The Himalayas - Ladakh Himalayas - Glaciers

Ladakh himalayas

General Info

· Villages
· Valleys and plateaus
· Lakes
· Passes

· Glaciers
    · Siachen
    · Baltoro
    · Hispar
    · Nubra

Biafo
        Chong Kumdan
    · Gasherbrum
    · Rakaposhi
    · Saltoro

· Rivers

· People
· Religion
· Fairs and festivals
· Other places of interest

The Himalayas - where earth meets sky

Biafo Glacier
The Biafo glacier is located on the south-facing slopes of the Karakoram range in the Baltistan area of Ladakh. It has a length of about 60 km and descends from a large glacial trough. The main stream originating from this glacier flows into the Shigar River which in turn is a tributary of the Indus River. Small valley glaciers feed the main glacier at various points.

There is virtually no vegetative cover in this tract. The Biafo glacier can be approached via Skardu in Ladakh.

Chong Kumdan Glacier
The Chong Kumdan glacier is situated on the lower slopes of the Karakoram range. It is located in a trough that is surrounded by high peaks on all sides. The melt-water from this glacier flows into the Shyok River which in turn joins the Indus River.

The Chong Kumdan glacier had blocked the flow of the Shyok River several times in the past. Thus the Gapshan lake was formed which drained away once the ice dam gave way. This glacier can be approached via Skardu in Ladakh.