Karakoram

The eastern Karakoram rises between Ladakh and the southern approaches to the Tarim Basin. Its high ridges and glaciers feed streams on both sides: some reach the Indus system, while others flow toward the Yarkand River. The Karakoram Pass offered a difficult route between Leh and Yarkand. In 1715 the missionary Ippolito Desideri recorded the mountains and the pass when travelling through Ladakh.