Pakistan is home to some of the world’s largest and most impressive glaciers, which play a crucial role in sustaining the country’s water supply. These glaciers are spread throughout the northern areas of Pakistan and are a major source of water for agriculture, power generation, and human consumption. In this blog, I will take a closer look at some of the most notable glaciers in Pakistan, including their history, length, area, and location. (view my facebook profile)
1. Siachen Glacier:
Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range and is one of the largest glaciers in the world outside of the polar regions. It is approximately 76 km long and covers an area of around 2,600 square kilometers. Siachen Glacier is also the world’s highest battlefield, as India and Pakistan have been engaged in a territorial dispute over the glacier since 1984. The glacier is melting rapidly due to global warming, which is a major cause of concern for both India and Pakistan. (Like our facebook page)
2. Batura Glacier:
Batura Glacier is located in the Karakoram range and is approximately 64 km long. It is the fifth-longest non-polar glacier in the world and covers an area of around 350 square kilometers. Batura Glacier is a popular destination for tourists, and several trekking trails lead to the glacier. (join our facebook group)
3. Hispar Glacier:
The Hispar Glacier is located in the Hunza Valley in the Karakoram range and is approximately 49 km long. It covers an area of around 250 square kilometers and is the 3rd longest glacier in Pakistan. The glacier is a popular destination for mountaineers and trekkers, and several peaks in the region offer breathtaking views of the glacier. (Subscribe our YouTube channel)
4. Baltoro Glacier:
The Baltoro Glacier is located in the Karakoram range and is approximately 62 km long. It is one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions and covers an area of around 1,200 square kilometers. The glacier is also home to several peaks that are popular among mountaineers, including K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.
5. Biafo Glacier
The Biafo Glacier is indeed one of the longest glaciers outside of the polar regions and is approximately 63 kilometers long. It is located in the Karakoram range in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
The Biafo Glacier is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the famous Shigar and Masherbrum.
6. Barpu Glacier:
The Barpu Glacier is indeed located in the Karakoram range of the Himalayas and is approximately 26 kilometers long. It is one of the largest glaciers in the region and covers an area of about 170 square kilometers.
The Barpu Glacier is fed by the snow and ice from the surrounding peaks, including Masherbrum and Chogolisa, and is an important source of freshwater for the local communities living in the area.
The Gondogoro Glacier is indeed a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers located in the Karakoram range of mountains. It is approximately 12 kilometers long and is fed by the snow and ice from the surrounding peaks, including Masherbrum, K2, and Broad Peak.
8. Trich Mir Glacier:
The Trich Mir Glacier is indeed a significant glacier located in the Hindu Kush range, covering an area of around 110 square kilometers. It is the largest glacier in the Chitral district of Pakistan and is approximately 20 kilometers long. The glacier is fed by the snow and ice from the Trich Mir peak, which is the highest peak in the Hindu Kush range.
9. Snow Lake Glacier
The Snow Lake Glacier is a high-altitude glacial basin located in the Karakoram range of mountains. The glacier is approximately 16 km long and is surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks. The Snow Lake Glacier is a popular destination for adventure seekers and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
10. Yengunta Glacier:
Yengunta Glacier is located in the Hindu Kush range and is approximately 35 km long. It covers an area of around 150 square kilometers and is one of the most accessible glaciers in Pakistan. The glacier is a popular destination for trekkers, and several trekking trails lead to the glacier.
11. Trango Glacier:
The Trango Glacier is indeed a significant glacier located in the Karakoram range of the Himalayas. It is approximately 36 kilometers long and covers an area of about 210 square kilometers. The glacier is situated in the Baltistan region of Pakistan, which is known for its rugged mountain scenery and rich cultural heritage.
12. Chiantar Glacier:
The Chiantar Glacier is indeed a significant glacier located in the Hindu Kush range of the Himalayas. It is approximately 34 kilometers long and covers an area of about 195 square kilometers. The glacier is situated in the Chitral Valley in Pakistan, which is known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
The glacier feeds the Chiantar River, which flows through the valley below, providing water for irrigation and other purposes.
13. Thui Glacier
The Thui Glacier is indeed a significant glacier located in the Hindu Kush range in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It is approximately 18 kilometers long and is surrounded by several notable peaks, including Thui Sar (6,395 meters) and Ashiret Peak (6,436 meters).
The glacier feeds the Thui River, which flows through the valley below, providing water for irrigation and other purposes. The area around the glacier is also home to several small villages and settlements, where the locals rely on agriculture and livestock rearing for their livelihoods.
14. Malangutti Glacier
The Malangutti Glacier is indeed a significant glacier located in the Hindu Kush range in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It is approximately 20 kilometers long and is surrounded by several notable peaks, including Malangutti Sar (7,458 meters) and Shachor Peak (6,511 meters).
The glacier feeds the Ghundai Khwar river, which flows through the valley below, providing water for irrigation and other purposes. The trek to the glacier is challenging, with several steep ascents and descents, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The area is also known for its diverse flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, and musk deer.
15. Sosbun Glacier
The Sosbun Glacier is another significant glacier in the Karakoram range, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The glacier is approximately 12 kilometers long and is surrounded by several notable peaks, including Sosbun Brakk (6,326 meters) and Ultar Sar (7,388 meters).
The Sosbun Glacier is one of the most beautiful glaciers in the region, and it is known for its stunning blue ice formations and crevasses. The glacier feeds the Hunza River, which is a vital source of water for the region’s inhabitants.
16. Malubiting Glacier
Malubiting Glacier is indeed another significant glacier in the Karakoram range, and it is known for its scenic beauty and challenging trekking routes. It is located in the Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan and is surrounded by several notable peaks, including Malubiting Peak (7,458 meters), Spantik Peak (7,027 meters), and Batura Peak (7,795 meters).
The Malubiting Glacier is approximately 21 kilometers long and covers an area of around 90 square kilometers. The glacier feeds the Phundar River, which flows through the valley below. The area is also home to several small villages and settlements, where the locals rely on agriculture and tourism for their livelihoods.
