Siachen Glacier

The renowned and controversial Siachen Glacier is situated at east part of Karakoram area in the hilly range of Himalaya. It is a point wherein India and Pakistan’s line of control situated. Siachen Glacier is the longest glacier about 70 kilometers long in the country as well as the second longest natural glacier in the world. The glacier falls down from a height of about 5,753 meters above the mean sea level. It lies in the southern part of famous great watershed which separates the natural Eurasian plate just from the local subcontinent of India in glaciated part of area Karakoram. It is often called as the third pole. It basically lies between local Saltoro Ridge to western part and main range of Karakoram area. It is a known fact that Saltoro Ridge naturally originates in the northern area from main Siachen Kangri top peak on the country China border in local Karakoram Range.

Geology

The Siachen Glacier is not only a famous longest glacier but also it is a controversial place. According to Pakistan’s meteorological department’s survey of 2007, the glacier has been greatly retreating for the last 30 years as well as melting at a dangerous level. The scientific study of modern satellite pictures showed that it is retreating at an average rate of 110 meters per year. Hence, the original size of the glacier has reduced to about 35 percent. Moreover, at a total of eleven years of time, the Siachen Glacier had greatly receded at about 800 meters. Hence, it is finally estimated that Siachen region’s glaciers would be reduced one fifth of its present original size by the end of 2035. One of the main reasons cited for the present glacial retreat is modern chemical blasting which are done for constructing posts and camps. Moreover, in the year 2001, India had laid oil pipelines for around 250 kilometers long just inside the natural glacier in order to supply required aviation fuel and kerosene oil to the local outposts from military camps. According to 2007 survey, the temperature of Siachen rise was calculated about 0.2 degree Celsius per year that greatly causes avalanches, craters in natural glacier and melting.

Source

The main source of Siachen Glacier is the natural water sources that make it biggest the glacier in the country. Moreover, melting waters of glacier are the chief source of local river Nubra in Ladakh, India which finally drains into Local River called Shyok. Hence, Shyok river joins the 3000 km long river Indus that flows via Pakistan country. Hence, this natural glacier is the chief source of river Indus as well as feeds the biggest irrigation system in globe.

Tourism

However, being a controversial military base there are some strict rule to visit this area. The renowned Siachen glacier can be visited only after taking the required permission from the military authority. It is a known fact that most of the visitors who visit here are usually scientists. There is no facility for the common tourists or visitors.

How to Reach

By Air

Leh airport is the nearest airport that connects the city to other parts of the country. Hence, visitors can easily find direct flights to Leh airport from various domestic airports in the country.

By Rail

Some of the nearest railway stations are including Anantynag railway station only 255 km, Brijbehra railway station also 255 km and Panjgam railway station 260 km distance from the glacier.

By Road

JKRTC runs regular buses throughout the state. Hence, from airport or railway station, visitors can easily find road-based transportation to reach at Siachen Glacier.

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