Saltoro Kangri is a 7,742-metre peak, the 31st highest in the world, and it stands on the line that divides Pakistani and Indian positions in the Siachen region. It was first climbed in 1962 by a Japanese-Pakistani expedition. Visitors cannot go to it: the Saltoro range is a militarised zone, so the question for travellers is what they can see from the Khaplu side.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Height | 7,742 m (25,400 ft), 31st highest in the world |
| Range | Saltoro Mountains, on the south-west side of the Siachen glacier |
| First ascent | 24 July 1962, Japanese-Pakistani expedition (Y. Takamura, A. Saito, Capt. Bashir) |
| Summits | Saltoro Kangri I (south) and II, joined by a saddle |
| Status | On the Actual Ground Position Line; the range is closed to tourists |
| Nearest tourist town | Khaplu |
How high is Saltoro Kangri?
7,742 metres. It is the highest summit of the Saltoro Mountains, a subrange of the Karakoram, and it has a prominence of about 2,160 metres. The nearest higher peak, Gasherbrum I at 8,080 metres, is about 39 km to the north-west.
Climbing history
The first ascent was on 24 July 1962 by a Japanese-Pakistani expedition that included Y. Takamura, A. Saito and Captain Bashir, following the south-east ridge. This came before the Siachen conflict began, when the area was open to expeditions.
Why is it closed?
The Saltoro range has been contested since 1984. Reference sources say India began operations in April 1984, took the main peaks and passes of the range, and that Pakistani forces hold the glacial valleys just to the west. The boundary between the two positions is called the Actual Ground Position Line, and Saltoro Kangri sits on it. A ceasefire took hold in November 2003, but both countries still keep troops in the area, and it is described as rarely visited except by military personnel.
Reference sources put the number of troops at roughly 3,000 on each side, spread across about 150 outposts, and estimate that most of the 1,200 or more deaths in the conflict came from weather and altitude, not fighting. That is a reminder of how harsh the terrain is, well beyond the reach of any tourist trek. India has allowed some expeditions and tourism on its own side since 2007, which does not change the position on the Pakistani side.
For visitors, that means no trek to Saltoro Kangri from the Pakistani side. Our page on whether civilians can visit Siachen explains the wider access position.
Can you see Saltoro Kangri from Khaplu?
Some travel writing says so. A Dawn feature on Khaplu lists Saltoro Kangri, Sia Kangri, Masherbrum, K6, K7 and Siachen among the views from the area, and the Hushe trek is described there as leading towards K7 and Saltoro Kangri I and II. We could not find a marked viewpoint or a clear photograph point, so we cannot promise an identifiable view. The peak is far from Khaplu and behind other ranges.
What you can rely on is the scenery of the Khaplu and Hushe valleys, which is spectacular in its own right:
- Khaplu Palace and town. The mosque balcony is described as giving a view of the Masherbrum group. See Khaplu Palace.
- Hushe valley. The road end for Masherbrum and Laila peak walks. See Hushe valley and Masherbrum peak.
- The drive from Skardu. See Skardu to Khaplu for the road and timings.
Ask a local guide in Khaplu which of the distant peaks you can identify on the day, and do not photograph military installations or checkpoints.
Is it safe to travel to Khaplu?
Gilgit-Baltistan is not among the areas the UK government advises against travel to, and Pakistani visitors travel to Skardu and Khaplu through the season. The Siachen and Saltoro area is a separate matter, being a military zone off limits to tourists. If you drive north by the Karakoram Highway, the UK advises against all travel between Mansehra and Chilas; flying to Skardu avoids it. Foreign-passport holders should check their own government's advice, since it can void insurance. Check local news and follow police instructions.
Is it worth trying to see?
If you are visiting Khaplu anyway, ask about it. Do not plan a trip around Saltoro Kangri, because an identifiable view is not guaranteed and the mountain itself is out of reach. The Skardu and Deosai itinerary and our Skardu guide are better places to start.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Saltoro Kangri?
7,742 metres, the 31st highest mountain in the world.
Who first climbed Saltoro Kangri?
A Japanese-Pakistani expedition, on 24 July 1962.
Can tourists visit Saltoro Kangri?
No. It stands on the Siachen line in a militarised area that is closed to tourists.
Can you see Saltoro Kangri from Khaplu?
Some travel writing says so, but we found no marked viewpoint. Do not count on it.
Where is Saltoro Kangri?
On the south-west side of the Siachen glacier, in the Saltoro range of the Karakoram.
