Karakoram

Biafo Glacier, Gilgit Region

Hunza Valley, view from Eagle's Nest

Karakoram location map

Baltoro region from space annotated

K2-big

Karakoram Range

Karakoram is a large mountain range spanning the borders between Pakistan, India, and China, located in the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan), Ladakh (India), and the southern portion of Xinjiang (China). It is part of the complex of ranges in the western Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. The Karakoram includes some of the world's highest peaks, with K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, being the most renowned and the second highest peak on Earth. The range is also famous for its glaciers, including the Siachen Glacier, the second longest non-polar glacier in the world, and the Baltoro Glacier, one of the largest glacier systems outside the polar regions.

Geography

The Karakoram range extends approximately 500 km (310 miles), covering an area of about 40,000 square km (15,000 square miles). It is bounded on the northeast by the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and on the north by the Pamir Mountains. The southern boundary of the Karakoram is formed by the Indus River, which separates it from the Himalayas. The range's highest peaks are found in the Baltoro Muztagh and the Saltoro Mountains, with more than 60 peaks over 7,000 meters (23,000 ft).

Geology

The Karakoram is part of the complex geology of the Himalayan orogeny, a process that began approximately 50 million years ago with the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This collision is responsible for the uplift of the Himalayas and the Karakoram. The range is characterized by its rugged terrain and extensive glacier cover, making it one of the most heavily glaciated parts of the world outside the polar regions. The geology of the Karakoram is dominated by metamorphic rocks and granites, formed under high pressures and temperatures.

Climate

The climate of the Karakoram varies significantly with elevation and location. The lower elevations experience a semi-arid climate, while the higher altitudes are subject to a polar climate, with temperatures often dropping below freezing throughout the year. Precipitation in the Karakoram mainly falls as snow, and the range is known for its heavy snowfall and frequent avalanches.

Biodiversity

Despite the harsh climatic conditions, the Karakoram hosts a variety of flora and fauna adapted to high altitudes. The vegetation is sparse and mainly consists of alpine and sub-alpine species. The range is home to several endangered species, including the snow leopard, Marco Polo sheep, and the Himalayan ibex.

Human Presence

The Karakoram has a sparse human population, primarily consisting of communities engaged in subsistence agriculture and pastoralism. The region's challenging terrain and climate have limited extensive human settlement and development. However, the Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the world, runs through the range, connecting Pakistan and China and facilitating trade and tourism.

Mountaineering and Trekking

The Karakoram is a popular destination for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world. Its challenging peaks, including K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum I & II, attract climbers seeking to summit some of the world's highest and most difficult mountains. The range's remote location and rugged terrain also offer unique trekking opportunities, with the Baltoro Glacier and the K2 Base Camp being among the most famous trekking routes.