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Home , Baltoro Muztagh, Batura Muztagh, Distaghil Sar, Hispar Muztagh, Kanjut Sar, Kirthar Mountains

Mountains of

PAKISTAN is home to many mountains above 22,970 ft. Five of the world's fourteen mountains taller than 26,000 ft (eight-thousanders) are in Pakistan, four of which are near Concordia. Most of Pakistan's high peaks are located in the Range, the highest of which is 28,251 ft, the second-highest peak on earth. The highest peak of Himalayan range in Pakistan is 26,660 ft, which is the ninth-highest peak of the world. Mountain Ranges

Pakistan is blessed with a long range of mountains that are an attraction for geologists and mountain climbers from all over the world. Pakistan has more than a hundred peaks that are above 7,000 meters. Out of the world's 14 highest peaks, four are in Pakistan. These highest peaks are situated mainly in the Karakoram range. Following are the mountain ranges which are fully and partly located in pakistan. • Karakoram Range

The Karakoram is a range of mountains starting in the extreme north of Range mountain and extending eastward in the north of District ends in the northeast corner of the state of the former Northern Areas. The range is spread over a length of 482 km, and it covers a tract 46 to 48 km broad. Karakoram separates the State of from , and South-central Asian States. It also protects Kashmir from the extreme cold winds of Siberia. There are over 300 peaks with an elevation between 5200 and 28000 feet from the sea level. Out of these peaks, 150 are in Baltistan. The world's second highest peak K2, 8611 M / 28251 feet is within this range. World famous glaciers, the , Masherbroom and Gaisherbroom are also in Karakoram Range. Valleys of Karakoram are sources to many rivers, rivulets, streams which at last drain in the great . 18300 feet high , connects Kashmir with Central Asian states and is considered to be a historical route. Shaksgam Pass, Aghil Pass, and Khunjerab Pass are also in this range of mountains. Pakistan Heights of Rank of World Rank of Peaks of Karakoram Location of Peaks of Karakoram Peaks Karakoram Karakoram Peaks Peaks K2 8,611 1 2 (K5) 8,608 3 11 Baltoro Muztagh (K3) 8,047 4 12 Baltoro Muztagh Gasherbrum II(K4) 8,035 5 13 Baltoro Muztagh Gasherbrum IV 7,952 6 17 Baltoro Muztagh 7,885 7 19 Kunyang Chhish 7,852 8 21 Hispar Muztagh Masterbrum I(K1) 7,821 9 22 MasherbrumMountains Batura I 7,795 10 25 Baltoro Muztagh 7,790 11 26 Hispar Muztagh Rakaposhi 7,788 12 27 Rakaposhi-HaramoshMountains Chogolisa I 7,665 14 36 MasherbrumMountains 7,611 15 38 Trivo Skyang 7,577 16 39 Hispar Muztagh 7,545 17 44 Baltoro Muztagh (W) 7,492 19 53 Hispar Muztagh Sar 7,476 20 54 Batura Muztagh Yukshin Gardan Sar 7,530 21 55 Hispar Malubiting (W) 7,458 23 58 Rakaposhi-HaramoshMountains K12 7,428 24 61 Saltoro Mountains 7,422 25 63 Baltoro Muztagh Momhil Sar 7,421 26 64 Hispar Muztagh Skil Brum 7,420 27 66 Baltoro Muztagh Haramosh 7,409 28 67 Rakaposhi-HaramoshMountains Istor-o-nal 7,403 29 68 Hindu Kush Ghent Kangri 7,400 30 69 Saltoro Mountains Sar 7,388 31 70 Batura Muztagh Sherpi Kangri 7,380 33 74 Saltoro Mountains Saraghrar 7,349 34 78 Hindu Kush Chongtar 7,315 35 81 Batura Muztagh • Range Himalayas mountain range separates the and the Tibetan Plateau. The countries which share this massive range of mountains include – Pakistan, India, Nepal, , China and Burma. Generally, it is also known as a name of a huge mountain system including the Karakoram Range, Hindu Kush and few other lesser ranges. Some of the world’s major rivers like Ganges and Brahmaputra flow from this range. The western rivers combine together to form River Indus which flows southwest through India to Pakistan and then into the Arabian Sea. The climate, rainfall, soil conditions, and altitude of this range are quite diversified, generating a vast variety of plants and animal communities. The world’s second longest glacier called ‘Siachen’ which lies at the India-Pakistan border is part of this great mountain range. There are several lakes in the Himalaya range of Pakistan. It also has a profound effect on the climate of the country. There are many notable peaks of Himalayas in Pakistan but Nanga Parbat is the most important one being the 9th highest in the world and 2nd highest in the country.

Peaks of Himalayas Height of Himalayas (m) Location of Himalaya Peaks

Nanga Parbat 8,126 Gilgit-Baltistan Silberzachen 7,597 Nanga Parbat Rakhiot Peak 7,070 Nanga Parbat group Chongra Peak 6,830 Nanga Parbat Ganalo Peak 6,606 Nanga Parbat Laila Peak 5,971 Rupal Valley Shaigiri 5,688 Rupal Valley Buldar Peak 5,602 Nanga Parbat 5,290 Jalipur Peak South 5,215 Nanga Parbat Ditchil 5,084 Deosai Chattewala 4,917 Jabardar 4,511 Fairy Meadows, Jalipur Dinewar 4,100 Tingrel 4,085 Chhugam 4,064 Nanga Parbat 3,586 Kaghan Valley • Hindu Kush Hindu Kush is spread over an area of 500 miles. It stretches between the North Western Pakistan and Eastern Afghanistan. It is located on the western side of the Pamir Mountains and the Karakoram. It is also known as the geographical center of world’s population. Many rivers rise from Hindu Kush range like and Konar. There are many passes on this range. which is 1,027 m long is of much importance. A road was constructed in 1960 on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan which has reduced the travel time between the countries to a few hours. There are many notable peaks in this range but the highest is the Trichmir which is located in the Chitral region of Pakistan. This peak is also known as the Queen of Chitral. It is Pakistan’s 13th highest peak and in the world ranking it is on the 33rd position.

Peaks of Hindu Kush Height of Hindu Kush Peaks (m) Location of Hindu Kush Peaks

Tirich Mir 7,706 Chitral Noshaq 7,492 Udren Zom 7,108 Akher Chhish 7,020 Koyo Zom 6,871 Pechus Glacier Thui I 6,660 Ponarillo Glacier Gul Lasht Zom 6,657 Lutkho Valley Buni Zom 6,550 Thui II 6,523 Shetor Glacier, Thui Pass Ghamubar I 6,518 Ghamubar Glacier Ghamubar II 6,432 Ghamubar Glacier Ghuchhar Sar 6,249 Garmush 6,244 Garmush Glacier Chikar Zom 6,110 Chatebori Glacier Mankial 5,726 Swat Valley Kurkun 4,890 • Spin Ghar (white mountain) also known as “Safed Koh”, is a mountain range in eastern Afghanistan and expanding well to North-Western Pakistan. Its highest peak, straight and rigid Mount Sikaram, towers above all surrounding hills to 15,620 ft above mean sea level. The cuts a narrow trough through the Safēd Kōh Mountains to flow eastward into the Indus River; otherwise, the range connects directly with the Shandur Top offshoot of the Hindu Kush mountain system.

The Khyber Pass crosses a spur of the Spin Ghar. The second cross is near Mount Sikaram which is called Piewar-Kotal or Gawi Pass, which connect city with Aryub Valley of Afghanistan. From the highest peak Mount Sikaram (Sikaram Sar) towards eastward, it passes on the north of Piewar, Alizai, Tari Mengal, Khewas, Shilawzan, Luqman Khel, Maikay, Chappri Rest House, Zeran, Parachamkani and Upper Khyber Agency. The closest city near the Spin Ghar is Parachinar of Pakistan. • The Sulaiman Mountains or Koh-e- Sulayman are the southern extension of the Hindu Kush mountain system located in the Zabul Kandahar and regions of Afghanistan and in the southern Federally Administered Tribal Areas (South Waziristan and Frontier Region ), most of northern and some of southwestern and in Pakistan. The Sulaimans form the eastern edge of the where the Indus River separates it from the Subcontinent. Bordering the Sulaimans to the north are the arid highlands of Central Hindu Kush or Paropamisadae, whose heights extend up to 20,000 ft. In Frontier Region Dera Ismail Khan the highest peak of the Sulaimans is Takht-e- Sulaiman or "Throne of Solomon" at 11,440 ft. In Balochistan its highest peak is Zarghun Ghar at 11,739 ft. near city while the second-highest is Khilafat Hill at 11,401 ft. in and is famous for large juniperus macropoda forests in its surroundings.

The Sulaiman range runs north in Loya Paktia and meets the Spin Ghar range northeast of in . To the northwest, the Sulaimans merge beyond Loya Paktia into the Koh-i- Baba range. To the east, the Sulaimans enter the districts of in Punjab and Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and approaches the Indus River near Mithankot in the District of Punjab. The eastern slopes drop very quickly to the Indus River, but towards west, the mountain range drops gradually in Kandahar southwest into Helmand and the Sistan Basin. One legend says that , said to be the legendary ancestor of the Pashtun nation, is buried on top of Takht-e-Sulaiman, locally known as Da Kasī Ghar "Mount of Qais", located near the village of Darazinda in Frontier Region Dera Ismail Khan of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, close to the border with both South Waziristan and Zhob, Balochistan. His different descendants migrated west, north, and south. Some people visit the place and make animal sacrifices, usually a sheep or a goat, at the tomb of Qais to help feed the poor. A trip to the mountain is undertaken mostly in summer, since from late November until March the snowfall makes it difficult to climb. • The Salt Range is a hill system in the Punjab province of Pakistan, deriving its name from its extensive deposits of rock salt. The range extends along the south of the and the North of the . The Salt Range contains the great mines of Khewra, Kalabagh and Warcha which yield vast supplies of salt. Coal of a medium quality is also found. Two interesting sites are close to Kathwai, Kutte Mar and Tulaja fort. At Kuttee Mar to the Northeast of Kathwai are Muslim graves made of Kangar and the purported grave of a dog that is said to have died defending the wedding procession of its owner from an attack by bandits. Kutte Mar may have been the place where the Khura inscription of Toramana was found. If this assessment is correct, a Buddhist monastery was established here around 500. A.D. This inscription and another fragmentary inscription found at Sakaser confirm that this area was a flourishing, centre for Buddhism, which is borne out by the extensive archaeological remains. The Tulaja fort is located on a huge rock outcropping with sheer cliffs overlooking the shrine of Kacchianwalla and the Punjab plains. The entire area is covered with the ruins of defensive walls, houses, and other structures made of large stone blocks. Although one building has been identified as a mosque, it is very difficult to distinguish other religious, military or civil structures. One of the most interesting features is a large square tank made of the flat rectangular bricks, which may have supplied water so that the fort could withstand a siege. Comparing this tank with those in other forts may help in assigning a relative date to its construction. In addition to architectural styles, evidence from any coins, which are found here, may help to indicate if this city belonged to the period of the Turk Sultans, Lodhis or Mughals. Extensive remains of a cemetery and other settlements are on the slopes below the fort. There are also supposed to be some remains on Tulaji across the valley from Talaja. •

The Margalla Hills is a hill range part of the foothills Himalayas located within the Margalla Hills National Park, north of , Pakistan. Margalla Range has an area of 12,605 hectares. The hills are a part of Murree hills. It is a range with many valleys as well as high mountains. The hill range nestles between an elevation of 685 meters at the western end and 1,604 meters on its east with average height of 1000 meters. Its highest peak is Tilla Charouni. The range gets snowfall in winters. On 6 January 2012, after almost six years, Pir Sohawa, the city’s highest tourist spot, received few inches of snowfall. The hills rock formations are 40 million years old, and of marine life abound, indicating that the Margalla Hills were at one time under the sea. According to the research carried out by scientists and archaeologists of the project "Post-Earthquake Explorations of Human Remains in Margalla Hills”, the formation of the Margalla Hills dates to the Miocene epoch. The dominant of the Margalla is mixed with and occasional minor beds of . The archaeologists of the project have also found two human footprints over one million years old here, preserved in sandstone. Saidpur is a Mughal-era village on the slopes of the Margalla Hills and located off the Hill Road to the east of Daman-e-Koh in Islamabad. The village has the footprints of various civilizations, including Gandhara, Greek, Buddhist, Mughal, Ashoka and the British colonial periods, and now serving as a popular recreational spot for both local and foreign visitors.

• Range The Toba Kakar Mountains are a southern offshoot of the Himalayas in the Balochistan region of Pakistan. The historical route through the mountains is known as the Bolan Pass. The mountains originally received media attention in August 1979 when evidence emerged that Pakistan may be using them as a potential workspace towards development of nuclear weapons. Again in April 1981, the United States government raised concerns referring specifically to a nuclear test site, built into the side of the mountains, 40 kilometres from Afghanistan. • Range Makran Range is a semi-desert coastal strip in Balochistan (Pakistan) and , along the coast of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The southern part of Balochistan is called Kech Makran on Pakistani side and Makran on the Iranian side which is also the name of a former Iranian province. Prior to that, in Achaemenid times, the name Maka was used for the region. The Sumerian trading partners of Magan are identified with Makran. In Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita, there is a mention of a tribe called Makara inhabiting the lands west of India. Arrian used a derivation of Makran from the Persian term mahi khoran, meaning "fish eaters" for Baluchi inhabitants of coastal areas, but this is considered "erroneous."

• Ras Koh Range The is a range of granite hills forming part of the Sulaiman Mountain Range in the in Pakistan's Balochistan province. The word "Ras" means "gateway" and the word "Koh" means "mountain" in . Ras Koh, therefore, means "Gateway to the Mountains." Pakistan's first nuclear tests were carried out in the Ras Koh Hills on 28th May 1998. The Ras Koh Hills are situated in the Chagai District of Pakistan's Balochistan province and lie to the south of the Chagai Hills and between the higher Sulaiman Mountains to the northeast and the lower to the southwest. Plateaus and basins predominate the Ras Koh Hills with an average elevation of 600 metres, but in areas, the hills can reach elevations up to 3,000 metres. The Ras Koh Hills are composed of granite, are carved out by innumerable channels, but the arid climate restricts rain and for the most part leaves these channels dry. Although little water reaches the low-lying basins, numerous alluvial fans are found in the area. • Kirthar Range The Kirthar Mountains are a mountain range located in the Pakistani provinces of Balochistan and . The mountains extend southward for about 310 km from the Mula River in east-central Balochistan to Cape Monze on the Arabian Sea. The Kirthar Mountains form the boundary between the lower Indus Plain (to the east) and southern Balochistan (to the west). It consists of a series of parallel rock hill ridges rising from 4,000 ft in the south to nearly 8,000 ft in the north. The maximum elevation in the Sindh segment of the mountains was reported in April 2009, as 7,056 ft above sea-level. An old map, by the British Army Corps of Engineers, calls it Barugh Hill, along with a surveyed height of 7,122 ft. Barugh, means "big fat mountain" in the Brahui language, the language of the tribe, who still live in that area. Barough is a branch of the Kirthar mountains, off Dadu, and the highest mountain peak of Sindh, situated a few miles north-west of the upcoming Station, at 5,688 ft from sea level. The next highest is a 6,880-foot-high peak, known locally as Kutte-di-Kabar (Dog's Grave). There are also a number of other peaks in the Sindh segment of the Kirthar Mountains exceeding 5,500 ft these all receive occasional snowfall during the winter rains. Kirthar has a simple mountain structure of the regular anticlinal type, with the arches steepest towards the north and the west and gently dipping towards the south and the valley of the Indus. The inhabitants of the Kirthar Mountains are chiefly Brahui, Sindhi, and Baloch tribes, on both sides, who subsist by flock grazing. Major Baloch tribes of Kirthar are Burfat, , , Bozdar, , Nohani, , Lashari, and others.