India Opens World's Highest Glacier

India has recently opened designated areas of the Siachen Glacier, situated in the eastern Karakoram range, to domestic tourists. This significant development allows Indian citizens to visit the world's highest inhabited glacier, previously accessible primarily to military personnel. Access is contingent upon obtaining necessary permits and undergoing mandatory acclimatization periods in Leh and Nubra Valley. The travel window is limited to the summer months, from June to September, with weather conditions remaining extremely challenging.

The Siachen Glacier, earning its moniker 'Crown of the Himalayas,' is characterized by its immense scale, stretching approximately 75 kilometers, and extreme environmental conditions. Temperatures regularly plunge to minus 50 degrees Celsius in winter and remain well below freezing even in summer. Wind speeds can exceed 100 kilometers per hour, and oxygen levels are critically low. These factors necessitate rigorous preparation and respect for the unforgiving terrain.

To visit, Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit for areas like Nubra Valley, though the Army's special permit is no longer needed for the glacier base camp. Foreign nationals are prohibited from visiting. The journey involves a multi-stage process, starting with acclimatization in Leh, followed by travel to Nubra Valley, and finally to the Siachen Base Camp. Travelers must be prepared for altitude sickness and pack essential gear for survival in extreme cold.