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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY GEOGRAPHY

PAKISTAN MILITARY ACADEMY

Topic: Geography and Warfare at High Altitude, With Special

Reference to Siachin Glacier

1. Introduction. The term “High Altitude Weather Operations” may be defined as

combination of mountain and snow warfare suitably adjusted to conditions such as are obtainable
in the Himalayas and the Karakoram. It lays special emphasis on the appreciation of certain
additional factors affecting the planning and operations in these areas. Cold weather, for the
purpose of operations may be considered to be the sub-zero temperature conditions at altitude
15,000 above sea level, particularly in winters. This will entail two things, the cold and the
terrain giving raise to a host of problems, cold being as dangerous as the enemy himself.
2. The northern regions high altitude and latitudes of the world has been the scene of
military events of far reaching consequences and appalling destruction of life and property. In
case of Himalayas and the Karakoram, apart from the extreme cold, we are faced with problems
of terrain in terms of higher altitude, which imposes a lot of restrictions on large-scale military
operation. In these barren, snow covered mountains and valleys abrupt climatic changes are quite
common. The principal effect of cold and sunlight on the individuals demands high standard of
physical fitness and major effort to be spent on mere existence.
3. The purpose of the study is to highlight the following:
a. Characteristics of high altitude.
b. Medical problem and remedial measures.
c. Administrative problems.
d. Operational problems.
e. Siachin as a case study.
4. Characteristics of High Altitude. Characteristics are as
under: -
a. Difficult terrain. Extremely difficult terrain coupled with permanent snow,
hardly attracts any human activity that is why quiet and peace has prevailed over
such mountains for a long time. The mountains thus were considered as a barrier
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against military activity of any formidable nature. Comparing of limited military

commitments on account of terrain as well as political considerations, has opened
new ways of through for the military thinkers of our time and the need to create a
tactical doctrine, based on modern war machinery suited to the conditions
imposed by weather and terrain.
b. Snow and Ice Cover. These mountains remain snow covered throughout the year
that reduces the mobility of those who lack proper training and equipment.
Snowshoes can be used to maintain a reasonable degree of mobility depending
upon the state of training and the type of terrain. Mobility is a prerequisite to
success, it can be achieved through careful planning, the use of specialized
equipment and training. Movement in high altitude must be planned in terms of
time rather than distance because of low and varied rate of advance on account of
weather and terrain.
c. Health Complications
(1) Thin Air (Lack of Oxygen). Effects of oxygen usually appear in the form
of acute mountain sickness after hour’s exposé at high altitude. It takes
about ten days for an individual to get acclimatized at altitude of about
14,000 feet, before he begins to feel well. The apparent ill effects or
symptoms usually noticed are
(a) Breathlessness.
(b) Headache and giddiness.
(c) Loss of appetite nausea and vomiting.
(d) Sleeplessness, muscular weakness and fatigue
(e) Following preventive measures are adopted: -
i Avoid over exertion and fatigue during the period of
acclimatization.
ii Ensure plenty of rest with at least one hour sleep at night.
iii Report medical officer on the appearance of any one of the
above mentioned symptoms.
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(2) Low Temperature

(a) Psychological effects. The troops must have advanced knowledge
regarding the following psychological effects which cold is going
to produce: -
i Tendency to
disregard orders and precautions.
ii Tendency to go
off to sleep.
iii Tendency
towards intolerance.
iv Mental
depression.
(b) Physical Effects
i Frost Bite. It is freezing of the skin and deeper tissues
because of the action of extreme cold on exposed parts of
the (Nose, Cheeks cars, hands, and feet), Frost bite may be
well established before any pain is felt, it can be caused at
high altitudes by: -
aa. Exposure to wind.
bb. Damp cloths.
cc. Any constant pressure applied to the limb.
dd. Handling of bare metals.
ee. Extreme fatigue and shock due to wound.
(c) Preventive Measures
i Keep the clothes as dry as possible. Reserve of dry
clothing must always be carried.
ii. Avoid constriction of any part of the body specially the
limbs.
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iii. Keep as much of the scalp ears and cheekbones protected

from the wind as possible to freeze if they are kept covered.
iv. Bare metal should always be covered with some insulating
material like cloth, bandage etc.
v. Body must be kept warm
vi. Wrinkle the skin by making faces.
vii. Revive numb parts without delay as follow: -
aa. Cover the face with warm hands.
bb. Hands with dry gloves.
cc. Feet with dry socks.

(3) Intense Sun Light

(a). Sun Burn. Produced by ultraviolet rays
of the sun independent of heat. The greater the altitude the more
server the effect. Rising direct sunlight, reflected rays from the
snow or defused light through mist or thin clouds are equally
dangerous. The parts usually affected are: -
i. Nose
ii. Underside of skin
iii. Lobes of the ears
iv. Nasal septum
(b) Snow Blindness. It is caused by the reflection of ultraviolet rays
from the snow particularly when the sun is shining through the
clouds. The chief complaints are inability to look towards light,
watering sourness and sensation of grittiness in eyes. Preventive
measures are as following: -
i. Prolonged exposure to sun must be avoided without anti
sub burn cream.
ii. Use anti burn cream.
iii. Tinted goggles should be worn working/living in snow.
5. Administration
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a. Tentage and Heating. Cold being a predominant factor affects the conduct of
operations and should adequately catered for in the administrative planning.
Combination of heavy but more comfortable tents with light portable bivouac
tents will be necessary to meet all eventualities. For heating stove, in which any
kind of solid or liquid fuel can be used, should be preferred.
b. Food. Due to low temperatures and the strains of terrain, the human body
requires more energy to function efficiently, which can be compensated to a large
extent by the consumption of more food. Cooking in the normal manner will be
possible due to low pressure hence cooked food may be provided in tinned
packages.
c. Clothing and Equipment. Clothing and equipment should be light easy to
wear and warms enough to give protection from cold. Over heating must be
avoided to prevent the body from perspiring. The equipment must be as light as
possible and on no account should the fighting man be made to carry loads
heavier than one third of his own weight. However, he must have all the necessary
gear to enable him to fight the enemy and at the same time have the nature’s
conditions, on his own side, to his advantage.
d. Medical Support. The evacuation of wounded in the mountainous terrain is
very exhausting and time consuming. Such a task, considered being a very tiring
job on level terrain is made more difficult by the relatively primitive nature of
mountain where means of communications, are non-existent or poorly developed.
It will be necessary to have more personnel for evacuation of casualties.
Evacuation by helicopters, depending on their availability and weather conditions,
will be used to the maximum. Ski devices will normally be made use of unless it
becomes impracticable due to the limitations of terrain.
e. Supplies. A great deal of flexibility in planning and execution is of utmost
importance due to poor communication. Re-supply will be mostly by air yet
complete reliance on it may prove costly. As such mechanical transport, mules,
and porter will have to be used and catered for in the basic organization. Plans
must also envisage the difficulties, which may result from sudden climate
changes.
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f. Maintenance of Equipment. Very low temperatures make glass rubber; plastic

and ceramic parts very brittle resulting more frequent breakages when operating
over difficult terrain. The freezing is so great that apart from using a freeze
mixture the engine has to be thawed out before operating. To make sure that the
equipment is effective at all times, extra maintenance will be necessary before
during and after operation.

6. Siachin as a case study

a. Area and topography. It has got about 5-6 Km widths and about 74 Km lengths.
There are four major passes in this area named Siala, Bilafondla, Gyongla and
Yarmala. The major sectors of exercise Ababil have been named on the names of
these passes. The height in the area varies from place to place but average height
is between 19000 to 20000 feet. The winter season is very hard because the temp
remains between-35oC to 45o C. In summer the survival is possible and fronts
remains active throughout the season. There are no existing tracks on the Glacier.
Crevices and blizzards, sharp cutting are the major hazards of the area. Because of
the shine and glare of the sun, move with naked eyes is not possible. In this area
the last village is Goma at 15,000 feet.
b. Strategic Importance. Under this aspect Indians are in worst condition. They
were of the opinion that soon there will be some decision. Since there was no
boundary in this area, so by occupying the passes, Indian wanted to dictate their
own terms to Pakistan or they had the designs to come towards Khaplu and
Shardu but it was surprising for the Indians when their adv was stopped at
Billafondla and Siala. Now it has become a matter of prestige for Indians. They
are shy to withdraw their troops after lot of losses but no achievements. Indians
are no doubt holding the major passes but because of the strong resistance they
cannot make use/take the advantage. Siachin Glacier itself is a natural barrier and
providing depth to northern area. It is a permanent source of water given by the
nature, which we cannot loose, to the Indians. Lot of expeditions come to Pakistan
from foreign countries for hiking, tracking and mountaineering. There are total 13
peaks with ht of 26000 feet in the World. Five are with Pakistan two in India and
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six in Nepal. If this area is given to the Indians then some of the expeditions
would come from India side. Pakistan is earning lot of foreign exchange and
importance because of these peaks. This area is flooded with minerals and
diamonds according to the geological survey of Pakistan. A 20 years project on
the search of gold was taken but after few years discarded because of a long
period uneconomical efforts
c. Present Situation. We are defending these areas with our two brigades. This
area is located at tri junction of India, China and Pakistan. Anticipating India’s
expansionist designs, Pakistan had ordered some elements of NLI to occupy the
passes leading towards Khaplu and Goma. As own troops were advancing closer
to the passes, it was learnt that Indian too was advancing towards the same
objectives. The situation, as it stands today, is that while Pakistan has blocked
Indian route beyond Siala, Bilafondla. Indians have blocked Pakistani troops in
Gyongla and Yarmala, from where Pakistani troops are overlooking Nubra valley
and threatening Indian line of communication. Therefore, India is trying to pin
down this position with massive Artillery and by concentration. They fire rockets
and missiles as well. Currently, the greatest problem faced by both the sides is
how to provide logistic support to their forces. Pakistani troops are being
maintained mainly through roads and tracks. At some places roads have been
improved even up till base camps on Glacier, troops and parties carry the
supplies. India has linked up their long camp Leh with Nubra valley through a fair
weather track upto Dzingrulma. However, it is not possible to make the track on
Glacier. Indians are mostly relying upon para drops by An 32 Cargo plane
(Russian version) and Lama Helicopters is being manufactured by India.
7. Problems
a. It is difficult to stay at one place for more than a month. Troops are relieved from
their post after 3 to 4 weeks.
b. Oxygen, Heating and Shelter.
c. Portering (non availability).
d. Bathroom and Hygiene.
e. Maintenance of Weapons.
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f. Case evacuation.
g. Difficult familiarization
h. No survey (non availability of correct maps)
8. In spite of all these problems troops are determined to fight and Government is
trying her level best to make their stay easy by providing following: -
a. High altitude equipments.
b. Fibre glass huts.
c. Oxygen Cylinders.
d. Petrol/Gas lamps and stoves.
e. Energile in abundance.
f. Quick Helicopter service.
g. For move on glacier provision of ski equipment and skidoo engines.

9. Conclusion. Expeditions going over that area have been telling

about the Indians presence. Had some body thought deeply over the military dangers inherent, in
the geopolitical aspect, long before this confrontation, the sit today would have been different.
“As major mistakes like minor diseases are often preventable, if so, why we were not
preventive” Brig J P Delvi. If we have analysed the mistakes concerned with us, these should not
be repeated for it is obvious that the basic reason why history repeats itself is because man
repeated their mistakes. What is the use of past if it has no lesson for future. Wise nations and
wise men profit their mistakes. Humility is the beginning of wisdom and progress start with the
thought that perhaps one might himself be wrong.