Siachen Glacier

Siachen Glacier, one of the world’s longest mountain glaciers, lies in the Karakoram Range system of Kashmir near the India-Pakistan border.  A 78 km long glacier lies between the Saltoro ridge line to the west and the main Karakoram Range to the east. The Saltoro Ridge originates from the Sia Kangri peak in the Karakoram Range. It has several fast-flowing surface streams and at least 12 medial moraines.

Siachen is the source for the 50 mi. long Nubra River, a tributary of the Shyok, which is part of the Indus River system. It is the Longest Glacier in the Karakoram and the Second-Longest glacier in the World’s Non-Polar areas.

The Siachen Glacier occupies the great Himalayan watershed that demarcates Central Asia from the Indian sub-continent, and that separates Pakistan from China in this region. The average elevation of Siachen Glacier from sea level is approximately 17,770 feet. The Siachen Glaciers are known as the highest battlefield in the world. The entire Siachen Glacier, with all major passes, has been under the administration of India.  The region has been part of the union territory of Ladakh since 1984.

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Geological field evidence has established that the original length of the 19,000-foot-high Siachen Glacier was 150 kilometers. It is now down to 78 kilometers.  The study of satellite images of the glacier showed that the glacier is retreating at a rate of about 110 meters a year and that the glacier’s size has decreased by almost 35 percent. The melting of glaciers’ slow-moving rivers of ice can cause flooding, landslides, and lakes.

Trek point

The world’s highest battlefield, Ladakh’s Siachen Glacier, is the best tourist destination. The Indian Army organizes a Siachen Glacier Trek between August and September every year for approximately thirty selected civilians recommended by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. The weather remains extremely cold here, with temperatures dropping below -50 degrees Celsius. The oxygen level is only about 10 percent of what it is in the plains.

Also read-Himalayas Rugged Beauty: Langtang Valley Trek Adventure

How To Reach Siachen Glacier

To reach the Siachen Glacier, fly to Leh airport, then travel by road via Nubra Valley (Khardung La) to the Siachen Base Camp, a journey requiring Indian Army permits (Special Area Permit for areas beyond Warshi) and acclimatization for the high altitude, with the Base Camp accessible to civilians for day visits but further areas restricted.