Siachen Glacier
Posted by Vikas Acharya on January 10, 2026January 10, 2026Siachen Glacier is one of the world’s most extreme and strategically significant regions.
Quick facts:
- Location: Eastern Karakoram range, Ladakh (India)
- Length: ~76 km (one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions)
- Altitude: Around 5,400–7,600 meters above sea level
- Nickname: The highest battlefield on Earth
Why it’s famous:
- Since 1984, India has maintained a military presence there due to its strategic importance.
- Temperatures can drop to –50°C, making survival more challenging than combat.
- More soldiers have historically been lost to weather and terrain than to fighting.
Geographical importance:
- Lies near the junction of India, Pakistan, and China
- Feeds the Nubra River, which joins the Shyok and then the Indus
- Critical for controlling key mountain passes like Saltoro Ridge
Environmental aspect:
- Extremely fragile ecosystem
- Concerns over glacier retreat due to climate change
- Waste management and environmental protection are major challenges
Interesting fact:
Despite being a conflict zone, Siachen has become a symbol of human endurance and resilience in the harshest natural conditions.
