The Karakoram, pronounced /ˌkɑːrəˈkɔːrəm, ˌkær-/, constitutes a prominent mountain range situated in the Kashmir region, spanning across the borders of Pakistan, China, and India, with its northwestern extremity reaching Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The majority of this mountain range falls under the governance of Gilgit-Baltistan, which is administered by Pakistan. Notably, the highest peak, K2, the second-highest globally, is located within Gilgit-Baltistan. Originating in the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan and extending into Ladakh (controlled by India) and Aksai Chin (controlled by China), the Karakoram forms the second-highest mountain range on Earth and is part of a cluster of ranges, including the Pamir Mountains, Hindu Kush, and Himalayas.
