Hispar Glacier facts for kids
The Hispar Glacier is a huge river of ice found in the amazing Karakoram Mountains. These mountains are in a part of Pakistan called Gilgit-Baltistan. This glacier is about 49 kilometers (30 miles) long. It connects with another very long glacier, the Biafo Glacier, at a high mountain pass called Hispar La.
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Hispar Glacier: A Giant River of Ice
The Hispar Glacier is located in the Karakoram Mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It stretches for about 49 kilometers (30 miles). This huge glacier meets another very long glacier, the Biafo Glacier. The Biafo Glacier is even longer, at 63 kilometers (39 miles).
The World's Longest Ice Highway
When the Hispar Glacier and the Biafo Glacier meet, they form something special. They create the longest glacial system in the world outside of the North and South Poles! This giant ice highway is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) long. It connects two old mountain areas: Nagar in the west and Baltistan in the east.
Exploring the Glacier
Walking along this ice highway is a big adventure. The Hispar La Pass, where the two glaciers meet, is very high up. It sits at an altitude of 5,128 meters (16,824 feet). The journey across this area is quite challenging. The sides of the mountains are very steep. There are also many large rocks to climb over.
A Challenging Trek
The upper part of the route, especially on the Hispar side, is known to be the most difficult. You only walk directly on the Hispar Glacier itself on the day you cross Hispar La. There are also four large tributary glaciers that flow into the Hispar Glacier from the north. Crossing these can be very tough. Sometimes, you might also need to cross high streams, which can be dangerous.
Amazing Views
Despite the challenges, the views along the Hispar Glacier are truly breathtaking. You can see towering peaks that reach over 7,800 meters (25,600 feet) into the sky. The snow-covered cliffs and mountains on the south side of the glacier are especially impressive. It's a journey that offers incredible sights of nature's power and beauty.
Images for kids
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A glacial stream on Hispar glacier
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Snow Lake Pakistan
See also
In Spanish: Glaciar Hispar para niños
