Baltoro Glacier — Local services in Masherbrum group

The Baltoro Glacier (Urdu: بالتورو گلیشیر‎), at 63 km (39 mi) in length, is one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. It is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It runs through part of the Karakoram mountain range. The Baltoro Muztagh lies to the south and east of the glacier, while the Masherbrum Mountains lie to the south. At 8,611 m (28,251 ft), K2 is the highest mountain in the region, and three other Eight thousanders within 20 km. Siachen Glacier is separated from the Baltoro glacier by the Conway Saddle (or pass). .

The glacier gives rise to the Braldo River which is a tributary of Shigar River, which is a tributary of the Indus River. Several large tributary glaciers feed the main Baltoro Glacier, including the Godwin Austen Glacier, flowing south from K2; the Abruzzi and the various Gasherbrum Glaciers, flowing from the Gasherbrum group of peaks; the Vigne Glacier, flowing from Chogolisa, and the Yermandendu Glacier, flowing from Masherbrum. The confluence of the main Baltoro Glacier with the Godwin Austen Glacier is known as Concordia; this location and K2 base camp are popular trekking destinations.

The trough of this glacier is very wide. Small valley glaciers form icefalls where they meet the trunk glacier. The sidewalls vary from very steep to precipitous. The glacier has carved striations on the surrounding country rocks. Moving ice has formed depressions, which serve as basins for numerous glacial lakes.

The glacier can be approached via the Balti...

The Baltoro Glacier is one of the largest and most famous glaciers in the world, located in the Karakoram Range of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Here are the key facts about it:

📍 Location

Situated in Baltistan, Gilgit-Baltistan region.

Lies within the Karakoram mountain range.

📏 Size

Approximately 63 km (39 miles) long.

Among the longest glaciers outside the polar regions.

🏔️ Surrounding Peaks

The glacier is surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world, including:

K2 (8,611 m) – world’s 2nd highest mountain.

Gasherbrum I (8,080 m).

Gasherbrum II (8,035 m).

Broad Peak (8,051 m).

Several other peaks above 7,000 m.

🌊 Rivers

Meltwater from the glacier feeds into the Shigar River, a tributary of the Indus River.

🚶 Trekking

The Baltoro Glacier trek is one of the most famous high-altitude treks in the world.

Trekkers usually travel from Skardu → Askole → Baltoro Glacier → Concordia → K2 Base Camp.

Concordia is the junction point of Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers, offering spectacular views of K2 and other giants.

🌍 Importance

Vital freshwater source for Pakistan.

A natural wonder attracting trekkers, mountaineers, and geologists.

Famous for its rugged beauty, icy towers, and...

A major glacier running through part of the Karakoram mountain range, with glorious views of many of the world’s highest peaks.

At 39 miles (63 km) long, the Baltoro Glacier runs roughly west to east through Pakistan-administered Kashmir. It forms part of the route for mountaineers on their way to climb either K2, the world’s second highest mountain, or a collection of the world’s highest peaks known as the Gasherbrum group.

Peak views. The surface of the glacier is rough and uneven, broken by crevasses and covered by seracs and rock debris. Where the Baltoro comes together with one of its largest tributaries, the Godwin-Austen Glacier, is a broad area known as Concordia. This spot offers mountaineers magnificent views, in different directions, of K2 and three other peaks rising over 26,000...