Numerous smaller glaciers join the main glacier on both sides of the amphitheater in which it is located. The central portion of this glacier is a vast snowfield while its sides contain debris eroded by the huge body of moving ice.

The entire tract is devoid of a vegetative cover. The Hispar glacier can be approached via Skardu in Ladakh.

Nubra Glacier
The Nubra glacier is located on the southern slopes of the Karakoram range in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a large glacier located in a huge amphitheater that is ringed by towering peaks. This glacier gives rise to the Nubra River which in turn flows into the Shyok river. Large tributary glaciers open into the main glacier. These include valley glaciers from the northwestern slopes of the Sasser La massif and the southeastern slopes of the Karakoram range.

Small glaciers in hanging valleys feed the Nubra glacier. They occur on all sides of the glacial amphitheater. The central part of this glacier takes the form of a vast snowfield. Lateral moraines are found along the flanks and at the junction of the tributary glaciers and the main glacier.

No vegetation grows in this tract as it lies above the snow line. This glacier can be approached via Leh in Ladakh.