# Karakoram > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Karakoram > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Karakoram.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakoram > Source revision: 1356110720 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Mountain range spanning the borders between Pakistan, India and China This article is about the mountain range. For the medieval city in Mongolia, see [Karakorum](/source/Karakorum). For other uses, see [Karakoram (disambiguation)](/source/Karakoram_(disambiguation)). Not to be confused with [Karakum](/source/Karakum_(disambiguation)). Karakoram Baltoro Glacier in the Central Karakoram Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan-administered Kashmir Highest point Peak K2 Elevation 8,611 m (28,251 ft) Coordinates 35°52′57″N 76°30′48″E / 35.88250°N 76.51333°E / 35.88250; 76.51333 Dimensions Length 500 km (310 mi) Geography Interactive map outlining Karakoram range Countries Afghanistan China India Pakistan Tajikistan Regions/Provinces Gilgit-Baltistan Ladakh Xinjiang Badakhshan Range coordinates 36°N 76°E / 36°N 76°E / 36; 76 Borders on Pamir Mountains Hindu Kush Kunlun Mountains Himalayas Ladakh Range Karakoram Chinese name Chinese 喀喇昆仑山脉 Hanyu Pinyin Kālǎ Kūnlún shānmài Literal meaning "Kara-Kunlun mountain range" Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Kālǎ Kūnlún shānmài Tibetan name Tibetan ཁར་ཁོ་རུམ་རི Transcriptions Wylie kha ra kho rum ri Uyghur name Uyghur قاراقورام‎ The **Karakoram** (English: [/ˌkɑːrəˈkɔːrəm, ˌkær-/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English), Urdu: [\[kaːɾaːkoːɾəm\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Hindi_and_Urdu))[1] is a [mountain range](/source/Mountain_range) in Asia located primarily in the [Kashmir](/source/Kashmir) region. The range spans the borders of [Pakistan](/source/Pakistan), [China](/source/China), and [India](/source/India),[a] with the north-western extremities of the range extending into [Afghanistan](/source/Afghanistan) and [Tajikistan](/source/Tajikistan). The Karakoram contains four of the fourteen [eight-thousanders](/source/Eight-thousander), the highest of which is [K2](/source/K2), the second highest mountain on Earth. The Karakoram begins in the [Wakhan Corridor](/source/Wakhan_Corridor) in western Afghanistan and extends eastwards into Indian-administered [Ladakh](/source/Ladakh) and Chinese-administered [Aksai Chin](/source/Aksai_Chin), as well as the Chinese province of [Xinjiang](/source/Xinjiang). Most of the Karakoram is located within the Pakistani-administered [Gilgit-Baltistan](/source/Gilgit-Baltistan) region. The Karakoram is bounded on the east by the Aksai Chin plateau, on the north-east by the edge of the [Tibetan Plateau](/source/Tibetan_Plateau), and on the north by the river valleys of the [Yarkand](/source/Yarkand_River) and [Karakash rivers](/source/Karakash_River), beyond which lie the [Kunlun Mountains](/source/Kunlun_Mountains). At the north-west corner are the [Pamir Mountains](/source/Pamir_Mountains), while to the west lies [Hindu Kush](/source/Hindu_Kush). The southern boundary of the Karakoram is formed west to east by the [Gilgit](/source/Gilgit_River), [Indus](/source/Indus_River), and [Shyok](/source/Shyok_River) rivers, which separate the range from the north-western end of the [Himalaya](/source/Himalayas). These rivers flow north-west before making an abrupt turn south-westwards towards the plains of Pakistan. Roughly in the middle of the Karakoram range is the [Karakoram Pass](/source/Karakoram_Pass), which was part of a now unused trade route between Ladakh and [Yarkand](/source/Yarkant_County). The range is about 500 km (311 mi) in length and is the most [glaciated](/source/Glacier) place on Earth outside the [polar regions](/source/Polar_regions_of_Earth). The [Siachen Glacier](/source/Siachen_Glacier) (76 km (47 mi) long) and [Biafo Glacier](/source/Biafo_Glacier) (63 km (39 mi) long) are the second- and third-longest glaciers outside the polar regions.[2] The Karakoram is the [second-highest mountain range](/source/Greater_Ranges) on Earth and part of a complex of ranges that includes the Pamir Mountains, Hindu Kush, and the Himalayas.[3][4] The range contains eighteen summits higher than 7,500 m (24,600 ft) in [elevation](/source/Elevation), with four above 8,000 m (26,000 ft)[5][6][7] which include [K2](/source/K2), [Gasherbrum I](/source/Gasherbrum_I), [Broad Peak](/source/Broad_Peak), and [Gasherbrum II](/source/Gasherbrum_II). ## Name The black gravel of the Karakoram mountains, as seen near [Pakistan](/source/Pakistan)'s [Biafo Glacier](/source/Biafo_Glacier) Karakoram is a [Turkic](/source/Turkic_languages) term meaning *black gravel*. The Central Asian traders originally applied the name to the [Karakoram Pass](/source/Karakoram_Pass).[8] Early European travelers, including [William Moorcroft](/source/William_Moorcroft_(explorer)) and [George Hayward](/source/George_W._Hayward), started using the term for the range of mountains west of the pass, although they also used the term **Muztagh** (meaning, "Ice Mountain") for the range now known as Karakoram.[8][9] Later terminology was influenced by [Thomas Montgomerie](/source/Thomas_Montgomerie) of the [Survey of India](/source/Great_Trigonometric_Survey_of_India), who gave the labels K1 to K6 (K for Karakoram) to six high mountains visible from his station at [Mount Haramukh](/source/Mount_Haramukh) in the 1850s. These codes were extended up to more than thirty. In traditional Indian geography, the mountains were known as **Krishnagiri** (black mountains), *Kanhagiri*, and *Kanheri*.[10] ## Exploration Due to its altitude and ruggedness, the Karakoram is much less inhabited than parts of the Himalayas further east. European explorers first visited in the early 19th century, followed by [British surveyors](/source/Great_Trigonometrical_Survey) starting in 1856. The [Muztagh Pass](/source/Muztagh_Pass) was crossed in 1887 by the expedition of Colonel [Francis Younghusband](/source/Francis_Younghusband),[11] and the valleys above the [Hunza River](/source/Hunza_River) were explored by General Sir [George K. Cockerill](/source/George_Cockerill_(British_Army_officer)) in 1892. Explorations in the 1910s and 1920s established most of the geography of the region. The name Karakoram was used in the early 20th century, for example by [Kenneth Mason](/source/Kenneth_Mason_(geographer)),[8] for the range now known as the [Baltoro Muztagh](/source/Baltoro_Muztagh). The term is now used to refer to the entire range from the [Batura Muztagh](/source/Batura_Muztagh) above [Hunza](/source/Hunza_Valley) in the west to the [Saser Muztagh](/source/Saser_Muztagh) in the bend of the [Shyok River](/source/Shyok_River) in the east. [Hunza Valley](/source/Hunza_Valley) in the [Gilgit-Baltistan](/source/Gilgit-Baltistan) region, administered by Pakistan Floral surveys were carried out in the Shyok River catchment and from Panamik to Turtuk village by [Chandra Prakash Kala](/source/Chandra_Prakash_Kala) during 1999 and 2000.[12][13] ## Geology and glaciers The Karakoram is in one of the world's most geologically active areas, at the [plate boundary between the Indo-Australian plate and the Eurasian plate](/source/Geology_of_the_Himalaya).[14] A significant part, somewhere between 28 and 50 percent, of the Karakoram Range is glaciated, covering an area of more than 15,000 square kilometres or 5,800 square miles,[15] compared to between 8 and 12 percent of the Himalaya and 2.2 percent of the [Alps](/source/Alps).[16] Mountain [glaciers](/source/Glacier) may serve as an indicator of climate change, advancing and receding with long-term changes in temperature and precipitation. The Karakoram glaciers are slightly retreating,[17][18][19] unlike the Himalayas, where glaciers are losing mass at a significantly higher rate, many Karakoram glaciers are covered in a layer of rubble which insulates the ice from the warmth of the sun.[20] Where there is no such insulation, the rate of retreat is high.[21] Some recent studies reveal slight increase or stability in glacier mass in central and western Karakoram, termed by some scholars as "Karakoram Anomaly",[22][23][24][25] contrasting with eastern Karakoram where glaciers were found to be retreating.[26][27][28][29] Notable glaciers in Karakoram include: - [Siachen Glacier](/source/Siachen_Glacier) - [Baltoro Glacier](/source/Baltoro_Glacier) - [Hispar Glacier](/source/Hispar_Glacier) - [Batura Glacier](/source/Batura_Glacier) - [Biafo Glacier](/source/Biafo_Glacier) - [Chogo Lungma Glacier](/source/Chogo_Lungma_Glacier) - [Yinsugaiti Glacier](/source/Yinsugaiti_Glacier) ### Ice Age In the last [ice age](/source/Ice_age), a [connected series of glaciers](/source/Ice_cap) stretched from western [Tibet](/source/Tibet) to [Nanga Parbat](/source/Nanga_Parbat), and from the [Tarim Basin](/source/Tarim_Basin) to the [Gilgit District](/source/Gilgit_District).[30][31][32] To the south, the [Indus glacier](/source/Indus_Valley) was the main valley glacier, which flowed 120 kilometres (75 mi) down from the Nanga Parbat massif to 870 metres (2,850 ft) elevation.[30][33] In the north, the Karakoram glaciers joined those from the [Kunlun Mountains](/source/Kunlun_Mountains) and flowed down to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) in the Tarim Basin.[32][34] While the current valley glaciers in the Karakoram reach a maximum length of 76 kilometres (47 mi), several of the ice-age valley glacier branches and main valley glaciers, had lengths up to 700 kilometres (430 mi). During the Ice Age, the glacier snowline was about 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) lower than today.[32][33] ## Highest peaks Highest **Karakoram** peaks in the Baltoro region as seen from the [International Space Station](/source/International_Space_Station) 60km 37miles Pakistan India China [48](/source/Gasherbrum_V) [47](/source/Rimo_Massif) [46](/source/Apsarasas_Kangri) [45](/source/Diran) [44](/source/Muztagh_Tower) [43](/source/K6_(mountain)) [42](/source/Yutmaru_Sar) [41](/source/Baintha_Brakk) [40](/source/The_Crown_(mountain)) [39](/source/Baltoro_Kangri) [38](/source/Yazghil_Dome_South) [37](/source/Sherpi_Kangri) [36](/source/Rimo_Massif) [35](/source/Ultar) [34](/source/Ghent_Kangri) [33](/source/Haramosh_Peak) [32](/source/Skil_Brum) [31](/source/Momhil_Sar) [30](/source/Sia_Kangri) [29](/source/K12_(mountain)) [28](/source/Malubiting) [27](/source/Teram_Kangri) [26](/source/Yukshin_Gardan_Sar) [25](/source/Passu_Sar) [24](/source/Pumari_Chhish) [23](/source/Saser_Kangri) [22](/source/Saser_Kangri) [21](/source/Mamostong_Kangri) [20](/source/Skyang_Kangri) [19](/source/Trivor) [18](/source/Shispare) [17](/source/Chogolisa) [16](/source/Saser_Kangri) [15](/source/Batura_III) [14](/source/Saltoro_Kangri) [13](/source/Kanjut_Sar) [12](/source/Batura_II) [11](/source/Rakaposhi) [10](/source/Batura_Sar) [9](/source/Masherbrum) [8](/source/Kunyang_Chhish) [7](/source/Distaghil_Sar) [6](/source/Gasherbrum_IV) [5](/source/Gasherbrum_III) [4](/source/Gasherbrum_II) [3](/source/Broad_Peak) [2](/source/Gasherbrum_I) [1](/source/K2) The major peaks in Karakoram are rank identified by height. Legend - 1：[K2](/source/K2) - 2：[Gasherbrum I, K5](/source/Gasherbrum_I) - 3：[Broad Peak](/source/Broad_Peak) - 4：[Gasherbrum II, K4](/source/Gasherbrum_II) - 5：[Gasherbrum III, K3a](/source/Gasherbrum_III) - 6：[Gasherbrum IV, K3](/source/Gasherbrum_IV) - 7：[Distaghil Sar](/source/Distaghil_Sar) - 8：[Kunyang Chhish](/source/Kunyang_Chhish) - 9：[Masherbrum, K1](/source/Masherbrum) - 10：[Batura Sar, Batura I](/source/Batura_Sar) - 11：[Rakaposhi](/source/Rakaposhi) - 12：[Batura II](/source/Batura_II) - 13：[Kanjut Sar](/source/Kanjut_Sar) - 14：[Saltoro Kangri, K10](/source/Saltoro_Kangri) - 15：[Batura III](/source/Batura_III) - 16： [Saser Kangri I, K22](/source/Saser_Kangri) - 17：[Chogolisa](/source/Chogolisa) - 18：[Shispare](/source/Shispare) - 19：[Trivor Sar](/source/Trivor) - 20：[Skyang Kangri](/source/Skyang_Kangri) - 21：[Mamostong Kangri, K35](/source/Mamostong_Kangri) - 22：[Saser Kangri II](/source/Saser_Kangri) - 23：[Saser Kangri III](/source/Saser_Kangri) - 24：[Pumari Chhish](/source/Pumari_Chhish) - 25：[Passu Sar](/source/Passu_Sar) - 26：[Yukshin Gardan Sar](/source/Yukshin_Gardan_Sar) - 27：[Teram Kangri I](/source/Teram_Kangri) - 28：[Malubiting](/source/Malubiting) - 29：[K12](/source/K12_(mountain)) - 30：[Sia Kangri](/source/Sia_Kangri) - 31：[Momhil Sar](/source/Momhil_Sar) - 32：[Skil Brum](/source/Skil_Brum) - 33：[Haramosh Peak](/source/Haramosh_Peak) - 34：[Ghent Kangri](/source/Ghent_Kangri) - 35：[Ultar Sar](/source/Ultar) - 36：[Rimo Massif](/source/Rimo_Massif) - 37：[Sherpi Kangri](/source/Sherpi_Kangri) - 38：[Yazghil Dome South](/source/Yazghil_Dome_South) - 39：[Baltoro Kangri](/source/Baltoro_Kangri) - 40：[Crown Peak](/source/The_Crown_(mountain)) - 41：[Baintha Brakk](/source/Baintha_Brakk) - 42：[Yutmaru Sar](/source/Yutmaru_Sar) - 43：[K6](/source/K6_(mountain)) - 44：[Muztagh Tower](/source/Muztagh_Tower) - 45：[Diran](/source/Diran) - 46：[Apsarasas Kangri I](/source/Apsarasas_Kangri) - 47：[Rimo III](/source/Rimo_Massif) - 48：[Gasherbrum V](/source/Gasherbrum_V) The majority of the highest peaks are in the [Gilgit–Baltistan](/source/Gilgit%E2%80%93Baltistan) region administered by Pakistan. Baltistan has more than 100 mountain peaks exceeding 6,100 metres (20,000 ft) height from sea level.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] Following is a list for the highest peaks of the Karakoram. Included are some of the mountains named with a K code, the most well-known of which is the K2. Mountain Height[35] Ranked K code Area administered by K2 8,611 metres (28,251 ft) 2 K2 Pakistan–China, at the head of the Godwin-Austen Glacier Gasherbrum I 8,080 metres (26,510 ft) 11 K5 China–Pakistan Broad Peak 8,051 metres (26,414 ft) 12 China–Pakistan Gasherbrum II 8,034 metres (26,358 ft) 13 K4 China–Pakistan Gasherbrum III 7,952 metres (26,089 ft) K3a Pakistan Gasherbrum IV 7,925 metres (26,001 ft) 17 K3 Pakistan Distaghil Sar 7,885 metres (25,869 ft) 19 Pakistan Kunyang Chhish 7,852 metres (25,761 ft) 21 Pakistan Masherbrum I 7,821 metres (25,659 ft) 22 K1 Pakistan Batura I 7,795 metres (25,574 ft) 25 Pakistan Rakaposhi 7,788 metres (25,551 ft) 26 Pakistan Batura II 7,762 metres (25,466 ft) Pakistan Kanjut Sar 7,760 metres (25,460 ft) 28 Pakistan Saltoro Kangri I 7,742 metres (25,400 ft) 31 K10 India–Pakistan Batura III 7,729 metres (25,358 ft) Pakistan Saltoro Kangri II 7,705 metres (25,279 ft) K11 India–Pakistan Saser Kangri I 7,672 metres (25,171 ft) 35 K22 India Chogolisa 7,665 metres (25,148 ft) 36 Pakistan Shispare Sar 7,611 metres (24,970 ft) 38 Pakistan Trivor Sar 7,577 metres (24,859 ft) 39 Pakistan Skyang Kangri 7,545 metres (24,754 ft) 43 China–Pakistan Mamostong Kangri 7,516 metres (24,659 ft) 47 K35 India Saser Kangri II 7,513 metres (24,649 ft) 48 India Saser Kangri III 7,495 metres (24,590 ft) 51 India Pumari Chhish 7,492 metres (24,580 ft) 53 Pakistan Passu Sar 7,478 metres (24,534 ft) 54 Pakistan Yukshin Gardan Sar 7,469 metres (24,505 ft) 55 Pakistan Teram Kangri I 7,462 metres (24,482 ft) 56 China–India Malubiting 7,458 metres (24,469 ft) 58 Pakistan K12 or Saitang Peak 7,428 metres (24,370 ft) 61 K12 India–Pakistan subsidiary of Saltoro Kangri Sia Kangri 7,422 metres (24,350 ft) 63 China–Pakistan Skilma Gangri or Ghursay Kangri II 7,422 metres (24,350 ft) K8 Pakistan, on the western flank of the Siachen Glacier Momhil Sar 7,414 metres (24,324 ft) 64 Pakistan Skil Brum 7,410 metres (24,310 ft) 66 China–Pakistan Haramosh Peak 7,409 metres (24,308 ft) 67 Pakistan Ghent Kangri 7,401 metres (24,281 ft) 69 India–Pakistan Ultar Peak 7,388 metres (24,239 ft) 70 Pakistan Rimo I 7,385 metres (24,229 ft) 71 India Sherpi Kangri 7,380 metres (24,210 ft) 74 Pakistan Bojohagur Duanasir 7,329 metres (24,045 ft) Pakistan Yazghil Dome South 7,324 metres (24,029 ft) Pakistan Baltoro Kangri 7,312 metres (23,990 ft) 81 Pakistan Crown Peak 7,295 metres (23,934 ft) 83 China Baintha Brakk 7,285 metres (23,901 ft) 86 Pakistan Yutmaru Sar 7,283 metres (23,894 ft) 87 Pakistan Baltistan Peak 7,282 metres (23,891 ft) 88 K6 Pakistan Muztagh Tower 7,273 metres (23,862 ft) 90 China–Pakistan Diran 7,266 metres (23,839 ft) 92 Pakistan Apsarasas Kangri I 7,243 metres (23,763 ft) 95 China–India Rimo III 7,233 metres (23,730 ft) 97 India Gasherbrum V 7,147 metres (23,448 ft) Pakistan Link Sar 7,041 metres (23,100 ft) Pakistan Gamba Gangri 7,000 metres (23,000 ft) (approx) K9 Pakistan near Trango Towers Gomgma Gangri 6,934 metres (22,749 ft) K7 Pakistan at the head of the Charakusa Valley Dansam Peak 6,666 metres (21,870 ft) K13 Pakistan south west of Saltoro Kangri Paiju Peak 6,610 metres (21,686 ft) Pakistan Pastan Kangri 6,523 metres (21,401 ft) K25 India south of Saltoro Kangri ## Subranges View of the Moon over Karakoram Range in Pakistan The naming and division of the various subranges of the Karakoram is not universally agreed upon. However, the following is a list of the most important subranges, following Jerzy Wala.[36] The ranges are listed roughly west to east. - [Batura Muztagh](/source/Batura_Muztagh) - [Rakaposhi-Haramosh Mountains](/source/Rakaposhi-Haramosh_Mountains) - [Spantik-Sosbun Mountains](/source/Spantik-Sosbun_Mountains) - [Hispar Muztagh](/source/Hispar_Muztagh) - [South Ghujerab Mountains](/source/South_Ghujerab_Mountains) - [Panmah Muztagh](/source/Panmah_Muztagh) - [Wesm Mountains](/source/Wesm_Mountains) - [Masherbrum Mountains](/source/Masherbrum_Mountains) - [Baltoro Muztagh](/source/Baltoro_Muztagh) - [Saltoro Mountains](/source/Saltoro_Mountains) - [Siachen Muztagh](/source/Siachen_Muztagh) - [Rimo Muztagh](/source/Rimo_Muztagh) - [Saser Muztagh](/source/Saser_Muztagh) ## Passes 60km 37miles Pakistan India China 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Location of the passes in Karakoram Legend: 1：[Sia La](/source/Sia_La), 2：[Bilafond La](/source/Bilafond_La), 3：[Gyong La](/source/Gyong_La), 4：[Sasser Pass](/source/Sasser_Pass), 5：[Burji La](/source/Burji_La), 6：[Machulo La](/source/Machulo_La), 7：[Naltar Pass](/source/Naltar_Pass), 8：[Hispar Pass](/source/Hispar_Pass), 9：[Shimshal Pass](/source/Shimshal_Pass), 10：[Karakoram Pass](/source/Karakoram_Pass), 11：[Turkistan La Pass](/source/Indira_Col), 12：[Windy Gap](/source/K2), 13：[Mustagh Pass](/source/Mustagh_Pass), 14：[Sarpo Laggo Pass](/source/Mustagh_Pass), 15：[Khunjerab Pass](/source/Khunjerab_Pass), 16：[Mutsjliga Pass](/source/Khunjerab_Pass), 17：[Mintaka Pass](/source/Mintaka_Pass), 18：[Kilik Pass](/source/Kilik_Pass)   Passes from west to east are: - [Dandala Pass](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dandala_Pass&action=edit&redlink=1) is the most important and earlier pass. It starts from Ghursay [saitang city](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Saitang_city&action=edit&redlink=1) to Yarqand in China. It is the main trade route between Khaplu, Ladakh, Kharmang to Yarqand, China. - [Kilik Pass](/source/Kilik_Pass) - [Mintaka Pass](/source/Mintaka_Pass) - [Khunjerab Pass](/source/Khunjerab_Pass) is the highest paved international border crossing at 4,693 m (15,397 ft). It serves the China-Pakistan [Friendship Highway](/source/Karakoram_Highway), the "8th world wonder".[37] - [Shimshal](/source/Shimshal) Pass - [Mustagh Pass](/source/Mustagh_Pass) - [Karakoram Pass](/source/Karakoram_Pass) - [Sasser Pass](/source/Sasser_Pass) - [Naltar](/source/Naltar_Valley) Pass The Khunjerab Pass is the only motorable pass across the range. The Shimshal Pass (which does not cross an international border) is the only other pass still in regular use. ## Cultural references The Karakoram mountain range has been referred to in a number of [novels](/source/Novels) and movies. [Rudyard Kipling](/source/Rudyard_Kipling) refers to the Karakoram mountain range in his novel *[Kim](/source/Kim_(novel))*, which was first published in 1900. [Marcel Ichac](/source/Marcel_Ichac) made a film titled *Karakoram*, chronicling a French expedition to the range in 1936. The film won the Silver Lion at the [Venice Film Festival](/source/Venice_Film_Festival) of 1937. [Greg Mortenson](/source/Greg_Mortenson) details the Karakoram, and specifically K2 and the [Balti](/source/Balti_people), extensively in his book *[Three Cups of Tea](/source/Three_Cups_of_Tea)*, about his quest to build schools for children in the region. *K2 Kahani* (The K2 Story) by [Mustansar Hussain Tarar](/source/Mustansar_Hussain_Tarar) describes his experiences at K2 base camp.[38] ## See also - [Karakoram Highway](/source/Karakoram_Highway) - [List of mountain ranges](/source/List_of_mountain_ranges) of the world - [List of highest mountains](/source/List_of_highest_mountains) (a list of mountains above 7,200 m (23,600 ft)) - [Mount Imeon](/source/Mount_Imeon) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** The sovereignty over the Kashmir region is disputed and the region is partly administered by Pakistan, India and China. ### Citations 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Karakoram"](https://www.dictionary.com/browse/Karakoram). *[Dictionary.com Unabridged](/source/Dictionary.com)* (Online). n.d. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Measurements_3-0)** Tajikistan's Fedchenko Glacier is 77 km (48 mi) long. Baltoro and Batura Glaciers in the Karakoram are 57 km (35 mi) long, as is Bruggen or Pio XI Glacier in southern Chile. Measurements are from recent imagery, generally supplemented with Russian 1:200,000 scale topographic mapping as well as Jerzy Wala,*Orographical Sketch Map: Karakoram: Sheets 1 & 2*, [Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schweizerische_Stiftung_f%C3%BCr_Alpine_Forschung), [Zurich](/source/Zurich), 1990. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [Karakoram Range](https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/312055) at the *[Encyclopædia Britannica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica)*. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Hindu Kush Himalayan Region"](https://icimod.org/?q=1137). [International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development](/source/International_Centre_for_Integrated_Mountain_Development). Retrieved 17 October 2014. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [Shukurov, The Natural Environment of Central and South Asia 2005](#CITEREFShukurov,_The_Natural_Environment_of_Central_and_South_Asia2005), p. 512. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Voiland, Adam (2013). ["The Eight-Thousanders"](https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/8000MeterPeaks). *[NASA Earth Observatory](/source/NASA_Earth_Observatory)*. Retrieved 23 December 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** "Mountains". *[Planet Earth](/source/Planet_Earth_(2006_TV_series))*. Episode 3. [BBC](/source/BBC). 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Mason_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Mason_9-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Mason_9-2) [Mason, Kenneth](/source/Kenneth_Mason_(geographer)) (1928). [*Exploration of the Shaksgam Valley and Aghil ranges, 1926*](https://books.google.com/books?id=LrbVqD06aXYC). Asian Educational Services. p. 72. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-81-206-1794-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-206-1794-0). {{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#invalid_isbn_date)) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Close C, Burrard S, Younghusband F, et al. (1930). "Nomenclature in the Karakoram: Discussion". *The Geographical Journal*. **76** (2). Blackwell Publishing: 148–158. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[1930GeogJ..76..148C](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1930GeogJ..76..148C). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/1783980](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F1783980). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [1783980](https://www.jstor.org/stable/1783980). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Kohli2002_11-0)** Kohli, M.S. (2002), [*Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure and Pilgrimage*](https://books.google.com/books?id=GIs4zv17HHwC&pg=PA22), Indus Publishing, p. 22, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-81-7387-135-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-7387-135-1) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [French, Patrick](/source/Patrick_French). (1994). *Younghusband: The Last Great Imperial Adventurer*, pp. 53, 56-60. HarperCollins*Publishers*, London. Reprint (1995): Flamingo. London. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-00-637601-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-00-637601-0). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Kala, Chandra Prakash (2005). "Indigenous Uses, Population Density, and Conservation of Threatened Medicinal Plants in Protected Areas of the Indian Himalayas". *Conservation Biology*. **19** (2): 368–378. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2005ConBi..19..368K](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005ConBi..19..368K). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1111/j.1523-1739.2005.00602.x](https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1523-1739.2005.00602.x). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [85324142](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:85324142). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Kala, Chandra Prakash (2005). ["Health traditions of Buddhist community and role of amchis in trans-Himalayan region of India"](http://www.iisc.ernet.in/currsci/oct252005/1331.pdf) (PDF). *Current Science*. **89** (8): 1331. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** "Geological evolution of the Karakoram ranges". *Italian Journal of Geosciences*. **130** (2): 147–159. 2011. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.3301/IJG.2011.08](https://doi.org/10.3301%2FIJG.2011.08). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Muhammad, Sher; Tian, Lide; Khan, Asif (2019). ["Early twenty-first century glacier mass losses in the Indus Basin constrained by density assumptions"](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.jhydrol.2019.04.057). *Journal of Hydrology*. **574**: 467–475. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2019JHyd..574..467M](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2019JHyd..574..467M). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.jhydrol.2019.04.057](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.jhydrol.2019.04.057). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Gansser (1975). *Geology of the Himalayas*. London: Interscience Publishers. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Gallessich, Gail (2011). ["Debris on certain Himalayan glaciers may prevent melting"](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124162708.htm). *sciencedaily.com*. Retrieved 30 January 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Muhammad, Sher; Tian, Lide (2016). ["Changes in the ablation zones of glaciers in the western Himalaya and the Karakoram between 1972 and 2015"](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.rse.2016.10.034). *Remote Sensing of Environment*. **187**: 505–512. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2016RSEnv.187..505M](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2016RSEnv.187..505M). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.rse.2016.10.034](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.rse.2016.10.034). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Muhammad, Sher; Tian, Lide; Nüsser, Marcus (2019). ["No significant mass loss in the glaciers of Astore Basin (North-Western Himalaya), between 1999 and 2016"](https://doi.org/10.1017%2Fjog.2019.5). *Journal of Glaciology*. **65** (250): 270–278. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2019JGlac..65..270M](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2019JGlac..65..270M). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1017/jog.2019.5](https://doi.org/10.1017%2Fjog.2019.5). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Muhammad, Sher; Tian, Lide; Ali, Shaukat; Latif, Yasir; Wazir, Muhammad Atif; Goheer, Muhammad Arif; Saifullah, Muhammad; Hussain, Iqtidar; Shiyin, Liu (2020). ["Thin debris layers do not enhance melting of the Karakoram glaciers"](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.scitotenv.2020.141119). *Science of the Total Environment*. **746** 141119. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2020ScTEn.74641119M](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2020ScTEn.74641119M). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141119](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.scitotenv.2020.141119). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [32763605](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32763605). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Veettil, B.K. (2012). "A Remote sensing approach for monitoring debris-covered glaciers in the high altitude Karakoram Himalayas". *International Journal of Geomatics and Geosciences*. **2** (3): 833–841. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Farinotti, Daniel; Immerzeel, Walter W.; de Kok, Remco J.; Quincey, Duncan J.; Dehecq, Amaury (January 2020). ["Manifestations and mechanisms of the Karakoram glacier Anomaly"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6949123). *Nature Geoscience*. **13** (1): 8–16. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2020NatGe..13....8F](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2020NatGe..13....8F). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1038/s41561-019-0513-5](https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fs41561-019-0513-5). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1752-0908](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1752-0908). [PMC](/source/PMC_(identifier)) [6949123](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6949123). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [31915463](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31915463). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Wang, Jiajia; Xu, Baiqing; Li, Zhen; Nasir, Jawad; Farhan, Suhaib Bin; Wang, Mo; Xie, Ying; Yang, Song; Cauquoin, Alexandre; Hussain, Azfar (16 January 2025). ["The Interpretation of Karakoram Anomaly by High Karakoram Ice Core Record"](https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023JD040235). *Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres*. **130** (1) e2023JD040235. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2025JGRD..13040235W](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025JGRD..13040235W). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1029/2023JD040235](https://doi.org/10.1029%2F2023JD040235). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [2169-897X](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/2169-897X). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Attaullah, Haleema; Khan, Asif; Khan, Mujahid; Khan, Firdos; Ali, Shaukat; Masud, Tabinda; Iqbal, Muhammad Shahid (7 October 2022). ["The Karakoram Anomaly: Validation through Remote Sensing Data, Prospects and Implications"](https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fw14193157). *Water*. **14** (19): 3157. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2022Water..14.3157A](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022Water..14.3157A). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.3390/w14193157](https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fw14193157). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [2073-4441](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/2073-4441). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Latif, Yasir; Pryor, Sara C.; Ateeq-Ur-Rehman, Sardar; Muhammad, Sher; Yaseen, Muhammad; Wazir, Muhammad Atif (1 December 2025). ["Transition of the Karakoram anomaly under emerging hydroclimatic trends"](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969725023186). *Science of the Total Environment*. **1006** 180678. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2025ScTEn100680678L](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025ScTEn100680678L). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180678](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.scitotenv.2025.180678). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0048-9697](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0048-9697). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [41223551](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41223551). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Zhou, Shuaibo; Sun, Zhangli; Xie, Jinpeng; Zhao, Fanyu; Huang, Kaihong; Wang, Hangtong; Yang, Chenxi (1 October 2025). ["Investigating glacier mass balance and driving factors of the Karakoram Anomaly"](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214581825004410). *Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies*. **61** 102616. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2025JHyRS..6102616Z](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025JHyRS..6102616Z). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.ejrh.2025.102616](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.ejrh.2025.102616). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [2214-5818](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/2214-5818). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Ougahi, Jamal Hassan; Cutler, Mark E. J.; Cook, Simon J. (1 November 2022). ["Assessing the Karakoram Anomaly from long-term trends in earth observation and climate data"](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352938522001604). *Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment*. **28** 100852. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2022RSASE..2800852O](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022RSASE..2800852O). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.rsase.2022.100852](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.rsase.2022.100852). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [2352-9385](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/2352-9385). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Batool, Insha; Ashraf, Arshad; Khokhar, Muhammad Fahim (1 December 2025). ["Anomalous glaciers response to climate variability in the Karakoram region"](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.ophoto.2025.100105). *ISPRS Open Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing*. **18** 100105. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.ophoto.2025.100105](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.ophoto.2025.100105). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [2667-3932](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/2667-3932). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** Li, Jiawei; Sun, Meiping; Yao, Xiaojun; Duan, Hongyu; Zhang, Cong; Wang, Shuyang; Niu, Shuting; Yan, Xin (9 September 2023). ["A Review of Karakoram Glacier Anomalies in High Mountains Asia"](https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fw15183215). *Water*. **15** (18): 3215. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2023Water..15.3215L](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2023Water..15.3215L). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.3390/w15183215](https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fw15183215). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [2073-4441](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/2073-4441). 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-K1988_31-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-K1988_31-1) Kuhle, M. (1988). "The Pleistocene Glaciation of Tibet and the Onset of Ice Ages- An Autocycle Hypothesis.Tibet and High Asia. Results of the Sino-German Joint Expeditions (I)". *GeoJournal*. **17** (4): 581–596. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/BF00209444](https://doi.org/10.1007%2FBF00209444). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [129234912](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:129234912). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Kuhle, M. (2006). "The Past Hunza Glacier in Connection with a Pleistocene Karakoram Ice Stream Network during the Last Ice Age (Würm)". In Kreutzmann, H.; Saijid, A. (eds.). *Karakoram in Transition*. Karachi, Pakistan: Oxford University Press. pp. 24–48. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-K2011_33-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-K2011_33-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-K2011_33-2) Kuhle, M. (2011). "The High Glacial (Last Ice Age and Last Glacial Maximum) Ice Cover of High and Central Asia, with a Critical Review of Some Recent OSL and TCN Dates". In Ehlers, J.; Gibbard, P.L.; Hughes, P.D. (eds.). *Quaternary Glaciation – Extent and Chronology, A Closer Look*. Amsterdam: Elsevier BV. pp. 943–965. (glacier maps [downloadable](https://web.archive.org/web/20130606133044/http://booksite.elsevier.com/9780444534477/)) 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-K2001_34-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-K2001_34-1) Kuhle, M. (2001). "Tibet and High Asia (VI): Glaciogeomorphology and Prehistoric Glaciation in the Karakoram and Himalaya". *GeoJournal*. **54** (1–4): 109–396. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1023/A:1021307330169](https://doi.org/10.1023%2FA%3A1021307330169). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** Kuhle, M. (1994). "Present and Pleistocene Glaciation on the North-Western Margin of Tibet between the Karakoram Main Ridge and the Tarim Basin Supporting the Evidence of a Pleistocene Inland Glaciation in Tibet. Tibet and High Asia. Results of the Sino-German and Russian-German Joint Expeditions (III)". *GeoJournal*. **33** (2/3): 133–272. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/BF00812877](https://doi.org/10.1007%2FBF00812877). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [189882345](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:189882345). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** For Nepal, the heights indicated on the Nepal Topographic Maps are followed. For China and the [Baltoro](/source/Baltoro_Muztagh) Karakoram, the heights are those of Mi Desheng's "The Maps of Snow Mountains in China". For the [Hispar Karakoram](/source/Hispar_Muztagh) the heights on a Russian 1:100,000 topo map of ["Hispar area expeditions"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080427142155/http://echidna.rutgers.edu/expeditions/Hispar/Default.htm). Archived from [the original](http://echidna.rutgers.edu/expeditions/Hispar/Default.htm) on 27 April 2008. Retrieved 15 July 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** Jerzy Wala, *Orographical Sketch Map of the Karakoram*, Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research, Zurich, 1990. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** Shea, Samantha (8 September 2023). ["The Road that's the Eighth World Wonder"](https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230903-the-karakoram-highway-the-road-thats-the-eighth-world-wonder). BBC. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** Tarar, Mustansar Hussain (1994). *K2 kahani*. Lahore: Sang-e-Meel (published in Urdu). p. 179. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [969-35-0523-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/969-35-0523-9). [OL](/source/OL_(identifier)) [18941738M](https://openlibrary.org/books/OL18941738M). ### Sources - [Curzon, George Nathaniel](/source/George_Nathaniel_Curzon). 1896. *The Pamirs and the Source of the Oxus*. Royal Geographical Society, London. Reprint: Elibron Classics Series, Adamant Media Corporation. 2005. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-4021-5983-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-4021-5983-8) (pbk); [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-4021-3090-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-4021-3090-2) (hbk). - [Kipling, Rudyard](/source/Rudyard_Kipling) 2002. *[Kim (novel)](/source/Kim_(novel))*; ed. by Zohreh T. Sullivan. New York: W. W. Norton & Company. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [039396650X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/039396650X)—This is the most extensive critical modern edition with footnotes, essays, maps, etc. - [Mortenson, Greg](/source/Greg_Mortenson) and Relin, David Oliver. 2008. *[Three Cups of Tea](/source/Three_Cups_of_Tea)*. Penguin Books Ltd. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-14-103426-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-14-103426-3) (pbk); Viking Books [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-670-03482-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-670-03482-6) (hbk); Tantor Media [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-4001-5251-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4001-5251-3) (MP3 CD). - Kreutzmann, Hermann, *Karakoram in Transition: Culture, Development, and Ecology in the Hunza Valley*, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2006. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-19-547210-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-547210-3). - Shukurov, E. (2005), ["The Natural Environment of Central and South Asia"](http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001412/141275e.pdf) (PDF), in Chahryar Adle (ed.), *History of Civilizations of Central Asia, Vol. VI – Towards the contemporary period: from the mid-nineteenth to the end of the twentieth century*, UNESCO, pp. 480–514, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-92-3-103985-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-92-3-103985-0) ## Further reading - Dainelli, G. (1932). [A Journey to the Glaciers of the Eastern Karakoram](https://doi.org/10.2307/1784325). *The Geographical Journal*, **79**(4), 257–268. ## External links [Wikimedia Commons](/source/Wikimedia_Commons) has media related to: [Karakoram](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Karakoram) ([category](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Karakoram)) - [Blankonthemap](http://blankonthemap.free.fr/default.htm) The Northern Kashmir Website v t e Geography of South Asia Mountains Himalayas Eastern Himalayas Black Mountains Dundwa Range Great Himalayas Eight-thousander Lesser Himalayas Sivalik Hills Tibetan Himalayas Western Himalayas Garhwal Range Kishtwar Himalaya Ladakh Range Margalla Hills Zanskar Range Hindu Kush Sulaiman Toba Kakar Western Ghats Ambanad Anaimalai Biligiriranga Cardamom Nilgiri Satmala Selbari Palani Peaks Thirumoorthy Trimbakeshwar Eastern Ghats Bilgiri Bodhamalai Chitteri Erramala Gandhamardan Garhjat Javadi Kalrayan Kolli Nallamalla Niyamgiri Pachaimalai Palkonda 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topics Capital: Gilgit Passes Babusar Pass Bichhar Pass Burji La Burzil Pass Chillinji Pass Darkot Pass Gondogoro Pass Hayal Pass Hispar Pass Khunjerab Pass Valleys Bagrot Valley Naltar Valley Astore Valley Nomal Valley Gilgit Valley Skardu Valley Khaplu Valley Kharmang Shigar Valley Roundu Baltistan Stak Valley Galtari Cities and towns (list) Gilgit Skardu Shigar Khaplu Kharmang Roundu Baltistan Danyor Jalaalabad Balghar Tolti Jutal Barah valley Chalunka Chorbat Valley Ghawari Haldi Hassanabad Karimabad Hushe Valley Keris Valley Kharfak Korphe Yugo, Baltistan Yugupa Rivers, glaciers and lakes Abruzzi Glacier Baltoro Glacier Batura Glacier Biafo Glacier Biarchedi Glacier Chogo Lungma Glacier Chumik Glacier Godwin-Austen Glacier Gondogoro Glacier Hainablak Glacier Hispar Glacier Kutiah Lungma Glacier Miar Glacier Panmah Glacier Passu Glacier Rupal Glacier Shani Glacier Trango Glacier Vigne Glacier Lake Kharfak Satpara Lake Shangrila Lake Shigar River Shyok River Indus Hushe River Saltoro River Architecture Chaqchan Mosque Khanaq-e-Mullah Noorbakshia Khaplu Bala Khaplu Palace Shigar Fort Skardu Fort Baltit Fort Amburiq Mosque See also Provincial Highways of Gilgit-Baltistan Karakoram Highway Ladakh Line of Control Kargil War Balti language History of Gilgit-Baltistan K2 v t e Union Territory of Ladakh Capital: Kargil; Leh State symbols Animal: Snow leopard Bird: Black-necked crane History Pre-Independent India Maryul Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh Tibet–Ladakh–Mughal war Treaty of Tingmosgang Dogra–Tibetan War Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir Post-Independent India 1947–1948 India-Pakistan War 1948 military operations in Ladakh 1971 battle of Turtuk 2010 Ladakh floods 2019 Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh reorganisation Conflicts Demchok conflict India–China conflict India–Pakistan conflict Kashmir conflict Siachen conflict Administration Districts Politics of Ladakh Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh Ladakh Police Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency Jammu and Kashmir High Court Lieutenant Governors Ladakh (Lok Sabha constituency) Geography General Four types of Himalayan ranges Geology of the Himalaya Ranges Baltoro Muztagh Ladakh Range Saltoro Mountains Zanskar Range Kailash Range Plateau Depsang Plains More plains Sirijap Teram Shehr Plateau Valleys Leh Rupshu Salt Valley Mushkoh Valley Padum Shyok Suru Valley Nubra Zanskar Aryan valley Glaciers Chumik Glacier Drang-Drung Glacier Machoi Glacier Parkachik Glacier Shafat Glacier Siachen Glacier Lakes Tso Moriri Pangong Tso Rivers Sutlej Beas Ravi Shyok Chenab Drass River Indus Zanskar Tsarap Doda Yapola Suru River Markha Galwan Chip Chap Passes Bilafond La Chang la Fotu La Gyong La Indira Col Karakoram Pass Khardung La Kongka Pass Lachulung La Taglang La Marsimik La Namika La Pensi La Rezang La Rimo Sasser Pass Sia La Shingo La Spanggur Gap Zoji La Mountain peaks Bana Top Chumik Kangri Ghent Kangri Gurung Hill India Saddle K12 Saltoro Kangri Sherpi Kangri Tiger Saddle Human settlements Meenamarg Burtse Chalunka Chemrey Chushul Daulat Beg Oldi Demchok Diskit Dras Dzingrulma Fukche Hemis Hanle Kargil Khalatse Leh Likir Murgo Nimo Nyoma Padum Panamik Purne Rangdum Sankoo Sasoma Shey Shyok Thiksey Thoise Turtuk Ukdungle Upshi Zangla Culture General Music of Ladakh Languages Ladakhi Purgi Balti Zangskari Changthang Brokskat Festivals Bono-na festival Tourism and wildlife Wildlife Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary Hemis National Park Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary Tourism Khurnak Fort Ladakh Marathon Shanti Stupa, Ladakh Siachen Base Camp Indo-Tibetan Buddhist monasteries Alchi Bardan Basgo Chemrey Diskit Hanle Hemis Hundur Korzok Karsha Lamayuru Likir Lingshed Mashro/Matho Monastery Mulbekh Namgyal Tsemo Phugtal Phyang Rangdum Rizong Sani Sankar Saspul Shey Monastery Spituk Stakna Stok Stongdey Takthok Thikse Tserkarmo Tonde Wanla Zangla Zongkul Transport Airports Kargil Airport Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh) Military AGLs Roads Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road India-China Border Roads Leh–Manali Highway NH1 Leh–Kargil–Srinagar Highway Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road (under construction) Sasoma–Saser La Road Railway Bhanupli–Leh line (planned) Srinagar–Leh line (planned) Infrastructure General Indian Astronomical Observatory Dams and hydroelectric project Chutak Dumkhar Salal Education Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Defence Institute of High Altitude Research Druk White Lotus School Government Degree College, Kargil Phuktal Monastic School Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh University of Ladakh See also Borders Line of Actual Control Line of Control Actual Ground Position Line Other Curious BRO roadsigns v t e Xinjiang topics Ürümqi (capital) History Pre-Han dynasty Tocharians Western Regions Loulan Shule Yuezhi Kucha Karasahr Xiongnu Gaochang Khotan Han dynasty Protectorate of the Western Regions Chief Official of the Western Regions Kingdom of Khotan Sixteen Kingdoms Gaochang Göktürks First Western Eastern Second Tang dynasty Protectorate General to Pacify the West Four Garrisons of Anxi Beiting Protectorate Tibetan Empire Uyghur Khaganate Qocho Kara-Khanid Khanate Turkic settlement of the Tarim Basin Qara Khitai Yuan dynasty Mongol Empire * Chagatai Khanate Moghulistan Kara Del Turpan Khanate Yarkent Khanate Dzungar Khanate Dzungar conquest of Altishahr Dzungar–Qing Wars Dzungar genocide Kumul Khanate Qing dynasty Qing rule Revolt of the Altishahr Khojas Afaqi Khoja revolts Holy War of the Seven Khojas General of Ili Reconquest of Xinjiang Republic of China First East Turkestan Republic Second East Turkestan Republic Ili Rebellion People's Republic of China PRC incorporation Xinjiang Province, People's Republic of China Yi–Ta incident Strike Hard Campaign Against Violent Terrorism Geography "Three Mountains and Two Basins" Altai Mountains Junggar Basin Dzungaria Tian Shan Tarim Basin Taklamakan Desert Kunlun Mountains Other Landscapes Cities Gurbantünggüt Desert Kumtag Desert Turpan Depression Karakoram Mountains Pamir Mountains Transportation Hexi Corridor Lanzhou–Xinjiang railway Lanzhou–Xinjiang high-speed railway Southern Xinjiang railway Northern Xinjiang railway Jinghe–Yining–Khorgos railway Kuytun–Beitun railway Ürümqi–Dzungaria railway Hami–Lop Nur railway Kashgar–Hotan railway China Railway Ürümqi Group Education Research Xinjiang University Xinjiang Agricultural University Xinjiang Medical University Xinjiang University of Finance and Economics Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory Culture Doppa Day Music Meshrep gathering Muqam Tocharian clothing Cuisine Dapanji Nan Sangza Samsa Youtazi Pamirdin Xurpa Tunurkawab Chinese Islamic cuisine Economy Silk Road China Western Development Cotton industry National Cotton and Cotton Yarn Trading Center Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Xinjiang Free-Trade Zone Visitor attractions Apak Khoja and Xiang Fei Tomb Emin Minaret Mosque Flaming Mountains Jiaohe ruins Gaochang Grand Bazaar, Ürümqi Id Kah Mosque Karakul Lake Kizil Caves Niya ruins Related Uyghur people Xinjiang conflict Migration to Xinjiang Altishahr Chinese Turkestan East Turkestan China–Afghanistan relations China–India relations China–Kazakhstan relations China–Kyrgyzstan relations China–Pakistan relations China–Tajikistan relations China–Turkey relations History of the Uyghur people Category Commons Authority control databases International VIAF GND National United States Czech Republic Israel Other Yale LUX --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Karakoram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakoram) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakoram?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.