Baltoro Glacier

The glacier lies in the Karakoram range, and is surrounded by some of the world's highest peaks, including K2 (8,611 metres (28,251 ft)), the second highest mountain on Earth, as well as three other summits above 8,000 meters within a 20-kilometre radius.

Scientific observations between 2001 and 2011 recorded visible changes in the Baltoro, especially near Concordia, where it meets the Godwin-Austen Glacier at 4,600 metres (15,100 ft). Although reductions in snow and ice cover were noted, research indicates that the glacier is not retreating but experiencing surges, shifting and flowing into neighbouring glaciers.

Geography

The Baltoro Glacier flows through the Karakoram, bordered by the Baltoro Muztagh to the north and east, and the Masherbrum Mountains to the south. To its northeast, it is separated from the Siachen Glacier by the Conway Saddle (or pass).

The glacier forms the source of the Braldo River, which joins the Shigar River, a tributary of the Indus. It is fed by several large tributary glaciers, including the Godwin-Austen Glacier from K2, the Abruzzi and Gasherbrum Glaciers from the Gasherbrum peaks, the Vigne Glacier from Chogolisa, and the Yermandendu Glacier from Masherbrum. The junction of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers, known as Concordia, is a renowned trekking destination, as is the K2 Base Camp.

The glacier's trough is notably wide, with small valley glaciers forming icefalls where they meet the main trunk. Its steep sidewalls bear striations carved by moving ice, while depressions created by glacial movement hold numerous lakes.

The glacier is accessible from the Balti town of Skardu, the principal gateway to the Karakoram.