The world is concealed with a multitude of astounding places, which either have been discovered or yet to be found. If we discuss the Plate Tectonic theory, there are massive tectonic plates, which have been slowly shifting for more than 3 billion years. Furthermore, these motions have caused the emergence of gigantic mountain ranges. That is why we will talk about mountain ranges in Pakistan, which contribute to the beauty of this country. Places where you can explore rare animals. For instance, Snow Leopards, Ibex, Markhor, Mountain Goat, Tibetan Blue Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Tahr, Argali, Marco Polo sheep, Pallas’ Cat etc. If you are travelling for the first time, here is an ultimate backpacking list. Some of the highest peaks in Pakistan are going to be discussed in this blog and here is the list of mountain ranges in Pakistan.
- The Himalayas
- The Karakoram
- The Hindu Kush
- Safēd Kōh/Spīn Ghar Mountain Range
- Kirthar Mountain Range
- Salt Range
- Sulaiman Mountain Range
- Zarghun Ghar Range
- Nanga Parbat
The Himalayas
If we talk about the northern mountain ranges in Pakistan, the Himalayas are an astounding result of tectonic plate movements. Which are situated in a massive region covering Pakistan, China, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, and India. The total length of the entire Himalayas is 1,400 miles (2,300 km), while its height is over 20,000 feet (6,100 metres). With a total area of 229,731 square miles, If we call it the chief of all the mountain ranges in the world, it will not be wrong. Out of the highest peaks in the world, 9 are just in the Himalayas. A notable name, Mount Everest leads the way with an altitude of 29,029 feet (8,848 metres). Not just a gigantic plateau but also a source of freshwater for most of the Asian countries.
Out of a total of 19 rivers, the Indus River is one of the two major ones. If we discuss the number of glaciers, around 15000 glaciers are found here. The most prominent one is Siachen Glacier with a range of 72 km (48miles). In addition, almost 75% of Nepal is covered by the Himalayas. Besides, there are Gasherbrum I or K5 (8,080 metres/26,509 feet), Gasherbrum II or K4 (8,035 metres/26,361 feet), and Gasherbrum IV or K3 (7,925 metres/26,000 feet). Himalayan and Karakoram ranges are the foremost mountains of the region enhancing the beauty of Pakistan, which results in a substantial role in the tourism industry.
The Karakoram
Another one is the Karakoram, which is also known as Kurra Kurram. It means Black Rock in Turkic. These ranges in Pakistan are around 65 million years old, which are located in Gilgit Baltistan (Pakistan) and Uyghur (disputed region of China). It includes Godwin Austen Peak, which is commonly known as K2, which is the 2nd highest peak in the world. What makes K2 the 2nd highest peak in the world as well as among the mountain ranges in Pakistan, is its altitude of 8,611 metres (28,251 feet), which is located in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Col. H.H. Godwin Austen was the first surveyor, which led to this peak’s formal name. Countries, which are included in the Karakoram ranges are Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and India.
Nationalities that belong to this region are mainly Kashmiri, Kyrgyz, Uyghur, Tajik, Tibetan, and Ismaili. This entire Karakoram Range covers an area of around 80,000 square miles (207,000 square km), while altitude is 20,000 feet (6,100 metres). Rivers that are part of the basin are Indus and Yarkand rivers. If we discuss the three famous roads, Karakoram Highway (Gilgit, Pakistan) is one of them, the rest are in Leh (Ladakh) and Himachal Pradesh (India).
The Hindu Kush
Another one is the 115 million years old Hindu Kush range. With a total area of 59,648 square miles, it is 500 miles long and 150 miles wide. Countries that include this range are Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. Its highest peak is Mount Tirich Mir, with a height of 25,230 feet (7,690 metres). Most of the area of this range is in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Historically, the Hindu Kush range has played a prime role in the empires’ movements.
From Alexander the Great to the Mongols, and the Timurid Empire, all used this corridor to enter the Subcontinent (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka). Moreover, Pakistan Mountains have an equal significance as the rest of the Himalayas sharing countries. These mountain ranges in Pakistan are hard to explore anywhere else in the world except a few countries.
Safēd Kōh/Spīn Ghar Mountain Range
Spin Ghar or Safed Koh ranges in Pakistan are shared by Pakistan and Afghanistan. It means “White Mountains” if we look at its literal meanings in the regional language. From Peshawar to Lowrah valley it lies chiefly near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Both countries benefit from it through Kabul and the Indus Rivers. With an altitude of 4,761 metres (15,620 feet) above sea level, it depicts blanketing snow on the entire range, which is similar to a dream.
Kirthar Mountain Range
Not all the ranges are in the northern region of Pakistan, there are some which enhance the beauty of this country. From Mula River (Balochistan) to the west of Sindh, the Kirthar mountain range is the one to amplify these southern and western regions. They are a source of water for Kolachi Hub and Lyari Rivers, which conclude in the Arabian Sea. Zardak Peak is the highest mountain of this range with an altitude of 7,430 feet or 2,264 metres. If we discuss the altitude and range of the Kirthar Mountains, it is 7,056 feet (in the north) above sea level, 4000 feet (in the south), and 310 km respectively.
Just a few miles ahead, another notable spot is Gorakh hill station, which is around 5,600 feet or 1,706 metres. These ranges in Pakistan play an indispensable role in the south-western region of the country.
Salt Range
An 800 million years old range, which is 2,200 feet high above sea level, covers the land of 300 km from the east to the west. While Sakesar Mountain is the highest one with an altitude of 4,993 feet (1,522 metres). Its rock salt is one of the copious salt fields in the world, which is between the Jhelum and Indus rivers. Furthermore, these ranges in Pakistan are located in the northern Punjab, between the south of Potohar Basin and the north of two cities, namely, Mianwali and Naushera. Its nearest town is Kallar Kahar, where you can visit a few of the historical spots. Here is a guide to Kallar Kahar in Punjab.
Its Khewra Salt Mine is said to have been discovered by Alexander the great’s horse when he started to lick the surface of the ground. In addition, this mine is the 2nd largest salt mine in the world.
Zarghun Ghar Range
Similar to the above one, Zarghun Ghar is another mountain range with the highest peak in Balochistan (Western province of Pakistan). Loy Saar Naikan, which is 3,578 metres (11,739 feet) high, is located in (Quetta, Pakistan). These mountains are not far from the Sulaiman Mountains. In conclusion, they are one of the most formidable western mountain ranges of Pakistan. These ranges in Pakistan have another peak “Kuchnai Saar” with a substantial height of 3,404 metres (11,170 feet).
Sulaiman Mountain Range
If we move towards the central region, there are some prominent ranges in Pakistan. Starting from the Sulaiman Mountain Range, which is located right in the centre of Pakistan. While its highest peak is Takht-e-Sulaiman (Solomon’s Throne) with an altitude of 3,487 metres (11,437 feet). According to historians, it is called a valley of Jinns (Ghosts), where the Prophet Sulaiman (PBUH) had visited. Since it is in the centre of the country, these mountains are outspread in four provinces. They are also included in the western mountain ranges of Pakistan.
Nanga Parbat
Description: The name ‘Killer Mountain’ simply describes the colossal features of Nanga Parbat.
Also known as Diamer which means “The King of the mountains”. Nanga Parbat is another prominent peak in Pakistan as a part of the Himalayas range. With the status of being the second-highest peak in Pakistan, as well as the 9th highest mountain in the world. It is located in the Astore district (Gilgit, Pakistan) and the south of the Indus River. If we look at its height, it reaches 26,660 feet (8,126 metres) from sea level. The next one of this region is Toshain-I with an altitude of 6,326 metres (20,755 feet). Here is a guide to Nanga Parbat.
10 Places to Visit Near Mountain Ranges of Pakistan
If someone wants to experience the alluring beauty of the above mountain ranges in Pakistan, here are some of the most visited tourist spots.
- Hunza and SkarduValley (Karakoram Range)
- Margala Hills (Islamabad)
- Fairy Meadows (Nanga Parbat)
- Neelum Valley (Nanga Parbat)
- Gojal Valley (Khunjerab)
- Deosai Plains (Skardu)
- Payee (Kaghan Valley)
- Kirthar Area (Kirthar Range)
- Ghanche District (Gilgit–Baltistan)
- Gorakh Hill (Kirthar range)
You can also have a look at this guide to beautiful places in Pakistan.
Conclusion
With all the above information, hope you gained enough knowledge with history, stats and figures. These ranges in Pakistan display unique traditions of the local communities besides these enormous ridges, which results in exposure to traditional foods and activities. You can explore rare animals, dishes, and sports in these areas, which are found only in the arctic mountains. You may have a look at this guide to stunning places in Azad Kashmir. If you need to enhance your knowledge, you may read similar blogs at Jagah Online. In conclusion, please feel free to share suggestions via blogs@jagahonline.com.