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{{Short description|Military camp in Siachen Glacier}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}


[[File:Kashmir_map.jpg|thumb|420x346px|right|Indo-Pak mutually-agreed undisputed ''"International Border"'' (IB) in the black line, Indo-Pak ''"Line of Control"'' (LoC) in black dotted line in the north and west, Indo-Sino ''"Line of Actual"'' (LAC) in black dotted line in the east, Indo-Pak line across Siachen in north is ''"Actual Ground Position Line"'' (AGPL). The areas shown in green are the two Pakistani-controlled areas: Gilgit–Baltistan in the north and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the south. The area shown in orange is the Indian-controlled territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the diagonally-hatched area to the east is the Chinese-controlled area known as Aksai Chin. ''"Territories ceded by Pakistan to China claimed by India"'' in the north is Shaksgam ([[Trans-Karakoram Tract]]).]]
[[File:Kashmir_map.jpg|thumb|420x346px|right|Indo-Pak mutually-agreed undisputed ''"International Border"'' (IB) in the black line, Indo-Pak ''"Line of Control"'' (LoC) in black dotted line in the north and west, Indo-Sino ''"Line of Actual"'' (LAC) in black dotted line in the east, Indo-Pak line across Siachen in north is ''"Actual Ground Position Line"'' (AGPL). The areas shown in green are the two Pakistani-controlled areas: Gilgit–Baltistan in the north and Azad Kashmir in the south. The area shown in orange is the Indian-controlled territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the diagonally-hatched area to the east is the Chinese-controlled area known as Aksai Chin. ''"Territories ceded by Pakistan to China claimed by India"'' in the north is Shaksgam ([[Trans-Karakoram Tract]]).]]
[[File:Un-kashmir-jammu.png|thumb|420x380px|right|[[United Nations]] map of Siachen Glacier showing ''"Point NJ980420"'' (Point NJ9842) as the starting point of the ''"Actual Ground Position Line"'' (AGPL) and the [[Nubra River]] valley and Siachen Glacier held by India. The AGPL starts from NJ9842 and goes north near Gyong La, Chumik Kangri, Saltoro Kangri, Bilafond La, and Sia La to Indira Col West. Goma military camp, Masherbrum Range, Baltoro Glacier, Baltoro Glacier, Baltoro Muztagh and K2 to the west are held by Pakistan.]]
[[File:Un-kashmir-jammu.png|thumb|420x380px|right|[[United Nations]] map of Siachen Glacier showing ''"Point NJ980420"'' (Point NJ9842) as the starting point of the ''"Actual Ground Position Line"'' (AGPL) and the [[Nubra River]] valley and Siachen Glacier held by India. The AGPL starts from NJ9842 and goes north near Gyong La, Chumik Kangri, Saltoro Kangri, Bilafond La, and Sia La to Indira Col West. Goma military camp, Masherbrum Range, Baltoro Glacier, Baltoro Glacier, Baltoro Muztagh and K2 to the west are held by Pakistan.]]


'''Siachen Base Camp''', 12,000 feet above sea level at Partapur, is a [[Military camp|base camp]] of [[List of regiments of the Indian Army|102 Infantry Brigade]] (Siachen brigade) of [[XIV Corps (India)|XIV Corps]] of [[Indian Armed Forces|Indian Army]] which protects 110 km long [[Actual Ground Position Line]] (AGPL) with at least 108 forward military outposts and artillery observation posts in the [[Siachen conflict|disputed region]] of [[Siachen Glacier]] in [[Ladakh]] Union Territory of [[India]]. It is approximately 6 hours drive north from the town of [[Leh]] via one of the [[Extreme points of Earth|highest vehicle-accessible passes in the world]], [[Khardung La]] at 17,582 feet. [[Bana Top]] (20,500 ft) is the highest post in the region, an 80 km and 20 day trek for troops. Pahalwan Post (about 20,000 ft) and posts near [[Indira Col]] (about 19,000 ft) are other high posts. Kumar Post or Kumar Base, which serves as the battalion head quarter, is named after the Colonel [[Narendra Kumar (mountaineer)|Narendra "Bull" Kumar]] and it is 60 km from the Siachen base towards Indira Col.<ref name=siaet2/><ref name=trisia1/> The Siachen brigade consists of five to eight battalions of [[Ladakh Scouts]] supported by artillery, air defence, engineer and other logistic units. Pakistan has not been able to scale the crest of the Saltoro Range occupied by India.<ref name=trisia1/> The temperature goes down to minus 86°C during winters with icy [[Beaufort_scale#Modern_scale|300 kmph]] [[blizzard]]s.<ref name=trisia2>[https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/haryanatribune/haryanvi-meghdoot-who-defended-the-most-challenging-post-in-siachen-858562#:~:text=Captain%20Sunil%20Khokhar%2C%20an%20artillery,part%20of%20'Operation%20Meghdoot'. Haryanvi Meghdoot who defended the most challenging post in Siachen], The Tribune, 9 Nov 2019.</ref> The average temperature is between minus 25°C during day and minus 55°C during the night.<ref name=trisia6>[https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/everyday-there-is-a-story-recall-army-officers-who-served-at-siachen-glacier/ Everyday is a story: Army officers recall their time at Siachen Glacier], Indian Express, 14 Feb 2016.</ref>
'''Siachen Base Camp''', 12,000 feet above sea level at Partapur, is a [[Military camp|base camp]] of [[List of regiments of the Indian Army|102 Infantry Brigade]] (Siachen brigade) of [[XIV Corps (India)|XIV Corps]] of [[Indian Armed Forces|Indian Army]] which protects 110&nbsp;km long [[Actual Ground Position Line]] (AGPL) with at least 108 forward military outposts and artillery observation posts in the [[Siachen conflict|disputed region]] of [[Siachen Glacier]] in [[Ladakh]] Union Territory of [[India]]. It is approximately 6 hours drive north from the town of [[Leh]] via one of the [[Extreme points of Earth|highest vehicle-accessible passes in the world]], [[Khardung La]] at 17,582 feet. [[Bana Top]] (20,500&nbsp;ft) is the highest post in the region, which requires 80&nbsp;km and 20 day trek for troops. ''Pahalwan Post'' (about 20,000&nbsp;ft) and posts near [[Indira Col]] (about 19,000&nbsp;ft) are other high posts. ''Kumar Post'' or ''Kumar Base'', named after the Colonel [[Narendra Kumar (mountaineer)|Narendra "Bull" Kumar]], serves as the battalion head quarter located 60&nbsp;km from the Siachen base towards Indira Col.<ref name=siaet2/><ref name=trisia1/> The ''Siachen Brigade'' consists of five to eight battalions of [[Ladakh Scouts]] supported by artillery, air defence, engineer and other logistic units. Pakistan has not been able to scale the crest of the Saltoro Range occupied by India.<ref name=trisia1/> The temperature goes down to minus 86&nbsp;°C during winters with icy [[Beaufort scale#Modern scale|300 kmph]] [[blizzard]]s.<ref name=trisia2>[https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/haryanatribune/haryanvi-meghdoot-who-defended-the-most-challenging-post-in-siachen-858562#:~:text=Captain%20Sunil%20Khokhar%2C%20an%20artillery,part%20of%20'Operation%20Meghdoot'. Haryanvi Meghdoot who defended the most challenging post in Siachen], The Tribune, 9 Nov 2019.</ref> The average temperature is between minus 25&nbsp;°C during day and minus 55&nbsp;°C during the night.<ref name=trisia6>[https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/everyday-there-is-a-story-recall-army-officers-who-served-at-siachen-glacier/ Everyday is a story: Army officers recall their time at Siachen Glacier], Indian Express, 14 Feb 2016.</ref>


Siachen Base Camp, which serves the northern and middle sectors Siachen sectors, is one of the 2 bases for the Siachen region, and other base being just ahead of [[Thoise]] which serves the southern Siachen sector. Siachen Base Camp has Siachen Battle School for pre-induction training, orientation and acclimatisation for fresh troops and it is also a launchpad for deployment of the acclimatisation troops who are usually deployed on a 2 to 3 month stint on the forward post. The base has helipads, a memorial for martyrs, medical unit etc and it is connected by a motorable road. [[List of Indian Air Force stations|12 Wing]] of [[Chandigarh Airport|Chandigarh AFSB]] of [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) provides helicopter support to the forward posts for the logistics supplies and casualty evacuation by helicopter from the from Leh, Thoise and Srinagar, which in turn are supplied by the large transport planes such as C-17 and C-130.<ref name=trisia1>[https://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140413/pers.htm#1 30 years of the world’s coldest war], The Tribune, 13 April 1984.</ref> Each post has an artillery officer who are deployed in the rotation of 45 days.<ref name=trisia2/> India has significant tactical advantage as it occupies most of the higher peaks on the [[Saltoro Mountains|Saltoro Mountain Range]] in the western sector of Siachen and [[Pakistan Army]] hold posts only at lower heights of western slopes of the spurs of the Saltoro ridge.<ref name=trisia1/>
''Siachen Base Camp'', which serves the northern and middle Siachen sectors, is one of the 2 bases for the Siachen region, and other base being just west of [[Thoise]] Air Base which serves the southern Siachen sector. ''Siachen Base Camp'' has ''Siachen Battle School'' for pre-induction training, orientation and acclimatisation for fresh troops and it is also a launchpad for deployment of the acclimatised troops who are usually deployed on a 2 to 3 month stint on the forward post. The base has helipads, a memorial for martyrs, medical unit etc and it is connected by a motorable road. [[List of Indian Air Force stations|12 Wing]] of [[Chandigarh Airport|Chandigarh AFSB]] of [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) provides helicopter support to the forward posts for the logistics supplies and casualty evacuation by helicopter from air bases at Leh, Thoise and Srinagar, which in turn are supplied by the large transport planes such as [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17]] and [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130]].<ref name=trisia1>[https://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140413/pers.htm#1 30 years of the world's coldest war], The Tribune, 13 April 1984.</ref> Each post has an artillery officer who are deployed in the rotation of 45 days.<ref name=trisia2/> India has significant tactical advantage as it occupies most of the higher peaks on the [[Saltoro Mountains|Saltoro Mountain Range]] in the western sector of Siachen and [[Pakistan Army]] hold posts only at lower heights of western slopes of the spurs of the Saltoro ridge.<ref name=trisia1/>


For the military operation, to ferry two people and their supplies, a minimum of 2–4 helicopter trips were required. Each helicopter trip cost {{INR}} 35,000.<ref name="Kunal2012">{{cite book |author=Kunal Verma |title=The Long Road to Siachen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O9-bAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT421 |year=2012 |publisher=Rupa |isbn=978-81-291-2704-4 |chapter=XIV Op Rajiv |pages=415–421}}</ref> For example, it took 20 days and 200 helicopter trips for the assault team to gather at [[Bilafond La]] for the [[Operation Rajiv]] in 1987.<ref name="BS_resumes_2011"/> For every soldier on the combat post, 20 soldiers are needed at the base for replacement training, logistics and support.<ref name=trisia8>[http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/siachen-glacier-battling-on-the-roof-of-the-world/2/ Siachen Glacier: Battling on the roof of the world], Indian Defence Review, 18 Dec 2018.</ref>
For the military operation, to ferry two people and their supplies, a minimum of 2–4 helicopter trips are required. Each helicopter trip cost {{INR}} 35,000 (year 2012).<ref name="Kunal2012">{{cite book |author=Kunal Verma |title=The Long Road to Siachen |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O9-bAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT421 |year=2012 |publisher=Rupa |isbn=978-81-291-2704-4 |chapter=XIV Op Rajiv |pages=415–421}}</ref> For example, it took 20 days and 200 helicopter trips for the assault team to gather at [[Bilafond La]] for the [[Operation Rajiv]] in 1987.<ref name="BS_resumes_2011"/> For every soldier on the combat post, 20 soldiers are needed at the base for replacement training, logistics and support.<ref name=trisia8>[http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/siachen-glacier-battling-on-the-roof-of-the-world/2/ Siachen Glacier: Battling on the roof of the world], Indian Defence Review, 18 Dec 2018.</ref>


Until 2013, 26 decorations have been awarded to the Indian soldiers in this sectors, including 1 [[Paramvir Chakra]] (PVC), 5 [[Mahavir Chakra]] and 20 [[Vir Chakra]] to 11 officers and 15 OR of which 9 are posthumous. Additionally, many more [[Kirti Chakra]], [[Shaurya Chakra]], [[Sena Medal]] and [[Vayu Sena Medal]] have been awarded in this sectors.<ref name=trisia1/>
Until 2013, 26 decorations have been awarded to the Indian soldiers in this sectors, including 1 [[Paramvir Chakra]] (PVC), 5 [[Mahavir Chakra]] and 20 [[Vir Chakra]] to 11 officers and 15 OR of which 9 are posthumous. Additionally, many more [[Kirti Chakra]], [[Shaurya Chakra]], [[Sena Medal]] and [[Vayu Sena Medal]] have been awarded in this sectors.<ref name=trisia1/>


== History ==
== History ==


Colonel [[Narendra Kumar (mountaineer)|Narendra Bull Kumar]] took expeditions to the Siachen area in 1978, 1982, 1983 and 1984 to scale Sia Kangri (24,350 feet) and Indira Col and Saltoro Kangri I (25,400 feet), and skied to Bilafond La, Sia La and Turkistan La.<ref name=trisia1/>
Colonel [[Narendra Kumar (mountaineer)|Narendra Bull Kumar]] took expeditions to the Siachen area in 1978, 1982, 1983 and 1984 to scale [[Sia Kangri]] (24,350 feet) and [[Indira Col]] and [[Saltoro Kangri]]-I (25,400 feet), and skied to [[Bilafond La]], [[Sia La]] and [[Indira Col|Turkistan La]].<ref name=trisia1/>


This area was captured by India in 1984 in [[Operation Meghdoot]] to preempt Pakistan's Operation Ababeel. In 1987, Operation Rajiv was to launched to successfully capture [[Operation Rajiv|Quaid Post]] from Pakistan which was renamed to Bana Post by India.<ref name="Kunal2012"/> The Quaid Post was manned by soldiers of the Shaheen Company (3rd commando battalion), a part of Pakistan's [[Special Services Group]]. It was commanded by [[Subedar]] Ataullah Mohammed.<ref name="BS_resumes_2011">{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/army-watches-as-siachen-dialogue-resumes-111053000083_1.html |title=Army watches as Siachen dialogue resumes |author=Ajai Shukla |date=30 May 2011 |newspaper=Business Standard }}</ref><ref name="BR_Bana">{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/HEROISM/Bana.html |title=Naib Subedar Bana Singh |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=27 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305152423/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/HEROISM/Bana.html |archive-date=5 March 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Kunal2012"/>
This area was captured by India in 1984 in [[Operation Meghdoot]] to preempt Pakistan's Operation Ababeel. In 1987, Operation Rajiv was launched to successfully capture [[Operation Rajiv|Quaid Post]] from Pakistan which was renamed to Bana Post by India.<ref name="Kunal2012"/> The Quaid Post was manned by soldiers of the Shaheen Company (3rd commando battalion), a part of Pakistan's [[Special Services Group]]. It was commanded by [[Subedar]] Ataullah Mohammed.<ref name="BS_resumes_2011">{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/army-watches-as-siachen-dialogue-resumes-111053000083_1.html |title=Army watches as Siachen dialogue resumes |author=Ajai Shukla |date=30 May 2011 |newspaper=Business Standard }}</ref><ref name="BR_Bana">{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/HEROISM/Bana.html |title=Naib Subedar Bana Singh |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=27 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305152423/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/HEROISM/Bana.html |archive-date=5 March 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Kunal2012"/>


== Tourism  ==
== Tourism  ==
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{{ main | Tourism in Ladakh }}
{{ main | Tourism in Ladakh }}


India allows several tourist and civilian activities in Siachen area. To exploit the potential for tourism, the government is making ongoing efforts to improve connectivity.<ref name=siaet1>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/siachen-worlds-highest-battlefield-now-opened-for-tourists/articleshow/71688660.cms?from=mdr Siachen, world's highest battlefield, now open for tourists], Economic Times, 21 Oct 2019.</ref> There is a recurring planned annual civilian expedition from Siachen Base Camp to Indira Ridge, Indira Col and other features. India has opened up the entire area from ''Siachen Base Camp'' at 12,000 ft to Kumar Post at 15,000 ft for the regular tourism for the civilians. Bana Post at 20,500 ft will remain off limit to tourists. Temperatures drop to below minus 60 degrees celsius during the winter.<ref name=siaet1/>  
India allows several tourist and civilian activities in Siachen area. To exploit the potential for tourism, the government is making ongoing efforts to improve connectivity.<ref name=siaet1>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/siachen-worlds-highest-battlefield-now-opened-for-tourists/articleshow/71688660.cms?from=mdr Siachen, world's highest battlefield, now open for tourists], Economic Times, 21 Oct 2019.</ref> It is part of the [[India–China_border_infrastructure#Tourism|Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan]] initiative of the Indian Military which will boost border tourism, patriotism, local infrastructure and economy while reversing civilian outward migration from these remote locations, it entails 77 battleground war memorials in border area including the ''[[Battle of Longewala|Longewala War Memorial]]'', ''[[Battle of Longewala|Sadhewala War Memorial]]'',<ref name=bdp2>[https://www.indiatimes.com/news/here-is-the-story-of-tanot-mata-the-diety-who-protected-indian-soldiers-from-pakistani-bombs-at-longewala-in-1971-war-259867.html The Story Of Tanot Mata, The Deity Who Protected Our Soldiers From Pakistani Bombs In 1971 War], India Times, 16 Dec 2020.</ref> Siachen base camp, [[Kargil]], [[Galwan]], [[Pangong Tso]], [[Rezang La]], [[Doklam]], [[Bum La]], [[Cho_La_(Sikkim_and_Tibet)|Cho La]], [[Kibithu]], etc.<ref name=bdp1>[https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/battleground-tourism-india-indian-army-ministry-of-tourism-galwan-siachel-kargil-longewala-battle-2665110-2025-01-15. Add Galwan, Siachen to holiday plan. India is opening battle tourism bunker], India Today, 15 Jan 2025.</ref>


Until 2010, civilian tourists were permitted only in the [[Nubra Valley]] up to [[Panamik]]. Since 2010 tourist have been permitted in the Shyok Valley up to [[Turtuk]] and beyond to [[Tyakshi]] near the LOC and further to Thang; these three villages and Chulunkha  
There is a recurring planned annual civilian expedition from Siachen Base Camp to Indira Ridge, Indira Col and other features. India has opened up the entire area from ''Siachen Base Camp'' at 12,000&nbsp;ft to Kumar Post at 15,000&nbsp;ft for the regular tourism for the civilians. Bana Post at 20,500&nbsp;ft will remain off limit to tourists. Temperatures drop to below minus 60 degrees celsius during the winter.<ref name=siaet1/>
were captured from Pakistan by India in [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]. From 2019, medically fit civilians below the age of 45 are allowed up to Kumar Base (15,000 ft) on a 30-day trek organised by Army Adventure Cell in August–September, during which tourists go through the highly altitude conditioning at Leh Base, Siachen Base and forward staging posts, at the end of which they undertake an extreme adventure 9-day return track from Siachen Base to Kumar Base 60 km away.<ref name=siaet2>[https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/siachen-glacier-open-to-tourists-everything-you-must-know-before-visiting-worlds-highest-battlefield/1746512/ Siachen Glacier open to tourists! Everything you must know before visiting world’s highest battlefield], Financial Express, 26 October 2019.</ref>
 
Until 2010, civilian tourists were permitted only in the [[Nubra Valley]] up to [[Panamik]]. Since 2010 tourist have been permitted in the Shyok Valley up to [[Turtuk]] and beyond to [[Tyakshi]] near the LOC and further to [[Thang, Ladakh|Thang]]; these three villages and [[Chalunka|Chulunkha]]
were captured from Pakistan by India in [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]. From 2019, medically fit civilians below the age of 45 are allowed up to Kumar Base (15,000&nbsp;ft) on a 30-day trek organised by Army Adventure Cell in August–September, during which tourists go through the highly altitude conditioning at Leh Base, Siachen Base and forward staging posts, at the end of which they undertake a 9-day return trek from Siachen Base to Kumar Base 60&nbsp;km away.<ref name=siaet2>[https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/siachen-glacier-open-to-tourists-everything-you-must-know-before-visiting-worlds-highest-battlefield/1746512/ Siachen Glacier open to tourists! Everything you must know before visiting world's highest battlefield], Financial Express, 26 October 2019.</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 90: Line 93:
* [[Dafdar]], westernmost town in Trans-Karakoram Tract
* [[Dafdar]], westernmost town in Trans-Karakoram Tract
* [[India-China Border Roads]]
* [[India-China Border Roads]]
* [[India-China_Border_Roads#Border_airport_and_ALG_projects|List of AGLs]]
* [[India-China Border Roads#Border airport and ALG projects|List of AGLs]]
* [[List of extreme points of India]]
* [[List of extreme points of India]]
* [[Sino-Pakistan Agreement]] for transfer of Trans-Karakoram Tract to China
* [[Sino-Pakistan Agreement]] for transfer of Trans-Karakoram Tract to China
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[[Category:Indian Army bases]]
[[Category:Indian Army bases]]
[[Category:Siachen conflict]]
[[Category:Siachen conflict]]
{{India-mil-stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:42, 15 November 2025



Indo-Pak mutually-agreed undisputed "International Border" (IB) in the black line, Indo-Pak "Line of Control" (LoC) in black dotted line in the north and west, Indo-Sino "Line of Actual" (LAC) in black dotted line in the east, Indo-Pak line across Siachen in north is "Actual Ground Position Line" (AGPL). The areas shown in green are the two Pakistani-controlled areas: Gilgit–Baltistan in the north and Azad Kashmir in the south. The area shown in orange is the Indian-controlled territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the diagonally-hatched area to the east is the Chinese-controlled area known as Aksai Chin. "Territories ceded by Pakistan to China claimed by India" in the north is Shaksgam (Trans-Karakoram Tract).
United Nations map of Siachen Glacier showing "Point NJ980420" (Point NJ9842) as the starting point of the "Actual Ground Position Line" (AGPL) and the Nubra River valley and Siachen Glacier held by India. The AGPL starts from NJ9842 and goes north near Gyong La, Chumik Kangri, Saltoro Kangri, Bilafond La, and Sia La to Indira Col West. Goma military camp, Masherbrum Range, Baltoro Glacier, Baltoro Glacier, Baltoro Muztagh and K2 to the west are held by Pakistan.

Siachen Base Camp, 12,000 feet above sea level at Partapur, is a base camp of 102 Infantry Brigade (Siachen brigade) of XIV Corps of Indian Army which protects 110 km long Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) with at least 108 forward military outposts and artillery observation posts in the disputed region of Siachen Glacier in Ladakh Union Territory of India. It is approximately 6 hours drive north from the town of Leh via one of the highest vehicle-accessible passes in the world, Khardung La at 17,582 feet. Bana Top (20,500 ft) is the highest post in the region, which requires 80 km and 20 day trek for troops. Pahalwan Post (about 20,000 ft) and posts near Indira Col (about 19,000 ft) are other high posts. Kumar Post or Kumar Base, named after the Colonel Narendra "Bull" Kumar, serves as the battalion head quarter located 60 km from the Siachen base towards Indira Col.[1][2] The Siachen Brigade consists of five to eight battalions of Ladakh Scouts supported by artillery, air defence, engineer and other logistic units. Pakistan has not been able to scale the crest of the Saltoro Range occupied by India.[2] The temperature goes down to minus 86 °C during winters with icy 300 kmph blizzards.[3] The average temperature is between minus 25 °C during day and minus 55 °C during the night.[4]

Siachen Base Camp, which serves the northern and middle Siachen sectors, is one of the 2 bases for the Siachen region, and other base being just west of Thoise Air Base which serves the southern Siachen sector. Siachen Base Camp has Siachen Battle School for pre-induction training, orientation and acclimatisation for fresh troops and it is also a launchpad for deployment of the acclimatised troops who are usually deployed on a 2 to 3 month stint on the forward post. The base has helipads, a memorial for martyrs, medical unit etc and it is connected by a motorable road. 12 Wing of Chandigarh AFSB of Indian Air Force (IAF) provides helicopter support to the forward posts for the logistics supplies and casualty evacuation by helicopter from air bases at Leh, Thoise and Srinagar, which in turn are supplied by the large transport planes such as C-17 and C-130.[2] Each post has an artillery officer who are deployed in the rotation of 45 days.[3] India has significant tactical advantage as it occupies most of the higher peaks on the Saltoro Mountain Range in the western sector of Siachen and Pakistan Army hold posts only at lower heights of western slopes of the spurs of the Saltoro ridge.[2]

For the military operation, to ferry two people and their supplies, a minimum of 2–4 helicopter trips are required. Each helicopter trip cost ₹ 35,000 (year 2012).[5] For example, it took 20 days and 200 helicopter trips for the assault team to gather at Bilafond La for the Operation Rajiv in 1987.[6] For every soldier on the combat post, 20 soldiers are needed at the base for replacement training, logistics and support.[7]

Until 2013, 26 decorations have been awarded to the Indian soldiers in this sectors, including 1 Paramvir Chakra (PVC), 5 Mahavir Chakra and 20 Vir Chakra to 11 officers and 15 OR of which 9 are posthumous. Additionally, many more Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal and Vayu Sena Medal have been awarded in this sectors.[2]

History[edit | edit source]

Colonel Narendra Bull Kumar took expeditions to the Siachen area in 1978, 1982, 1983 and 1984 to scale Sia Kangri (24,350 feet) and Indira Col and Saltoro Kangri-I (25,400 feet), and skied to Bilafond La, Sia La and Turkistan La.[2]

This area was captured by India in 1984 in Operation Meghdoot to preempt Pakistan's Operation Ababeel. In 1987, Operation Rajiv was launched to successfully capture Quaid Post from Pakistan which was renamed to Bana Post by India.[5] The Quaid Post was manned by soldiers of the Shaheen Company (3rd commando battalion), a part of Pakistan's Special Services Group. It was commanded by Subedar Ataullah Mohammed.[6][8][5]

Tourism[edit | edit source]

Main article: Tourism in Ladakh

India allows several tourist and civilian activities in Siachen area. To exploit the potential for tourism, the government is making ongoing efforts to improve connectivity.[9] It is part of the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative of the Indian Military which will boost border tourism, patriotism, local infrastructure and economy while reversing civilian outward migration from these remote locations, it entails 77 battleground war memorials in border area including the Longewala War Memorial, Sadhewala War Memorial,[10] Siachen base camp, Kargil, Galwan, Pangong Tso, Rezang La, Doklam, Bum La, Cho La, Kibithu, etc.[11]

There is a recurring planned annual civilian expedition from Siachen Base Camp to Indira Ridge, Indira Col and other features. India has opened up the entire area from Siachen Base Camp at 12,000 ft to Kumar Post at 15,000 ft for the regular tourism for the civilians. Bana Post at 20,500 ft will remain off limit to tourists. Temperatures drop to below minus 60 degrees celsius during the winter.[9]

Until 2010, civilian tourists were permitted only in the Nubra Valley up to Panamik. Since 2010 tourist have been permitted in the Shyok Valley up to Turtuk and beyond to Tyakshi near the LOC and further to Thang; these three villages and Chulunkha were captured from Pakistan by India in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. From 2019, medically fit civilians below the age of 45 are allowed up to Kumar Base (15,000 ft) on a 30-day trek organised by Army Adventure Cell in August–September, during which tourists go through the highly altitude conditioning at Leh Base, Siachen Base and forward staging posts, at the end of which they undertake a 9-day return trek from Siachen Base to Kumar Base 60 km away.[1]

See also[edit | edit source]

Research
Near the AGPL (Actual Ground Position Line)
Borders
Conflicts
Operations
Other related topics

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Siachen Glacier open to tourists! Everything you must know before visiting world's highest battlefield, Financial Express, 26 October 2019.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 30 years of the world's coldest war, The Tribune, 13 April 1984.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Haryanvi Meghdoot who defended the most challenging post in Siachen, The Tribune, 9 Nov 2019.
  4. ↑ Everyday is a story: Army officers recall their time at Siachen Glacier, Indian Express, 14 Feb 2016.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Kunal Verma (2012). "XIV Op Rajiv". The Long Road to Siachen. Rupa. pp. 415–421. ISBN 978-81-291-2704-4.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Ajai Shukla (30 May 2011). "Army watches as Siachen dialogue resumes". Business Standard.
  7. ↑ Siachen Glacier: Battling on the roof of the world, Indian Defence Review, 18 Dec 2018.
  8. ↑ "Naib Subedar Bana Singh". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 5 March 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Siachen, world's highest battlefield, now open for tourists, Economic Times, 21 Oct 2019.
  10. ↑ The Story Of Tanot Mata, The Deity Who Protected Our Soldiers From Pakistani Bombs In 1971 War, India Times, 16 Dec 2020.
  11. ↑ Add Galwan, Siachen to holiday plan. India is opening battle tourism bunker, India Today, 15 Jan 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

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