feature, helping to reduce excessive swaying caused by strong winds. The bridge was designed as a crucial passageway, allowing villagers to move livestock and essential goods.

In 2013, Condé Nast Traveller included the Hussaini Suspension Bridge on its list of the world’s most dangerous crossings. Over the years, the bridge has been damaged and rebuilt multiple times due to severe weather and flooding. After the 2010 Attabad landslide caused significant destruction in the area, the bridge was reconstructed once again.

Tragedy struck in July 2022 when a student from Sindh reportedly drowned in the Hunza River after falling from the bridge. Following the incident, the bridge was temporarily closed while authorities carried out an investigation. In response, extensive renovation and safety improvements were later undertaken. Decaying wooden boards were replaced with sturdier, more evenly spaced planks, and efforts were made to tighten the steel cables and improve the overall stability of the structure through cooperation between officials and the local community.

Although many visitors cross the bridge with visible nervousness, residents appear unfazed. It is common to see villagers running across the narrow planks or carrying heavy loads as though they were walking on solid ground rather than suspended high above a rushing river. Tourists who have attempted the crossing often share mixed reactions. One visitor described it as an essential stop for adventure lovers, praising not only the bridge itself but also the dramatic journey to reach it, complete with winding roads and stunning scenery. Another visitor expressed hesitation, noting that the bridge felt particularly unsafe on a windy day, with strong shaking and large gaps between planks making it difficult to even reach the halfway point.