Baltoro Glacier of the Karakoram: 15 Must-Know Facts

Baltoro Glacier is one of the most famous glacier and here are 15 must known facts. More reason for you to put it on your must visit list.

Baltoro is one of the longest glaciers in the world outside the polar region.
It is the second largest glacier in Pakistan and is 63 kilometers (39 miles).
Hiker on Baltoro – Karakoram in the Northern Pakistan -Image by Scott Robertson
Baltoro is Karakoram’s third longest glacier and world’s fifth longest glacier (non-polar).
This glacier is located in Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan.
Corridor of Ice at Baltoro by Xi Jin
Baltoro is well-known among trekkers and travellers. The glacier is crossed and trekked-on at several points to reach Concordia and K2 basecamp.
The 4 of the world’s 10 highest mountains on the planet lie in the Baltoro Muztagh range which is a sub range of the Karakoram Mountain range.
K2 is the Highest Mountain in Pakistan and in the Karakoram Range and is 8,611 meters (28,251feet).
K2 8611m Baltoro Muztagh Range by Rizwan Saddique
Many tributary glaciers including Vigne glaciers, Gasherbrum glaciers, Yermandendu, Godwin-Austen glacier merge to form the Baltoro.
Aided by mountain guides, trekkers cross a stream on the Baltoro Glacier. Image by David Bathgate/Corbis
The final confluence is between Godwin Austen Glacier and Baltoro glacier. This merging point or the confluence is called Concordia.
Glacier River at Baltoro by Oleg Bartunov
Concordia is surrounded by 8000 and 7000 metre mountains including K2 (8611m), Gasherbrum I (K5)(8080m), Broad Peak (8051m), Gasherbrum II (K4) (8035m)
Gondogoro La (5,640m) surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks
Lower Baltoro has amazing granite towers most famous are Uli Biaho, the Trangos and several peaks of the Cathedrals.
Trango Towers – Karakoram Pakistan by Ali Usman Baig
Trek to the Glacier and surrounding area requires permit from Pakistani government and licensed guide.
Baltoro – Glacial stream and the K-1 (Masherbrum) by Shahid Durrani
Trek to Baltoro starts from Askole village. The last village from where the trek can go on for several days depending on your destination.
K2 is one of the highest mountain that remains unclimbed during winter season.