{"id":156,"date":"2023-04-11T07:02:52","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T07:02:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lchangnang.com\/blog\/?p=156"},"modified":"2024-01-09T11:11:27","modified_gmt":"2024-01-09T11:11:27","slug":"hotels-in-siachen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lchangnang.com\/blog\/hotels-in-siachen\/","title":{"rendered":"Hotels in Siachen"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you are looking for a new and exciting destination to visit this summer, look no further than the Siachen Glacier in Leh-Ladakh. This is one of the boldest and bravest places you can visit and the Kohinoor in the crown of any seasoned traveller.<\/p>\n
The Siachen Glacier was earlier though to be inaccessible but in October of 2021, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh declared the outpost open for domestic tourists. Since then, a steady stream of seasoned thrill seekers have dared to venture into what is believed to be the highest, coldest and most hostile terrain in the world.<\/p>\n
Siachen is located in the northernmost corner of our great nation. It is now a famous place due to to the Siachin conflict, which demonstrated just how cruel and unforgiving the terrain can be. During this brief war between India and Pakistan in 1984, more soldiers are said to have died from the harsh weather and terrain than from enemy action.<\/p>\n
If you are planning to visit Siachen, this blog will help you get acclimatized and condition you for your journey. We will discuss how to plan, what to bring, how to get there and what to do once you arrive.<\/p>\n
The word Siachen literally means \u201cabundance of roses.\u201d Its etymology is derives from the word \u201cSia\u201d which means \u201cwild rose\u201d in the local dialect and \u201cChen\u201d which means \u201can abundance of.\u201d This name was given to the glacier by British explorer Tom Longstaff in 1909 when he, along with a party of mountaineers and explorers attempted to chart its length.<\/p>\n
What makes the Siachen glacier geopolitically important is its unique location. Since it lies at the exact crossroads of several important mountain ranges and international borders, it is strategically very important for India in order to protect its border from both Pakistan and China. In a sense, it is India\u2019s front door.<\/p>\n
Due to its strategic importance, a war fought here, at \u201cthe world\u2019s highest battlefield\u201d in 1984, when the Indian army subsequently secured the area. Many brave Indian soldiers lost their lives defending this small but existentially vital strip of land and therefore, many people visit the site out of patriotism.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A trip to Siachen is no joyride and should not be taken lightly. In fact, it is one of the coldest and starkest places in the world. Sometimes called \u201cthe third pole,\u201d Siachen is a slow moving glacier measuring approximately 75 Kms in length.<\/p>\n
To travel to Siachen, you must prepare thoroughly. This means researching the location, deciding when to go, taking adequate precaution, outlining how to get there and packing the essential items that will help you stay alive and get the most out of your trip.<\/p>\n
The best time to visit Siachen<\/strong> is obviously in the summer. As you can imagine, winters can be incredibly cruel and unforgiving around these parts. With gale force winds, -50 degree temperatures, elevations of over 15,000 ft and oxygen levels of 10%, survival itself becomes an issue at this heavenly abode.<\/p>\n There are several essential supplies that you must bring with you to help you traverse this terrain. Amongst the most important things to bring are: oxygen tablets, oxygen tanks, visors, thermal bodysuit, gloves, boots, walking stick etc.<\/p>\n Siachen is so high up that it is advisable that you consult your doctor before going. If you have health issues such as lung problems, blood pressure, heart issues or any other condition, you may have to take special precautions and may not be able to travel all the way up to \u201cKumar Camp,\u201d located at an unbelievable 19,000 ft above sea level.<\/p>\n If, however you are physically fit and up for the challenge, it is time to make a written itinerary, packing check list and travel arrangements. If done right, Siachen and the neighboring Nubra valley, also called \u201cthe Valley OF Flowers\u201d can be one of the most sublime and rewarding experiences one can have in their lifetimes.<\/p>\n Travelling to Siachen is harder than most other places but easier than you think. One does not have to risk life or limb or know mountain climbing to make the trip but a little bit of extra care and mindfulness is definitely required. All it takes is good knowledge about the weather conditions<\/p>\n The best way to get there is to fly to Leh. This is the capital of Ladakh and the airport closest to the Siachen glacier. Interestingly, Leh is at an altitude of about 10,000 ft and if you rest here for a day or two, you will automatically be acclimatized to these dizzying high altitudes.<\/p>\n The next leg of your journey involves the 160 Kms drive to Nubra Valley. This dive takes you over Kardung La Pass<\/a>, one of the highest motorable roads in the world and affords sights unlike you have ever seen before. The road bifurcates soon after the pass and it is advisable to take the road which takes you to the pristine side of Nubra Valley via the scenic villages of Sumur, Paramik, Tegar and then finally Siachen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Visiting Siachen is an accomplishment in itself but the glacier offers more than just photo opportunities. There are a lot of things to see and do in this high elevation hinterland and many places to visit in Siachen<\/strong>.<\/p>\n You can visit the war memorial, take pictures with Indian flags at specially made photo booths, nibble on fresh local fruit and admire the sublime and surreal mountainscapes all around this famous glacier.<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
How to Get There<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What to do in Siachen<\/strong><\/h3>\n