Best glacier destinations in Asia
Best glacier destinations in Asia
Massive valley ice sheets and ancient high mountain glacier fields across Asia
The Himalayas hold more glacial ice than anywhere outside the polar regions, often called the Third Pole, feeding rivers that millions of people across Asia depend on. Central Asian mountain ranges add a less visited, equally significant glacial landscape further north.
The destinations on this list range from high-altitude Himalayan glaciers requiring serious trekking experience and altitude acclimatisation to more remote Central Asian ice fields that see only a fraction of the visitor numbers. Both demand careful, well-prepared planning.
Allowing extra days for altitude acclimatisation matters considerably across the region, where altitude sickness poses a genuine risk on most glacier approaches. Local guiding companies can advise on current glacier and route conditions. Packing for extreme cold also matters considerably given the altitude involved in reaching these sites.
Lists by region
Country
Pakistan
Land of ancient heritage
More glacial ice is credited to this country than to anywhere on Earth outside the polar regions. Baltoro Glacier runs 39 miles through the Karakoram. K2 and three more peaks above 26,000 feet rise within about 12 miles. Concordia, at 15,100 feet, marks where the Baltoro meets the Godwin Austen Glacier.
Country
Nepal
Land of Himalayan wonders
Some 3,252 glaciers spread across the country, covering roughly 2,055 square miles. Annapurna Conservation Area spans 2,946 square miles and includes the Annapurna Sanctuary. Its highest point is Annapurna I at 26,545 feet. Trekking routes there include the Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project restricts visitor numbers, firewood gathering and grazing.
Country
India
Palaces, temples, backwaters and Himalayan peaks
Gangotri Glacier stretches about 19 miles in Uttarakhand and feeds the Bhagirathi river at Gomukh. Hindu pilgrims trek to Gomukh from Gangotri town. In the Karakoram, Siachen Glacier runs 47 miles by its longest route. It ranks as the second longest glacier in the world outside the polar regions.
Mountain
Mount Everest
World's highest peak, ultimate challenge
Khumbu Glacier falls from 24,900 feet near Everest to 16,100 feet at its terminus. It is described as the world's highest glacier. The glacier lies between Everest and the Lhotse Nuptse ridge. The Khumbu Icefall is the first major obstacle on the standard south route. The Base Camp trail follows it for the final stretch.
Region in Nepal
Annapurna
Legendary Trekking in Himalayan Diversity
Peaks mostly over 23,000 feet ring a glacial basin at roughly 13,550 feet. The Annapurna Sanctuary lies about 25 miles north of Pokhara. Its only entrance is a narrow valley between Hiunchuli and Machapuchare. Glacier runoff drains through that valley into the Modi Khola. The Gurung people considered the area sacred.
City in Nepal
Pokhara
Lakeside Calm, Himalayan Adventure Gateway
Three of the ten highest peaks in the world, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu, can be seen from the city. Machhapuchhre, at 22,943 feet, is the closest peak. Pokhara serves as a base for the Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Sanctuary glacial basin lies about 25 miles north.
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