Siachen Glacier Pakistan

The Siachen 

Aerial View of Mighty Siachen Glacier

The word Siachen means the place of wild roses. The Siachen Glacier The roots of the conflict over Siachen (the land of wild roses) lie in the non-demarcations on the western side on the map. The 1949 Karachi agreement and the 1972 Simla agreement presumed that Siachen Glacier was not feasible for human habitation to survive. Piror to 1984 neither India nor Pakistan had any permanent presence in the Siachen Glacier area. In 2000 Siachen Glacier along with kargil was taken over by Pakistan Army. After that they came back.
Now Logically the siachen glacier is under control of pakistan.

Location of Siachen Glacier

The Siachen Glacier is located in the East Karakoram/Himalaya, at approximately 35.5° N 76.9° E. Siachen Glacier is one of the five largest glaciers in the Karakoram, Siachen Glacier is situated at an average altitude of 5,400 meters (~17,700 feet) above sea level. Most of the Siachen Glacier as is the LoC, a hotly contested territory between Pakistan and India.The Siachen glacier lies South of the great watershed that

Nubra River Coming from Siachin Glacier

separates Central Asia from the Indian subcontinent, and Pakistan from China in this region. The 78 km long Siachen glacier lies between the Saltoro ridge line to the west and the main Karakoram range to the east. The Saltoro ridge originates from the Sia Kangri peak in the Karakoram range and the altitudes range from 5500 to 7300 m (18,000 to 24,000 feet). The major passes on the Siachen ridge are Sia La at 6100 m (20,000 ft) and Bila Fond La at 5800 m (19,000 ft)
Siachen the World's Highest Battle Field
The most amazing fact about the Siachen Glacier is the highest Battle field of the world
Thawing relations between India and Pakistan have brought a cease-fire to the strife-torn Siachen Glacier.

The Siachen Conflict Zone

The glacier is located in the disputed Kashmir region and is claimed by India and Pakistan. In spite of the severe climate, the word `Siachen` ironically means `the place of wild roses`, a reference some people attribute to the abundance of Himalayan wildflowers found in the valleys below the Siachen  glacier, but specifically refers to the thorny wild plants which grow on the rocky outcrops. The Siachen glacier is also the highest battleground on Earth, where India and Pakistan have fought intermittently since 1984. Both countries maintain permanent military personnel on the Siachen glacier at a height of over 7,000 metres. The site is a prime example of mountain warfare. The Siachin  glacier`s melting waters are the main source of the Nubra River, which falls into the Shyok River. The Shyok in turn joins the Indus River, crucial to both India and Pakistan.The roots of the conflict over Siachen lie in the non-demarcation of the cease-fire line on the map beyond a map coordinate known as NJ9842. The 1949 Karachi agreement and the 1972 Simla Agreement presumed that it was not feasible for human habitation to survive north of NJ9842. Prior to 1984 neither

India nor Pakistan had any permanent presence in the area.

Siachen Wars

In the 1970s and early 1980s Pakistan permitted several mountaineering expeditions to climb high peaks on the Siachen  glacier. This was to reinforce their claim on the area as these expeditions arrived on the Siachen glacier with a permit obtained from the Government of Pakistan. Once having become aware of this in about 1978, Colonel N. Kumar of the Indian Army mounted an Army expedition to Teram Kangri peaks as a counter-exercise. The first public mention of a possible conflict situatio
n was an article by Joydeep Sircar in The Telegraph newspaper of Calcutta in 1982, reprinted as “Oropolitics” in the Alpine Journal, London,in 1984. India launched Operation Meghdoot (named after the divine cloud messenger in a Sanskrit play) on 13 April 1984 in Siachen Glacier when the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force went into the Siachen Glacier. Pakistan, which had also gotten wind of it quickly responded with troop deployments and what followed was literally a race to the top. Within a few days, the Indians were in control over most of the glacier as Pakistan were beaten by just a week. The two passes due to Indian military pre-emption – Sia La and Bilfond La were secured by India while the Gyong La pass remained under Pakistan control. Since then both sides have launched several attempts to displace each others forces, but with little success.

Current Situation of the Siachen Glacier

In 2000 Siachen Glacier along with kargil was taken over by Pakistan Army. After that they came back.
Some top areas of siachen Glacier are dominated by india while the down plane is totally in the control of pakistan army
 The situation is as such that Pakistanis cannot get up to the Siachen glacier, while the Indians cannot come down. Pakistan controls Gyong La pass that overlooks the Shyok and Nubra river Valley and India`s access to Leh district. The battle zone comprised an inverted triangle resting on NJ 9842 with Indira Col and the Karakoram Highway as the other two extremities. Every year more soldiers are killed in Siachen because of severe weather than enemy firing. The two sides have lost close to 4,000
personnel primarily due to frostbites, avalanches and other complications. Both nations have 150 manned mirroring outposts along the glacier, with some 3,000 troops each. Official figures for maintaining these outposts are put at ~$300 and ~$100 million for India and Pakistan respectively.

Gilgit

Gilgit (Urdu: گلگت) is a mountain town in the Gilgit-Baltistan. Travelers exploring the Pakistani Himalayas or en route to or from China are almost definitely going to spend at least one night here. This makes it a great base to further research your trip, meet up with potential travel partners, or simply take a break. It's also a launching pad for climbers to nearby Rakaposhi.

Get in

Gilgit is just off the Karakoram Highway between Chilas and Karimabad, and most people arrive by road. The main bus stand is on the KKH - Karakoram Highway, and requires a taxi ride or shared jeep to reach from town. There are booking agents in town for long distance buses along the KKH. The journey from Islamabad can take as long as 24 hours.
The best season to visit is from May to mid October. The local dialect is Shina, however, Urdu and English are also spoken and understood.
Gilgit Airport (IATA: GIL) is small and has 45 minute flights to/ from Islamabad on PIA [1]. Due to extreme weather changes, flight delay or cancellation is a normal occurance.

Get around

Private vehicles are normally used as local transport. Renting jeeps is also a common way of moving around. You can go to nearby cities on buses and by air.

Local People Local Dance at Gilgit Baltistan

Things to See

Gilgit Bridge: The bridge over the fast flowing Gilgit River, at the end of its traditional bazaar, is the largest suspension bridge in Asia (182 metres long and 2 metres wide) permitting enough room for one jeep ata time to cross.
Kargah Buddha Gilgiy: Located on a rock near Kargah Nullah (ravine), 10 km. from Gilgit town is a beautiful rock engraving of Buddha from 7th century A.D.
Monument of Taj Mughal: A victory monument of Taj Mughal, built 700 years ago, is 30 km. jeep drive from Gilgit town.
Sher Qilla Gilgit: It is 38 km. from Gilgit - Trekking route links with Naltar valley. Trout fishing can be enjoyed in Sher Qilla Nullah and a small lake.
Singal Gilgit: About 61 km from Gilgit - Trekking route links with Chilas and Kohistan valley.
Gahkuch Gilgit: Headquarter of Ghizer District - Ideal place for trekking, good fishing sports and duck shooting in season. It is the gateway to Iskoman Valley. Government rest house and private hotels are available (73 km from Gilgit). Archaeological sites in village and a near by village Hatoon.
Naltar Valley Gilgit: Two hours jeep drive from Gilgit link rod. Government Rest house, Private hotels and a Ski slope, lush green Alpine forest with small lakes and glaciers, trout fishing in lake. Trekking routes link with Iskoman, Chalt and Punial valley.
Kargah Gilgit
You can see the statue of Budha in Kargah. Visit to Chilyli Kargah.
Ghizer Gilgit
You can visit by jeep to Ghizar disdrict, Chilass city, Astor district, Hunza Valley, Skardu city and Ghanchy Gilgit from Gilgit. K-2, at 28,250 meters the world's 2nd Highest peak, Mashaburam, Gashaburam,
Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat Gilgit (killer mountain) world's 6th highest peak.
Fairy Meadows Gilgit: You can also visit Fairy meadows

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Karakoram Air Safari

: PIA offers an amazing air journey from Islamabad to gilgit.

Mountaineering, Trekking & Hiking in Gilgit:

The Gilgit area is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Permission for mountaineering and trekking  for restricted zone in gilgit is issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan , Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway, Aabpara, Islamabad (Telephone: 92-51-9203509).
This area is no doubt Gilgit a heaven for trackkers and hikkers.

Fishing in Gilgit:

In Gilgit Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department Of Gilgit and you can enjoy the famous Trouts from Icy water of the Gilgit region- best of the delicacies.

Flora & Fauna of Gilgit:

 If you are interested in CHERRY BLOSSOMS then Gilgit is the right place to visit. The Gilgit valley turns into different shades of pinks in spring starting March to April. Gilgit can be compared with cheery blossom festive cities of Japan without any doubt. Apart from them Gilgit is abundant in roses, lilies, pansies, willow, pine and fir trees. Trees of apples, apricots, peaches, plums mulberry, walnuts, persimen and fruits like grapes and pomagranate are seen every where from June to October in Giligit. Almond trees are a watch to delight - blossming in white and baby pink shades depending on sweet or bitter almond types to a lush green tree- in October ~ March is indeed a sight to remember. The Giligt area has its rich wild flora and fauna -which is not found in other parts of the country.

Boating and Gliding in Gilgit:

In Gilgit Baltistan Boating is a possibility in river Gilgit and river Indus. You can try your luck with rafting as well!
Camping Almost all hotels and Inns in Gilgit allows camping and provide basic facilities as well as security apart from very friendly and hospitable staff - ready to extend you help whenever needed.
Gliding People visit Gilgit for paragliding. There is a local association in gilgit for the sport as well.
Mountain Biking and Cycling. One can enjoy the most exciting and adventurous tracks on the famous Silk Route of Giligit. Moreover they can enjoy both the history and culture along with Buddhist sites that not many have ever seen before. This route allows you to enter China through Khunjrab. It is the same area which is the reason of spread of Buddhism from India to China and then to Korea and Japan.

Walking Tours

With the help of a guide or by yourself - area is safe as well as a treat to experience untouched beauty and a rendez-vous with the locals. One of the most hospitable, down-to-earth, modest and loving people.

Buy

There are banks around Gilgit town that change cash and travelers checks. Some shops accept the foreign currency as well. You can buy gem stones, antiques and Chinese goods - anything from silk to electronics in Gilgit.

Eat

In Gilgit You can try local fruits like apples, cherries, apricots and a variety of nuts rich in omega 5 like almonds, chestnuts, walnuts etc. Restaurants in Gilgit offer all sorts of Western breakfast to local ones - like salted tea and bread as well as Chinese food, Tanduries, and local dishes. In Gilgit region, people do not eat spicy food like the rest of the country. Local food consists of special baked breads (different varieties), handmade-noodle soups, salted meats, roasted meat, vegetables, fruits & dairy products. All the products are organic as they believe in traditional farming without the use of chemical fertilizers and sprays.

Drink

Most of the high end hotels in Gilgit have their own bars but at some areas they have their local alcohol too.

Sleep

Park Hotel Gilgit.

Madina Guest House Gilgit, NLI Chowk. Popular with foreigners. Has a restaurant with seating area in a courtyard. Prices as of May 2009 are 150 Rs for a 6 bed dorm / 330 Rs for a double with shared bath / 450 Rs for a double w/private bath Rs 200-600.
New Tourist Cottage in gilgit Also popular with foreigners. Private doubles with bath are Rs 320. Rooms are large and well maintained. Also has outdoor seating areas.=
Gilgit Motel
Park hotel, Airport Road (on main road from Jutial to main market). Quite spacious with good quality food, and best located as antique shops are situated nearby  Splurge
Gilgit serena hotel
previously part of Inter continental chain known as Rakaposhi Inn.***hotel

PTDC motel Gilgit

Contact

There are a handful of internet cafes along the main road. Fax and telex are also available.
The main post office (M-Sa 9AM-7PM, closed Sundays) is at Saddar Bazaar on the main road.

Stay safe

Gilgit is fairly stable and safe compared to other regions. Travelers - both local and foreign still visit the area and enjoy the breathtaking beauty and nature.Gilgit has one of the cheapest accommodation for visitors with a budget.