Mountains of Pakistan is the hub of the World’s Greatest Mountain Chains. The Karakoram, Himalaya, Hindu-Kush and the Pamir. There are more than 100 peaks over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) are within a radius of 180 kilometers. The statistics are astonishing. The K2 (8,611 meters) is the second highest on Planet Earth and is situated in the Karakoram. The five above 8,000 meter peaks out of the World’s fourteen (14) 8,000 meter peaks are in Pakistan. Peaks above 3,000 to 6,000 meters are countless and remain unclimbed and unnamed. Out of 100 highest peaks in the world, more than 50 are in Pakistan.
These magnificent mountain ranges are also home to one of the densest collection of highest and most precipitous mountain peaks in the world. These include five, out of the total fourteen, above 8000 meter high peaks in the world, including the second highest mountain peak -the K-2 (8611m). Other 8000 meter peaks in Pakistan includes Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, Broad Peak and Nanga Purbat. Nevertheless these mountain ranges also boast more than 160 peaks above 7000 meters and around 700 peaks above 6000 meters.
Due to its very high altitudes and sub-zero temperatures these mountainous regions are also one of the most heavily glaciated part of the world outside the polar regions. Consisting of numerous ice glaciers including the world second and third longest glaciers i.e. the Siachen Glacier (70 km) and the Biafo Glacier (63 km).
The mountain regions are also been considered as a lifeline for the people of down country in Pakistan due to perpetual supply of fresh water for agricultural, domestic and industrial use. All of Pakistan’s five major rivers and its tributaries originate in these mountain regions and receives its waters from the glaciers and snow clad mountains. On the other hand these areas have an enormous potential for tourism and adventure sports. Considered as heaven for mountaineers, trackers, explorers and adventurists, every year a good deal of mountain lovers visit the area and explore wonders of nature.
