Extension

The system mainly covers countries of Tajikistan, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.

The Pir Panjal range mainly covers the Kashmir region of India and the Azad Kashmir region of Pakistan.

Peaks

Due to the rugged peaks of the Karakoram, it is mainly inhabited. Also, many peaks have not yet been scaled or unclimbed by people. K2, which is the second-highest peak in the world is present here. There are a total of 300 peaks present here. Apsarasas Kangri which is located in the broader Kashmir region of India is such an unclimbed peak of the Karakoram.

Deo Tibba and Indrasan are two of the most significant peaks of the Pir Panjal.

Climate

The Karakoram has four distinct seasons and the temperature differences in a day are the highest in this mountain range.

Flora and fauna

The Karakoram is the only ranges that have no forests. They have innumerable mountains and gigantic glaciers which add to the aesthetic beauty.

Glaciers of Karakoram

Almost 28-50% of the range is covered in mesmerizing glaciers which means it has more glaciated lands than the North or South Pole. Siachen glacier is such a world-famous glacier that is present here. Apart from this, there are several world-renowned hot springs located in the Karakoram.

Tunnels of Pir Panjal

Pir Panjal is known for its many iconic passes. Jawaharlal Pass is the most vital of them all.

How did the name come?

The Karakoram is derived from a Turkish term which means black gravel. European traders also use the name Muztagh Karakoram which means Ice Mountains.

The Pir Panjal range was originally named as Panchaladeva derived from the Panchala region of the Mahabharata.

A trekker’s love affair

The mountains are immensely beautiful. But the most important feature is not their beauty- trekkers are addicted to the difficult peaks. The peaks are extremely challenging to climb which drives millions of tourists throughout the year who come to try out their luck in the Karakoram.

The guarding vertical characteristics and sharp angular slopes draw adventurers to it.

The Karakoram Highway

A highway runs within the mountain range going from north to south which is known as the Karakoram highway. China-Pakistan Friendship Highway is the name of this highway which runs for almost 1300 kilometres.

Cultural impact

There are several books and movies about the Karakoram range. Rudyard Kipling’s novel ‘Kim’ has mentioned the Karakoram range. The Karakoram by Marcel Ichac is such a film that portrays a French expedition to the Karakoram in 1936.

Bonus fact: Did you know Siachen glacier is the highest battlefield in the world? The white paradise plays home to the highest war field of the planet.