This is a classic 'Mental Map' question that punishes rote learners. While books state Siachen is 'in' the Nubra region, the question demands precise relative positioning. It forces you to visualize the glacier as the 'head' (North) feeding the valley downstream (South), rather than just memorizing a static location.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Is Siachen Glacier located east of Aksai Chin?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 24
Strength: 5/5
“Main Glaciers of the Himalayan Region • Name of The Glacier: Siachen; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 76; Altitude (M): 5400; Important Features: Largest in Nubra Valley of the Himalaya and second longest glacier outside the Polar region • Name of The Glacier: Biafo; Location: Karakoram (Baltistan region of Ladakh); Length (Km): 60; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: Flows into Shigar River • Name of The Glacier: Chogo Lungma; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 50; Altitude (M): 5016; Important Features: Located in Gilgit Baltistan • Name of The Glacier: Gangotri; Location: Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 28; Altitude (M): 3415; Important Features: Originates below the Chaukhamba Peak and it is also known as 'Gomukh' • Name of The Glacier: Rimo; Location: Siachen Area of Ladakh; Length (Km): 40; Altitude (M): 7385; Important Features: Drains in the Shyok River • Name of The Glacier: Hispar; Location: Gilgit-Baltistan; Length (Km): 63; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: World's longest glacial system • Name of The Glacier: Zemu; Location: Sikkim/Nepal; Length (Km): 26; Altitude (M): 300; Important Features: Largest glacier in Eastern Himalaya and it feeds River Teesta • Name of The Glacier: Drang Drung; Location: Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 23; Altitude (M): 4780; Important Features: It lies in the Zanskar range in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir • Name of The Glacier: Shafat; Location: Eastern Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 14; Altitude (M): 4400; Important Features: Gives rise to the peaks of Nun and Kun The melted water flows into Suru River • Name of The Glacier: Sonapani; Location: Chandra Valley of Lahaul and Spiti region; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 4000; Important Features: Longest glacier of the Pir Panjal range near the Rohtang Pass”
Why relevant
States Siachen's location: it is in the Karakoram, largest in Nubra Valley of the Himalaya, and listed under Ladakh/Rimo area — situating Siachen in northern Ladakh/Karakoram.
How to extend
A student could place Siachen on a map of Ladakh/Karakoram and compare its longitude to that of Aksai Chin to judge east/west relation.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Siachin/Aksai chin Glacier Dispute > p. 39
Strength: 4/5
“Indian troops use the Nubra valley route KhardungLa (Pass) to reach the Aksai chin glacier. The glacier has four passes. Of these, Gesar, Broom, Saltoro, and Vilafondala are under the possession of India and Gyong under Pakistan. The Siachin glacier attracted the attention of India when Pakistan permitted some Japanese tourists for skiing in this area and scaling some peaks under India possession. Moreover, Pakistan established an observation post on the Saltoro Range. To counter this move, India launched Operation Meghdoot on April 3, 1984. Since then both the countries are maintaining troops in this inhospitable environment”
Why relevant
Mentions Siachen/Nubra valley and approach via Khardung La, linking Siachen firmly to the Nubra/Ladakh region and Saltoro range positions.
How to extend
Using Nubra/Khardung La locations on a map, a student can infer Siachen's relative position within Ladakh and compare to Aksai Chin's known area.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Main Mountain Passes > p. 20
Strength: 3/5
“• Name of the Pass: Burzail Pass; Altitude Above the Sea Level: >5000 m; Location: Srinagar with Kishan-Ganga Valley; Significance: It connects Kashmir Valley with the Deosai Plains of Ladakh It remains closed for trade and transport during winters • Name of the Pass: Chang-La; Altitude Above the Sea Level: >5270 m; Location: In Greater Himalayas Ladakh with Tibet; Significance: Road leads to town of Tangste Pass has a temple dedicated to Chang La Baba • Name of the Pass: Debsa Pass; Altitude Above the Sea Level: 5270 m; Location: High Mountain Pass in Greater Himalayas between the Kullu and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh; Significance: Pass provides easier and shorter alternative to the traditional Pin Parbati Pass route between Kullu and Spiti • Name of the Pass: Dihang Pass; Altitude Above the Sea Level: 4000 m; Location: Situated in Himachal Pradesh; Significance: It connects Arunachal Pradesh with Mandalay (Myanmar) • Name of the Pass: Diphu Pass; Altitude Above the Sea Level: ; Location: Situated in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh; Significance: Connects Arunachal Pradesh to Mandalay (Myanmar) It remains open throughout the year • Name of the Pass: Imis La; Altitude Above the Sea Level: >4500 m; Location: Ladakh Union Territory and Tibet in China; Significance: It connects Ladakh to Tibet (China) It has difficult terrain and steep slopes • Name of the Pass: Khardung La; Altitude Above the Sea Level: >6000 m; Location: Near Leh in Ladakh region; Significance: It connects Leh with Siachen Glacier Highest motorable pass • Name of the Pass: Khunjerab Pass; Altitude Above the Sea Level: >5000 m; Location: Karakoram Mountains in Ladakh; Significance: Connects Ladakh to Sinkiang Province of China Snow covered from November to mid May • Name of the Pass: Likhapani; Altitude Above the Sea Level: >4000 m; Location: Arunachal Pradesh; Significance: Joins Arunachal Pradesh with Myanmar Open for trade throughout the year • Name of the Pass: Lipu Lekh; Altitude Above the Sea Level: ; Location: Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand; Significance: Connects Uttarakhand to Tibet Facilitates the pilgrims for Manasarovar lake India's important border post for trade with China”
Why relevant
Lists Khardung La as a pass that 'connects Leh with Siachen Glacier' and locates several passes in Ladakh/Tibet border area, reinforcing Siachen's placement in northern Ladakh/Karakoram corridor.
How to extend
Locate Khardung La and related passes on a map to triangulate Siachen's location against Aksai Chin.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Western Sector > p. 33
Strength: 5/5
“Further south-east, the boundary runs along the watershed across Lanak La, Kone La, the Pangong Lake and the Kailash Range. Here the boundary constitutes the watershed between the Indus System in India and the Khotan System in China. In this area, China claims the Aksai Chin District, the Changmo Valley, Pangong Tso (lake), and the Spanggar Tso (lake) areas of Ladakh, as well as a strip of about 5000 sq km down the entire length of eastern Ladakh (Bains, 1962). Since 1954, the Chinese have repeatedly intruded deeper and deeper into the western sector. By 1962, the Chinese had penetrated far deeper and the Chinese occupation line now runs from 16 to 240 km west of the international line The Chinese army penetrated in this region repeatedly in September and October, 2009.”
Why relevant
Describes Aksai Chin as a district/area claimed by China in eastern Ladakh and mentions features of the 'western sector' boundary and eastern Ladakh claims.
How to extend
Place Aksai Chin in 'eastern Ladakh' on a map and compare its longitude to the Karakoram/Nubra Siachen position to assess whether Siachen lies east of it.
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > India's Man in Space > p. 715
Strength: 3/5
“Before 1984, neither India nor Pakistan had any permanent presence in the area. However, in order to reinforce their claim on the area, the Pakistanis encouraged expeditions to the glacier on the basis of permits given by their government. Becoming aware of this in about 1978, an Indian Army expedition was also sent to Teram Kangri peaks as a counter-exercise. To free the glacier from Pakistani domination, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Meghdoot in April 1984, and Siachen became the world's highest battlefield. India was victorious in the conflict; two passes, namely, Sia La and Bilfond La, were secured by India while Pakistan retained control of the Gyong La pass.”
Why relevant
Notes operational history (Operation Meghdoot) securing passes Sia La and Bilfond La in the Siachen area and distinguishes control of Gyong La, tying Siachen to specific passes and fronts in the Ladakh region.
How to extend
Map these named passes to better pinpoint Siachen's position relative to Aksai Chin's mapped extent.
Statement 2
Is Siachen Glacier located east of Leh?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 24
Strength: 5/5
“Main Glaciers of the Himalayan Region • Name of The Glacier: Siachen; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 76; Altitude (M): 5400; Important Features: Largest in Nubra Valley of the Himalaya and second longest glacier outside the Polar region • Name of The Glacier: Biafo; Location: Karakoram (Baltistan region of Ladakh); Length (Km): 60; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: Flows into Shigar River • Name of The Glacier: Chogo Lungma; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 50; Altitude (M): 5016; Important Features: Located in Gilgit Baltistan • Name of The Glacier: Gangotri; Location: Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 28; Altitude (M): 3415; Important Features: Originates below the Chaukhamba Peak and it is also known as 'Gomukh' • Name of The Glacier: Rimo; Location: Siachen Area of Ladakh; Length (Km): 40; Altitude (M): 7385; Important Features: Drains in the Shyok River • Name of The Glacier: Hispar; Location: Gilgit-Baltistan; Length (Km): 63; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: World's longest glacial system • Name of The Glacier: Zemu; Location: Sikkim/Nepal; Length (Km): 26; Altitude (M): 300; Important Features: Largest glacier in Eastern Himalaya and it feeds River Teesta • Name of The Glacier: Drang Drung; Location: Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 23; Altitude (M): 4780; Important Features: It lies in the Zanskar range in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir • Name of The Glacier: Shafat; Location: Eastern Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 14; Altitude (M): 4400; Important Features: Gives rise to the peaks of Nun and Kun The melted water flows into Suru River • Name of The Glacier: Sonapani; Location: Chandra Valley of Lahaul and Spiti region; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 4000; Important Features: Longest glacier of the Pir Panjal range near the Rohtang Pass”
Why relevant
Lists Siachen as located in the Karakoram and describes it as the largest in the Nubra Valley.
How to extend
A student could check a map to see the relative positions of Nubra Valley (Karakoram) and Leh to judge whether Siachen lies east of Leh.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Siachin/Aksai chin Glacier Dispute > p. 39
Strength: 5/5
“Situated near Karakoram, the Siachin glacier is about 75 km long and 2 to 8 km wide. This glacier is about 5800 m above the sea-level with an average temperature of–50°C. The glacier lies to the north-west of K 2 in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and pierced through the Saltoro Range. The Karakoram Highway between China and Pakistan is very close to the glacier. Hence, the Siachin glacier has great strategic importance. India occupies about two-third area of the glacier in its south eastern part. Here, Nubra river emerges from the Karakoram glaciers and meet the Shyok river which is a tributary of the Indus river.”
Why relevant
States Siachen lies near Karakoram, pierces the Saltoro Range, and that the Nubra river emerges from Karakoram glaciers and meets the Shyok river.
How to extend
Using a map showing Karakoram, Saltoro Range, Nubra and Shyok rivers, a student can infer directional relations between Siachen and Leh.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 25
Strength: 4/5
“• Name of The Glacier: Milam; Location: Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 2290; Important Features: Major source of River Gori Ganga Biggest glacier in Kumaon Himalaya • Name of The Glacier: Rupal; Location: Kashmir; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 6326; Important Features: Located in Greater Himalaya it flows northeastward • Name of The Glacier: Gangri; Location: Nun Kun Mountains; Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 13; Altitude (M): 7135; Important Features: Largest glacier in the Nun Kun peak • Name of The Glacier: Bara Shigri; Location: Chandra Valley of Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh; Length (Km): 11; Altitude (M): ~4570; Important Features: Second longest glacier in Himalaya Source of water for River Chenab It has deposits of antimony • Name of The Glacier: Diamir (Nanga Parbat); Location: Kashmir (Pakistan Occupied); Length (Km): 11; Altitude (M): 4203; Important Features: Diamir mountains are known as 'King of Mountains' and are the World's tallest mountains • Name of The Glacier: Pindari; Location: Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 3; Altitude (M): 3353; Important Features: Gives rise to River Pindari • Name of The Glacier: Chong Kumdan; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 21; Altitude (M): 7071; Important Features: Ladakh; they feed and are a threat to Shyok River and might block it • Name of The Glacier: Hispar; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 60; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: Feeds Shigar River”
Why relevant
Identifies other Karakoram glaciers (e.g., Chong Kumdan) and explicitly locates them in Ladakh and notes they feed the Shyok River.
How to extend
Comparing the locations of Karakoram glaciers and Leh (in Ladakh) on a map helps determine if Siachen is east, north, etc., of Leh.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > 1. The Indus (Sindhu) > p. 9
Strength: 4/5
“Ladakh, Zaskar, and Himalayan Ranges. Originating from the Bokhar Glacier lying on the northern slope of Kailash Mountain, it flows in a constricted valley north-westwards through Tibet (China), where it is called as Singi Khamban or Lion's mouth. In Ladakh, it follows a long, nearly straight course between the Ladakh Range and the Zaskar Range. In the first 480 kilometres, it flows along the northern flank of the Zaskar Range over a flat country at heights over 3200 metres where it receives river Zaskar below Leh. Suru and Dras are the other left bank tributaries which join the Indus near Kargil.”
Why relevant
Describes Ladakh and river courses, mentioning Leh in the context of regional drainage (Indus receives Zaskar below Leh).
How to extend
A student can use this to place Leh within Ladakh on a map and then compare it with the Karakoram/Nubra location of Siachen to judge relative direction.
Statement 3
Is Siachen Glacier located north of Gilgit?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Siachin/Aksai chin Glacier Dispute > p. 39
Strength: 4/5
“Situated near Karakoram, the Siachin glacier is about 75 km long and 2 to 8 km wide. This glacier is about 5800 m above the sea-level with an average temperature of–50°C. The glacier lies to the north-west of K 2 in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and pierced through the Saltoro Range. The Karakoram Highway between China and Pakistan is very close to the glacier. Hence, the Siachin glacier has great strategic importance. India occupies about two-third area of the glacier in its south eastern part. Here, Nubra river emerges from the Karakoram glaciers and meet the Shyok river which is a tributary of the Indus river.”
Why relevant
Identifies Siachen as in the Karakoram, north-west of K2 and pierced by the Saltoro Range, and notes Nubra river emerges from Karakoram glaciers (Siachen area).
How to extend
On a map, locate K2 and the Karakoram/Saltoro area and compare relative positions of Siachen and Gilgit to judge whether Siachen lies to the north.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 24
Strength: 3/5
“Main Glaciers of the Himalayan Region • Name of The Glacier: Siachen; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 76; Altitude (M): 5400; Important Features: Largest in Nubra Valley of the Himalaya and second longest glacier outside the Polar region • Name of The Glacier: Biafo; Location: Karakoram (Baltistan region of Ladakh); Length (Km): 60; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: Flows into Shigar River • Name of The Glacier: Chogo Lungma; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 50; Altitude (M): 5016; Important Features: Located in Gilgit Baltistan • Name of The Glacier: Gangotri; Location: Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 28; Altitude (M): 3415; Important Features: Originates below the Chaukhamba Peak and it is also known as 'Gomukh' • Name of The Glacier: Rimo; Location: Siachen Area of Ladakh; Length (Km): 40; Altitude (M): 7385; Important Features: Drains in the Shyok River • Name of The Glacier: Hispar; Location: Gilgit-Baltistan; Length (Km): 63; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: World's longest glacial system • Name of The Glacier: Zemu; Location: Sikkim/Nepal; Length (Km): 26; Altitude (M): 300; Important Features: Largest glacier in Eastern Himalaya and it feeds River Teesta • Name of The Glacier: Drang Drung; Location: Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 23; Altitude (M): 4780; Important Features: It lies in the Zanskar range in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir • Name of The Glacier: Shafat; Location: Eastern Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 14; Altitude (M): 4400; Important Features: Gives rise to the peaks of Nun and Kun The melted water flows into Suru River • Name of The Glacier: Sonapani; Location: Chandra Valley of Lahaul and Spiti region; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 4000; Important Features: Longest glacier of the Pir Panjal range near the Rohtang Pass”
Why relevant
Lists Siachen as a Karakoram glacier and separately notes other glaciers (e.g., Chogo Lungma) are 'located in Gilgit Baltistan', implying distinct Karakoram features versus Gilgit-located glaciers.
How to extend
Use a regional map to place named Karakoram glaciers relative to those explicitly stated to be 'in Gilgit Baltistan' to infer relative north/south or east/west relationships.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > 1. The Indus (Sindhu) > p. 9
Strength: 4/5
“Moving north-westward, the Indus is joined by the Shyok-Nubra tributaries. These tributaries arise from the Siachen Glacier (Karakoram Range). At Skardu, at a little distance below the Shyok, the Shigar river, which drains the northern slopes of Mt. K2, meets river Indus. In this region, River Indus is more wide than in Ladakh. The transverse glaciers and landslides periodically dam the river. The Gilgit is another important tributary which comes from the west to join Indus. Downwards, the Indus crosses the Central Himalayan Range through a huge synclinal gorge. The Indus makes saveral deep gorges. The deepest of all is at Gilgit, which is 5200 m in height above the level of the water at its bed.”
Why relevant
Explains that the Shyok–Nubra tributaries arise from Siachen (Karakoram) and that the Gilgit is another important tributary joining the Indus from the west—showing Siachen-fed rivers and Gilgit-fed rivers are distinct tributary systems.
How to extend
Compare the courses of the Nubra/Shyok rivers (from Siachen) and the Gilgit river on a map to infer relative source locations (i.e., whether Siachen's sources lie north of Gilgit town/river).
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Kashmir Problem > p. 37
Strength: 3/5
“Ladakh is a vast barren plateau characterised by desolate rocks. It resembles Tibet in culture and the people are largely the followers of Buddhism. Racially, the Ladakhis are Mongoloids. The fourth region, Gilgit, is the northern part of the state which is mountainous and almost Muslim. It used to be reached from the Srinagar by crossing high mountains and glaciers. But now it is well linked with Pakistan through the Karakoram Highway. The fifth region is Baltistan. It lies in the extreme northern part of the state, which is largely mountainous, dominated by the Muslim population and accessible by a road along the Indus river.”
Why relevant
Describes 'the fourth region, Gilgit, is the northern part of the state' and notes it is mountainous and linked by the Karakoram Highway—giving a regional location for Gilgit within the broader northern area.
How to extend
Place the described 'northern part (Gilgit)' on a map relative to Karakoram features (from other snippets) to assess whether Siachen is north of that Gilgit location.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 25
Strength: 3/5
“• Name of The Glacier: Milam; Location: Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 2290; Important Features: Major source of River Gori Ganga Biggest glacier in Kumaon Himalaya • Name of The Glacier: Rupal; Location: Kashmir; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 6326; Important Features: Located in Greater Himalaya it flows northeastward • Name of The Glacier: Gangri; Location: Nun Kun Mountains; Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 13; Altitude (M): 7135; Important Features: Largest glacier in the Nun Kun peak • Name of The Glacier: Bara Shigri; Location: Chandra Valley of Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh; Length (Km): 11; Altitude (M): ~4570; Important Features: Second longest glacier in Himalaya Source of water for River Chenab It has deposits of antimony • Name of The Glacier: Diamir (Nanga Parbat); Location: Kashmir (Pakistan Occupied); Length (Km): 11; Altitude (M): 4203; Important Features: Diamir mountains are known as 'King of Mountains' and are the World's tallest mountains • Name of The Glacier: Pindari; Location: Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 3; Altitude (M): 3353; Important Features: Gives rise to River Pindari • Name of The Glacier: Chong Kumdan; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 21; Altitude (M): 7071; Important Features: Ladakh; they feed and are a threat to Shyok River and might block it • Name of The Glacier: Hispar; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 60; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: Feeds Shigar River”
Why relevant
Lists other Karakoram glaciers and notes some feed the Shyok, reinforcing that Siachen is part of a cluster of Karakoram glaciers that feed northeastern tributaries of the Indus system.
How to extend
Using river flow directions and the indicated glacier-fed tributaries, map source areas (Karakoram/Siachen) vs. Gilgit river source to infer relative positions.
Statement 4
Is Siachen Glacier located north of Nubra Valley?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"Siachen is the only glacier in Nubra valley that is well connected with rest of Ladakh region by all weather motorable road."
Why this source?
- Directly states Siachen is a glacier in Nubra valley.
- If Siachen is described as 'in Nubra valley', that contradicts the claim that it is located north of Nubra Valley.
"Nubra valley, located in the Ladakh region, receives water from the Nubra river, which is traced to Siachen glacier."
Why this source?
- Links the Nubra valley's river system directly to Siachen Glacier (the Nubra river is traced to Siachen).
- This connection indicates Siachen Glacier is part of the Nubra valley's glacial system rather than being located north of it.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 24
Strength: 5/5
“Main Glaciers of the Himalayan Region • Name of The Glacier: Siachen; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 76; Altitude (M): 5400; Important Features: Largest in Nubra Valley of the Himalaya and second longest glacier outside the Polar region • Name of The Glacier: Biafo; Location: Karakoram (Baltistan region of Ladakh); Length (Km): 60; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: Flows into Shigar River • Name of The Glacier: Chogo Lungma; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 50; Altitude (M): 5016; Important Features: Located in Gilgit Baltistan • Name of The Glacier: Gangotri; Location: Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 28; Altitude (M): 3415; Important Features: Originates below the Chaukhamba Peak and it is also known as 'Gomukh' • Name of The Glacier: Rimo; Location: Siachen Area of Ladakh; Length (Km): 40; Altitude (M): 7385; Important Features: Drains in the Shyok River • Name of The Glacier: Hispar; Location: Gilgit-Baltistan; Length (Km): 63; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: World's longest glacial system • Name of The Glacier: Zemu; Location: Sikkim/Nepal; Length (Km): 26; Altitude (M): 300; Important Features: Largest glacier in Eastern Himalaya and it feeds River Teesta • Name of The Glacier: Drang Drung; Location: Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 23; Altitude (M): 4780; Important Features: It lies in the Zanskar range in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir • Name of The Glacier: Shafat; Location: Eastern Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 14; Altitude (M): 4400; Important Features: Gives rise to the peaks of Nun and Kun The melted water flows into Suru River • Name of The Glacier: Sonapani; Location: Chandra Valley of Lahaul and Spiti region; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 4000; Important Features: Longest glacier of the Pir Panjal range near the Rohtang Pass”
Why relevant
Explicitly lists Siachen as a Karakoram glacier and labels it 'Largest in Nubra Valley', linking Siachen and Nubra Valley geographically.
How to extend
A student could check a map to see whether a glacier described as 'in' or 'largest in' a valley lies upstream/north of the valley floor to judge 'north of'.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > 1. The Indus (Sindhu) > p. 9
Strength: 5/5
“Moving north-westward, the Indus is joined by the Shyok-Nubra tributaries. These tributaries arise from the Siachen Glacier (Karakoram Range). At Skardu, at a little distance below the Shyok, the Shigar river, which drains the northern slopes of Mt. K2, meets river Indus. In this region, River Indus is more wide than in Ladakh. The transverse glaciers and landslides periodically dam the river. The Gilgit is another important tributary which comes from the west to join Indus. Downwards, the Indus crosses the Central Himalayan Range through a huge synclinal gorge. The Indus makes saveral deep gorges. The deepest of all is at Gilgit, which is 5200 m in height above the level of the water at its bed.”
Why relevant
States the Shyok–Nubra tributaries 'arise from the Siachen Glacier', connecting Siachen as source of rivers that flow into Nubra/Shyok system.
How to extend
Use general knowledge that tributaries arise upstream of valleys and consult a map or river-flow direction to infer whether the glacier is north/upstream of Nubra Valley.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Siachin/Aksai chin Glacier Dispute > p. 39
Strength: 4/5
“Situated near Karakoram, the Siachin glacier is about 75 km long and 2 to 8 km wide. This glacier is about 5800 m above the sea-level with an average temperature of–50°C. The glacier lies to the north-west of K 2 in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and pierced through the Saltoro Range. The Karakoram Highway between China and Pakistan is very close to the glacier. Hence, the Siachin glacier has great strategic importance. India occupies about two-third area of the glacier in its south eastern part. Here, Nubra river emerges from the Karakoram glaciers and meet the Shyok river which is a tributary of the Indus river.”
Why relevant
Notes that the Nubra river emerges from the Karakoram glaciers in the area of Siachen and describes India's occupation of the glacier's southeastern part — indicating relative local positions within the glacier region.
How to extend
Combine this with a regional map showing Nubra river course to determine relative (north–south) placement between glacier and valley.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 25
Strength: 4/5
“• Name of The Glacier: Milam; Location: Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 2290; Important Features: Major source of River Gori Ganga Biggest glacier in Kumaon Himalaya • Name of The Glacier: Rupal; Location: Kashmir; Length (Km): 15; Altitude (M): 6326; Important Features: Located in Greater Himalaya it flows northeastward • Name of The Glacier: Gangri; Location: Nun Kun Mountains; Himalayan Range; Length (Km): 13; Altitude (M): 7135; Important Features: Largest glacier in the Nun Kun peak • Name of The Glacier: Bara Shigri; Location: Chandra Valley of Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh; Length (Km): 11; Altitude (M): ~4570; Important Features: Second longest glacier in Himalaya Source of water for River Chenab It has deposits of antimony • Name of The Glacier: Diamir (Nanga Parbat); Location: Kashmir (Pakistan Occupied); Length (Km): 11; Altitude (M): 4203; Important Features: Diamir mountains are known as 'King of Mountains' and are the World's tallest mountains • Name of The Glacier: Pindari; Location: Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand; Length (Km): 3; Altitude (M): 3353; Important Features: Gives rise to River Pindari • Name of The Glacier: Chong Kumdan; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 21; Altitude (M): 7071; Important Features: Ladakh; they feed and are a threat to Shyok River and might block it • Name of The Glacier: Hispar; Location: Karakoram; Length (Km): 60; Altitude (M): 5128; Important Features: Feeds Shigar River”
Why relevant
Lists other Karakoram glaciers that 'feed' the Shyok River and identifies several glaciers in the Siachen area as draining into Shyok/Nubra systems, reinforcing the upstream-source relationship.
How to extend
A student can use the pattern that Karakoram glaciers feed the Shyok/Nubra rivers and then check topography/maps to see whether these glacier sources lie north/upstream of Nubra Valley.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC has shifted from 'Match Location' to 'Relative Directional Triangulation'. They target contested borders (Ladakh) and ask for spatial relationships (North of X, East of Y) that text descriptions often miss but maps reveal instantly.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Conceptual Trap. Standard texts (like Majid Husain) say 'Siachen is in Nubra Valley', which makes option D ('North of Nubra Valley') feel contradictory unless you understand glacial geomorphology (Source is upstream/North).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Trans-Himalayan Physiography & Strategic Border Geography (Ladakh Sector).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Map these relative pairs: 1) Galwan Valley (West of Aksai Chin), 2) Depsang Plains (South of Chip Chap River), 3) Daulat Beg Oldie (South of Karakoram Pass), 4) Saltoro Ridge (West of Siachen), 5) NJ9842 (Southern tip of Saltoro).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Stop memorizing lists of glaciers. Start drawing 'Vector Maps' (A is North of B, C is West of D). Focus heavily on the Indus-Shyok-Nubra Y-junction and the flow direction of rivers (North to South).
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Siachen Glacier — Karakoram location and features
💡 The insight
Siachen is a Karakoram glacier in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh and is one of the largest non-polar glaciers.
Knowing the precise physiographic location and key features of Siachen is high-yield for map-based and security geography questions; it links physical geography (glaciers, river systems) with defence and border issues. Mastering this helps answer questions on glacier distribution, strategic terrain, and India–Pakistan frontier conflicts.
📚 Reading List :
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 24
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Siachin/Aksai chin Glacier Dispute > p. 39
🔗 Anchor: "Is Siachen Glacier located east of Aksai Chin?"
👉 Aksai Chin — eastern Ladakh territorial claim
💡 The insight
Aksai Chin lies in eastern Ladakh and is claimed/held by China, forming part of the western sector frontier disputes.
Aksai Chin is central to India–China boundary questions and contemporary geopolitics; understanding its location and claims aids answers on boundary lines, historical intrusion patterns, and policy responses. This concept connects political geography with strategic studies and international relations.
📚 Reading List :
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Western Sector > p. 33
🔗 Anchor: "Is Siachen Glacier located east of Aksai Chin?"
👉 Key passes and access routes in Ladakh (e.g., Khardung La)
💡 The insight
Mountain passes such as Khardung La provide the principal routes from Leh into areas like the Nubra Valley and Siachen, shaping access and logistics in high-altitude operations.
Pass knowledge is useful for questions on transport, defence logistics, and mountain physiography; it helps link terrain features to military operations (e.g., Operation Meghdoot) and infrastructure planning in fragile regions.
📚 Reading List :
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Main Mountain Passes > p. 20
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Siachin/Aksai chin Glacier Dispute > p. 39
🔗 Anchor: "Is Siachen Glacier located east of Aksai Chin?"
👉 Karakoram location of Siachen (not Greater Himalaya)
💡 The insight
Siachen is identified as a Karakoram glacier and is described as the largest glacier in the Nubra valley, linking its position to the Karakoram physiographic zone.
Understanding whether a glacier lies in the Karakoram versus the Greater Himalaya helps answer questions on regional relief, climate and drainage patterns; it also narrows likely relative positions to nearby features. This aids elimination in map‑based and comparative physical geography questions.
📚 Reading List :
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 24
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Siachin/Aksai chin Glacier Dispute > p. 39
🔗 Anchor: "Is Siachen Glacier located east of Leh?"
👉 Siachen’s strategic/military significance (Operation Meghdoot)
💡 The insight
Siachen’s control has been contested and was the focus of Operation Meghdoot, highlighting its geopolitical importance and relation to border control in high mountain passes.
Questions on India’s border disputes, defence operations, and geopolitics often use Siachen as a case study; mastering this links physical geography with political/security topics and helps answer polity‑geography integrated questions.
📚 Reading List :
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Siachin/Aksai chin Glacier Dispute > p. 39
- Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > India's Man in Space > p. 715
🔗 Anchor: "Is Siachen Glacier located east of Leh?"
👉 Glaciers as sources for Nubra–Shyok–Indus drainage
💡 The insight
Descriptions note that Nubra river emerges from Karakoram glaciers and meets the Shyok (a tributary of the Indus), connecting Siachen to the Indus river system.
Knowing which glaciers feed which rivers is high‑yield for questions on river basins, water resources, and regional hydrology; it links mountain glaciation to downstream river systems and interstate water issues.
📚 Reading List :
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > The Siachin/Aksai chin Glacier Dispute > p. 39
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > 1. The Indus (Sindhu) > p. 9
🔗 Anchor: "Is Siachen Glacier located east of Leh?"
👉 Karakoram vs other Himalayan sub-ranges
💡 The insight
Siachen is described as being in the Karakoram/Trans‑Himalayan region rather than the core Kashmir Himalaya.
High‑yield for location questions: distinguishing Karakoram, Greater Himalaya and Ladakh helps place glaciers and passes. Connects to questions on river sources, border geography and physical regionalisation of Jammu & Kashmir. Enables elimination of options by range membership.
📚 Reading List :
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Table 2.3 > p. 24
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > Altitude of Snowline in the Himalaya > p. 23
🔗 Anchor: "Is Siachen Glacier located north of Gilgit?"
The Rimo Glacier. It lies immediately East of Siachen and acts as the main source of the Shyok River. While Siachen feeds the Nubra, Rimo feeds the Shyok. A future question could ask about the watershed divide between these two.
Use 'River Source Logic'. Glaciers carve valleys and sit at their head. Since the Nubra River flows South from the glacier into the valley, the glacier MUST be North of the valley. Also, eliminate 'East of Aksai Chin' immediately—Aksai Chin is the easternmost extremity of the Ladakh sector; nothing Indian lies east of it.
Mains GS-3 (Security): Siachen is the 'Iron Wedge' separating the Shaksgam Valley (ceded by Pakistan to China) from Aksai Chin (occupied by China). Its location prevents a direct physical link between the two adversaries, crucial for the 'Two-Front War' doctrine.