Passu Glacier, Mountain glacier in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
Passu Glacier is a large ice mass in the Karakoram range that descends from the surrounding peaks and connects with neighboring glacial systems. Its surface displays deep crevasses and jagged ice ridges that constantly shift, creating a harsh and ever-changing high-mountain terrain.
The glacier formed many thousands of years ago and has advanced and retreated many times, reshaping the landscape and river channels. Throughout human settlement in the region, the ice has remained a critical water source feeding the rivers that flow through the valley.
The people of Passu village have built their way of life around the glacier's presence, using it as a natural landmark that shapes how they move through their territory. The ice masses remain central to how locals perceive the landscape and organize their seasonal activities.
The glacier is accessible from Passu village, with several paths leading to different viewpoints across the ice. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear are essential because weather changes quickly and the ground is uneven and slippery in many areas.
During summer months, the ice produces cracking and booming sounds when internal structures break apart and collapse. These unexpected noises emerge spontaneously and remind visitors that the massive ice mass, despite its apparent stillness, is alive and constantly shifting.
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