Glaciers
Why glaciers matter
Glaciers store water as ice and release it as the rivers in the dry season. The longest and largest glaciers in India are in Ladakh, mostly in the Karakoram and Zanskar.
| Glacier | Location | Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Siachen | Karakoram, Nubra (Ladakh) | About 76 km long; the longest glacier in the Karakoram and the second longest outside the Polar regions (after Fedchenko in Tajikistan). Source of the Nubra River. Highest battlefield (about 5,400 m at the base). |
| Baltoro | Karakoram (Gilgit-Baltistan) | About 63 km. Leads to K2. |
| Biafo and Hispar | Karakoram (Gilgit-Baltistan) | Together form a 100 km glacier highway. |
| Kolahoi | Great Himalaya (Anantnag) | Source of the Lidder. Retreating fast. |
| Thajiwas | Sonamarg | Popular tourist glacier. |
| Machoi | Zojila area | Source of the Sindh (Sind) river. |
| Drang-Drung | Zanskar (Kargil) | One of the largest in Zanskar, near Pensi La. |
| Parkachik | Suru valley (Kargil) | Source of the Suru river. |
| Rimo | Karakoram (Nubra) | Source of the Shyok. |
Key points
- Siachen is the world's highest battleground. Since 1984, Indian troops have held the Saltoro Ridge.
- Glaciers in Kashmir (Kolahoi, Thajiwas) are retreating because of warming. This threatens the Jhelum and Lidder.
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are a danger in Ladakh and Kishtwar.
- Perennial snowline in the Pir Panjal is about 4,500 m, and higher in the Karakoram.
Keep practising
Notes are only half the work. Test yourself with questions and discuss doubts with other aspirants.
Prepared for exam revision from standard sources, official publications and the Census. Figures and recent developments change, so check official sources before relying on them. Found a mistake? Tell us.