The Top 6 Largest Glaciers in the World
Visiting a hill station adorned by majestic mountain ranges or spending your time on the sandy beaches of a seashore is a common phenomenon. But planning a vacation hiking and traversing along the largest glaciers in the world is unusual and seldom thought of. The only thing I can say about glaciers is that its a lifetime experience and the memories you carry will stay afresh in your mind. Remember in our childhood days, we read about the science behind glaciers and we used to wonder in amaze at its creation. But watching them in front of your eyes is something you must never miss. For your easy reference, I thought of penning down about the top 6 glaciers in the world which are worth a thousand times a visit.
Siachen Glacier
Siachen Glacier is located at the border of control between the two neighbouring nations India and Pakistan. It is one of the largest and prominent glaciers in the world. The glacier is nestled within a border sensitive zone within the Karakoram range of mountains. Spreading over an area of about 76 km in length, it is said to contain almost 2 trillion cubic feet of ice. Each of its peaks, almost 45 in number, rises to a height of 18000 feet above the sea level. The melting waters of the glacier feed the river Nubra in Ladakh which joins the river Shyok and then the famous river Indus.
Fedchenko Glacier
We may feel that glaciers are prevalent mostly in the polar region. But it's astonishing that the non-polar regions house some of the largest and astounding glaciers in the world. Fedchenko Glacier is one such example, that spreads over a huge length of about 77 km. The beauty of this place is the glacier extends to being segregated into many tributary glaciers transforming into spectacular water streams. The glacier is located amid the Pamir mountain ranges in Tajikistan of the central part of Asia. It melts into the Balandkiik near Kyrgyzstan. Discovered in 1878, it is named after a famous Russian explorer, Fedchenko.
Margerie Glacier
Alaska is quite a popular region in the US where the famous glacier bay basin is located covered with tonnes of ice. It is a favourite destination of tourists seeking adventure and thrill. Located in this wonderland, is the Margerie Glacier. The glacier is frequently visited by many especially due to the stunning landscape in its vicinity. It is approachable only by water and air. There are cruise ships, boats and air transport available for a close view of the glacier and its surrounding environment. The glacier was initially a long one stretching for about 104 km but now it has split into multiple small glaciers. The length of the Margerie glacier is currently 34 km and is one of the breathtaking glaciers in the world.
Gangotri Glacier
Being an Indian, I did not want to miss out mentioning the famous glacier in India. Yes, its the Gangotri glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the world. The place is prominent among the Hindus of India, being a pilgrimage site. We will soon be covering an exclusive article on Gangotri. Located in Uttarakhand, the glacier stretches to a length of about 30 km. It is said that 27 cubic kilometres of ice are present in the glacier. The glacier feeds the holy river Ganges at Gomukh, the terminus. You can also view some of the Himalayan peaks at the vicinity of the glacier, the key among them being Bhagirathi III, Meru, Shivling. It has 3 main tributaries, Chaturangi, Raktvarn and Kirti and 18 more tributary glaciers.
Jostedalsbreen Glacier
Located in the western part of Norway, Jostedalsbreen Glacier is one of the longest glaciers in the world. It stretches to a length of about 60 km and is the largest in Europe. The mystic views encapsulating the glacier entices adventure-seeking tourists and the nature admirers. The region experiences a huge snowfall in the winters. So, on one hand, it has thick sheets of ice but on the other hand, the ice melts fast. It has 50 glacier arms or branches in total, that descend down to the valleys.
Pasterze Glacier
Discovered in 1851, the Pasterze Glacier is the longest in Austria. Though the length has decreased considerably since then, now to about 8.4 km yet it attracts the travel freaks due to its pristine and surreal beauty. Nestled amid the mountain ranges if the Hohe Tauern, you can spend a fabulous time witnessing the spectacular landscape in its vicinity. It melts into the river Möll.
Author
Kuntala
A travel enthusiast craving to explore the exotic destinations in the world, deciphering the mysteries and the thrill concealed in them.
I always love your post so much information and beautiful place about tourist.
I’ve never seen a glacier in person. It’s definitely a dream of mine!
Thanks for sharing all these Glaciers hot spot. Which one is your favourite?
great to see one from India too.
Just thinking about the highlights of your trip, it’s fascinated me. All your travel blog posts are amazing. I love it.
Thank you so much
I would love to visit and see all of these glaciers! You always have the best ideas of places to visit and see!
Thank you so much
Hi Kuntala, I love these picture and you writing about these glaciers. I also admit that I never thought that one can as a tourist go and visit these, I mean why would they? They’re just a large piece of ice. I was wrong, didn’t know how beautiful glaciers can be.
Yes I am with you. Me too had this feeling before. But after a visit, I was awestruck
Glaciers have always fascinated me. I’ve never visited any glaciers before in person but it’s some thing on my bucket list
Wow thats great
Glaciers are so beautiful. I plan to travel to atleast one of the glaciers you mentioned when all the pandemic drama is over.
You will surely enjoy
We’ve visited a place that had a lot of glacial grooves and it was impressive. I can’t even imagine seeing a glacier in person. I am sure it is quite remarkable!
They are truly remarkable
I keep seeing little things here and there about it. It’s nice to read some of the real info. Makes me even more curious to go see it.
Its a different experience
I’m loving this – probably because we are approaching Christmas and it’s snowing outside 😉 No, seriously: I find glaciers are just so fascinating and beautiful. Unfortunately, I’ve seen only one in person and that was in Patagonia. Hence, your post is very inspiring and makes my bucket list much longer.
thank you for your lovely comment