Karakoram Range

Impenetrable, Inhabitable, Majestic, Throne of Gods; these are some of the words used for the Karakoram Range. Karakoram literally means “Black Gravel” in Turkish. Karakoram is home to some of the highest peaks of the world. Four of the world’s fourteen eight thousand plus peaks lie here, these are K2, Broad peak, Gasherbrum I and II.
Karakoram is a large lofty mountain range sharing its borders between India (Ladakh), Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan) and China (Xingiang region). One of the greater ranges of Asia, arising from the Pamirs, this range runs parallel to the Great Himalayas, although not a part of it.
This range is about 500 km in length. Two of the world’s largest glaciers ,i.e., Siachen (70km.) and Biafo (63km.) which are ranked second and third largest outside the polar region lie here only. The first being Fedchenko glacier that is 77 km. long. The Baltoro glacier is significant as it encompasses all the 8000+ peaks of this range.
Karakorams not a part of Himalayas
The Karakorams run parallel to the Himalayas, but its peaks differ from those of the Himalayas in their sharp angular forms. The range houses many tower shaped and spires type of peaks.
Karakoram receives lesser monsoons than the Himalayas. But the peaks experience heavy winter snowfall. In July and August the winter snow melts down and makes travel a difficult task. So, the travelling around this area requires an expedition –style planning.
Karakoram Range is basically characterized by heavy glaciations and dry plateaus. There is no greenery as it doesn’t receive precipitation. This range forms a geographical divide between Central Asia and India. Because of the fact that Karakoram is situated at an extremely high altitude, the area is sparsely populated. Several of the mountain passes such as the Karakoram pass and Nubra pass lie in this region.

Haramosh peak (7397 mts.), Muztagh Ata(7546mts.) from Karakoram Highway and Rakaposhi(7788mts.) from Hunza valley
Notable peaks of this range are:
• K2 (8,611 m)
• Gasherbrum I (8,068 m)
• Broad Peak (Phalchen Kangri) (8,047 m)
• Gasherbrum II (8,035 m)
• Gasherbrum III (7,952 m)
• Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m)
• Distaghil Sar (7,885 m)
• Kunyang Chhish (7,852 m)
• Masherbrum I (7,821 m)
• Batura I (7,795 m)
• Rakaposhi (7,788 m)
• Batura II (7,762 m)
• Kanjut Sar (7,760 m)
• Saltoro Kangri (7,742 m)
• Batura III (7,729 m)
• Saser Kangri (7,672 m)
• Chogolisa (7,665m)
• Haramosh Peak (7,397 m)
• Baintha Brakk (7,285 m)
• Muztagh Tower (7,273 m)