Glaciers of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh boasts several important glaciers, locally known as ‘Shigri.’ Among them, Bada Shigri stands out as the largest, extending 25 km in Lahaul Spiti. It feeds the Chandra River, creating the scenic Chandratal Lake. Parvati Glacier, spanning 15 km in Kullu district, supplies water to the Parvati River, while Dudhon Glacier, moreover in Kullu, plays a similar role. Mulkiya and Mier Glaciers in Lahaul Spiti, each 12 km long, contribute to the Bhag and Mier Rivers, respectively. Vyaskund Glacier near Rohtang supports the Vyas River, and Bhadal Glacier near Kangra nourishes the Bhadal River. Additionally, Gefag Glacier in Lahaul Spiti, known as the ‘Manimahesh of Lahaul Spiti,’ and The Lady of Keylong Glacier hold unique significance in the region. These glaciers play a crucial role in sustaining the water sources of rivers and lakes, maintaining the ecological wastefulness of Himachal Pradesh.
In Himachal Pradesh, glaciers are referred to as ‘Shigri’ in the local language. Let’s explore some of the prominent glaciers in the region:
1. Bada Shigri:
• Located in Lahaul Spiti, Bada Shigri is the largest glacier in Himachal Pradesh, stretching over 25 km.
• The Chandra River is fed by the waters from this glacier, and it contributes to the insemination of Chandratal Lake.
2. Parvati Glacier:
• Situated in the Kullu district, Parvati Glacier spans 15 kilometers in length.
• The Parvati River receives water from this glacier.
3. Dudhon Glacier:
• Also found in the Kullu district, Dudhon Glacier is 15 kilometers long.
• The Parvati River is sustained by the waters flowing from Dudhon Glacier.
4. Mulkiya Glacier:
• Located in Lahaul Spiti, Mulkiya Glacier is the water source for the Bhag River.
• This glacier extends for a length of 12 kilometers.
5.Mier Glacier:
• Another glacier in Lahaul Spiti, Mier Glacier provides water to the Mier River.
• Its length measures 12 kilometers.
6. Vyaskund Glacier:
• Situated near Rohtang, Vyaskund Glacier plays a crucial role in supplying water to the Vyas River.
7. Kulti Glacier:
• Found in Coker’s Smith, Kulti Glacier holds significance in the region.
8. Bhadal Glacier:
• Positioned near Kangra, Bhadal Glacier is associated with Bada Bhagal.
• The Bhadal River is replenished by the waters from this glacier.
9. Gefag Glacier:
• Known as the ‘Manimahesh of Lahaul Spiti,’ Gefag Glacier is renowned in the region.
10. The Lady of Keylong Glacier:
• Located in Lahaul Spiti, this glacier holds an unshared identity in the region.
These glaciers contribute significantly to the water sources of various rivers and lakes, playing a crucial role in the ecological wastefulness of Himachal Pradesh.
BRIEF SUMMARY
• Himachal Pradesh has several crucial glaciers, locally called ‘Shigri.’
• Bada Shigri, the largest at 25 km in Lahaul Spiti, feeds Chandra River, creating Chandratal Lake.
• Parvati Glacier (15 km) in Kullu supplies Parvati River; Dudhon Glacier in Kullu plays a similar role.
• Mulkiya and Mier Glaciers (12 km each) in Lahaul Spiti contribute to Bhag and Mier Rivers.
• Vyaskund Glacier near Rohtang supports Vyas River, and Bhadal Glacier near Kangra nourishes Bhadal River.
• Gefag Glacier in Lahaul Spiti, called the ‘Manimahesh of Lahaul Spiti,’ and The Lady of Keylong Glacier are significant.
• These glaciers sustain water sources for rivers and lakes, maintaining Himachal Pradesh’s ecological balance.