Top 10 Glaciers in India
India hosts some of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions — in Garhwal, Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Many are pilgrim destinations as well as climbing objectives: sources of the great rivers are mapped to specific glaciers in Hindu tradition. A few sit inside zones that require special permits, but most are accessible to fit trekkers from a road head.
Gangotri
The source of the Ganges (Bhagirathi) at Gomukh, 18 km up the Bhagirathi valley from Gangotri town. The lower tongue is among the most-pilgrimed glacier snouts on Earth, and one of the most-studied.
Siachen
The longest glacier in the Karakoram outside the polar regions — about 76 km. Mostly inside a closed military zone; civilians can access only the lowest section under controlled visits arranged through Indian Army channels.
Zemu
A 26 km valley glacier on the east face of Kanchenjunga in Sikkim. Access requires Inner Line and Restricted Area permits; not for casual visits.
Pindari
Classic Kumaon trekking glacier — five-day round trip from the road head at Loharkhet, ending at the snout below Nanda Devi East. One of the most accessible "big" Himalayan glacier views.
Milam
Long valley glacier in Kumaon, source of the Goriganga. Reopened to foreign visitors only relatively recently; impressive snout and remote setting.
Bara Shigri
The largest glacier in Himachal Pradesh, in the Chandra valley of Lahaul-Spiti. The Manali-Leh road skirts its lateral moraines.
Nubra Valley glaciers
Cluster of glaciers descending into the Nubra valley in Ladakh, including the Siachen's southern outflow. The road to Hunder makes glacier toes visible to driving visitors.
Yamunotri
The icefield at the source of the Yamuna; pilgrim site reached by a four-hour climb from Janki Chatti.
Sonapani
Small glacier accessible from Manali via a multi-day trek across the Hampta pass. A first glacier for many Himalayan trekkers.
Drang-Drung
Long valley glacier visible from the Pensi La road in Zanskar — one of the best roadside glacier viewpoints in India, and a great introduction to large valley glaciers without strenuous walking.
From reading to planning
The interactive map shows trekking routes, permit-zone boundaries and the few drive-up viewpoints among the ten.