Hispar Pass facts for kids
Hispar Pass, also known as Hispar La, is a very high mountain pass in Pakistan. It's located in the mighty Karakoram mountain range. This pass is special because it connects two huge glaciers, making a super long path for adventurers!
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Hispar Pass: A Giant Mountain Crossing
Location and Height
Hispar Pass sits at an amazing height of 5,128 meters (about 16,824 feet) above sea level. That's higher than many clouds! It's found in the Karakoram mountains, which are part of Pakistan. This pass is considered "non-technical," meaning you don't need special climbing gear like ropes and harnesses to cross it. However, it's still a very challenging journey due to its extreme height and icy conditions.
The Giant Glaciers
At Hispar Pass, two enormous glaciers meet. A glacier is like a slow-moving river of ice.
- The first one is the Biafo Glacier, which stretches for about 63 kilometers (39 miles).
- The second is the Hispar Glacier, measuring around 49 kilometers (30 miles) long.
When these two giant ice rivers join at the pass, they create something incredible.
A World Record Traverse
The meeting of the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers forms what is called a "glacial traverse." This means you can travel across both glaciers in one continuous journey. This particular traverse is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) long. It's the longest glacial traverse in the world outside of the North and South Pole regions! Imagine walking on ice for that long! It's a truly unique and challenging adventure for experienced explorers.
