Siachen Glacier

Siachen Glacier

The Siachen Glacier is located in the north central part of Jammu and Kashmir near the Indo – Tibet border. Siachen Glacier is the largest glacier in the world outside the Polar Regions. It originates from the SiaKangri in the Karakoram Range and is approximately 72 Km in length. It lies in the Karakoram Range of mountains at the altitude of 5,400 meters above sea level. It is the coldest part of the country where the temperature can dip to minus 50 degrees during snowfall. It has a vast snow field in the center. This tract is more or less devoid of vegetation due to its high altitude. The sediments of snow form the bulk of this area all the year round, which makes this part of Kashmir barren and unproductive. Siachen Glacier can easily be approached via Skardu in Ladakh. The glaciers melting water is the main source of water for the Nubra River, which further falls into the Shyok River.

Siachen Glacier was formally known as the SaicherGharni. It means the place of roses – Sia (rose), Chen (place of). It is also the world’s highest battle ground ever; special permission is required for admission in this region. Siachen Glacier provides a very good opportunity for mountaineering. The climbing is quite challenging.