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. The Karakoram range boasts 18 peaks surpassing 7,500 m (24,600 ft) in elevation, including four that soar above 8,000 m (26,000 ft): K2 (8,611 m (28,251 ft) AMSL), Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum II. Spanning approximately 500 km (311 mi), the range holds the distinction of being the most glaciated place on Earth outside the polar regions. Notably, the Siachen Glacier (76 km (47 mi) long) and Biafo Glacier (63 km (39 mi) long) rank as the second- and third-longest glaciers outside the polar regions. The Karakoram is flanked to the east by the Aksai Chin plateau, to the northeast by the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and to the north by the river valleys of the Yarkand and Karakash rivers. Beyond lie the Kunlun Mountains and at the northwest corner, the Pamir Mountains. Its southern boundary is delineated by the Gilgit, Indus, and Shyok rivers, which demarcate it from the northwestern end of the Himalaya range. These rivers flow northwest before veering sharply southwestward toward the plains of Pakistan. Situated roughly in the middle of the Karakoram range is the historic Karakoram Pass, which was once part of a trade route between Ladakh and Yarkand but is now inactive.
