Siachen Glacier, the largest glacier in India, spans approximately 75.6 km in length and 2.8 km in width. It is also the world’s longest glacier outside the polar and sub-polar regions. The glacier feeds the Nubra River, which joins the Shyok and forms part of the greater Indus River system. Siachen lies in the eastern Karakoram range, near the tri-junction of India, Pakistan, and China.

The name ‘Siachen’ translates to “land of wild roses.” Located south of the main Karakoram watershed, the glacier is infamous as the world’s highest active battleground since 1984, with India maintaining a strategic presence. However, military operations and climate change have taken a toll, reducing the glacier’s volume by 35% in the past two decades. Its melting poses ecological concerns for the entire region.