Arguably, the world’s most dramatic alpine scenery is in northern Pakistan.
Distinct from the Himalaya-proper, the Karakoram includes the world’s second highest mountain, plus many other peaks which are handsomely more spectacular/imposing than is Everest.
The Karakoram’s rivers are incredibly dynamic, constantly reshaping their valleys.
Essential to human life in this very demanding environment, these rivers also kill people and destroy many man-made structures..
Above and below, you are looking at the Shyok River, several kilometres upstream of its confluence with the Indus.
The Indus drains almost literally all of Pakistan.
This series’ next chapter looks down at the Hunza River, from two very different vantage points.
On an absolutely clear day, looking down from the second of them also enables one to see an astounding amount of “up”!
Comments