Karakoram Range
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Overview
The Karakoram range lies north of the Great Himalaya, stretching across Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan into China. It is among the most heavily glaciated ranges outside the polar regions.
It contains K2 (Godwin-Austen), at about 8,611 m the highest peak in India, and large glaciers such as Siachen, Baltoro and Biafo.
The Karakoram Pass and the Siachen glacier make the range strategically important for India.
Geography and key facts
- North of the Great Himalaya
- K2: highest peak in India (about 8,611 m)
- Siachen, Baltoro, Biafo glaciers
- In Ladakh as per India's official map
Why it matters for UPSC
Trans-Himalayan ranges from north: Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar. Siachen is the largest glacier in India.
Note for UPSC
Holds K2 and the Siachen glacier; lies in Ladakh as depicted by the Survey of India.
Questions test the order of ranges, the states they cover and the rivers and passes linked with them.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Karakoram Range yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Mountain range
- State / UT
- Ladakh
- Extent on map
- 33.3°–37.9°N, 74.9°–79.9°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Physical Features and Drainage of India (map lesson)
- Physiographic Divisions of India in Depth (map lesson)
- Climate, Soils and Natural Vegetation (map lesson)
- Natural Vegetation and Biogeography of India (map lesson)
- Biodiversity: Levels, Hotspots, Threats and Global Frameworks (map lesson)
- The Indian Monsoon: Mechanism, Seasons and Variability (map lesson)