The Siachen Glacier is located in the East Karakoram/Himalayas, at approximately . It is the planet's largest alpine glacier outside the poles. The glacier is located in the disputed Kashmir region and is claimed by India and Pakistan. In spite of the severe climate, the word 'Siachen' ironically means 'the place of roses', a reference to the abundance of Himalayan wildflowers found in the valleys below the glacier. The glacier is also the highest battleground on Earth where India and Pakistan have fought intermittently for the past 17 years. Both countries maintain permanent military personnel on the glacier at a height of over 7,000 metres. The glacier's melting waters are the source of the Indus river, crucial to both India and Pakistan.
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Last updated: 10-19-2005 04:53:56
