<p>Stability assessment of rock slopes in the tectonically active western Himalayas region is extremely crucial, as this area has undergone multiple deformation phases that have resulted in intricate geological conditions, as observed along the Bandipora to Gurez road in J&amp;K, India. The region's rugged and treacherous terrain is susceptible to frequent slope failures, which frequently result in disruption of traffic, loss of life, property damage, and environmental degradation. Utilizing field observations and considering variations in geological and geotechnical conditions, we conducted a detailed study of twenty slope facets. This study involved employing the rock mass rating (RMR) and kinematic analysis to classify the causes, types of failure, and potential failure directions. The RMR values derived from the study lie between 89 and 16, reflecting a spectrum of rating from very good to very poor. Higher values suggest the presence of completely stable areas, while lower values suggest the presence of completely unstable areas. The kinematic analysis depicts that the rock slopes are prone to planar and wedge failure. The kinematic analysis further shows that joint planes intersect with each other in different directions resulting in different potential failure modes. The current study is poised to help not only in risk reduction but also in supporting the ongoing civil projects in this area. Our findings indicate that immediate mitigation measures are imperative for the state highway to avert slope failure and ensure its long-term stability.</p>