Top 10 Glaciers in the Karakoram
The Karakoram is unique. While almost every other glacier system on Earth is retreating, the central Karakoram has remained roughly stable and in places has even advanced — the so-called Karakoram Anomaly. Add in some of the highest peaks on the planet, and the result is a glacier landscape that has no equal anywhere.
1. Siachen
The longest non-polar glacier in the world at around 70 km, in the disputed border zone between India and Pakistan. Not visitable on the Pakistani side; restricted on the Indian side.
2. Biafo
About 67 km long, joins the Hispar Glacier at the Hispar La pass to form one of the world's longest continuous glacial systems outside the polar regions. Trekked end to end as the famous "Biafo-Hispar" route.
3. Hispar
The other half of the great traverse. Drains from Hispar La toward the Karimabad-Hunza valley. Heavily crevassed central section requires guides.
4. Baltoro
The classic K2 approach glacier — about 63 km. The trek from Askole to Concordia (the K2 base camp staging point) is one of the most famous glacier walks anywhere.
5. Batura
A 57-km glacier south of the Pakistan-China border, parallel to the Karakoram Highway. The KKH overlooks the lower tongue.
6. Hopar / Bualtar
Across the valley from the Hispar tongue, with a stunning ice tongue visible from Hopar village. The most "step out of the car and see ice" glacier in the Karakoram.
7. Passu / Batura side outlets
The Passu glaciers descend almost to the Karakoram Highway and the Hunza valley villages, giving the region its famous postcard backdrop.
8. Godwin-Austen
The glacier feeding K2 base camp at Concordia. The trek up the Godwin-Austen is the final stage before the K2 itself.
9. Vigne
A side glacier joining the Baltoro at Concordia. Used by climbers on the Gasherbrum and Broad Peak routes.
10. Kondus
A southern Karakoram glacier, partly in restricted military zones but visible from the Saltoro and Hushe valleys in the higher trekking season.
When to go
July to early September is the standard trekking window. The Karakoram Highway is open most of the year but high passes can close in winter. Permits for trekking are required and take time to arrange.
From reading to planning
Filter to the Karakoram on the interactive map to see the full network of named tributaries that feed the Baltoro, Biafo and Hispar trunks.