Are you looking to add some thrilling or adventurous journey in your travel diary? Then why not try hiking on most scenic and awe-inspiring glaciers of our planet. Here are a couple of the renowned icy masses of the world that you can browse. If you have curiosity and excitement for such kind of thrills in the midst of nature's spectacular sceneries, then we have a bit of something for you. Pick your selection from these top ice covered climbing attractions around the world and experience an ultimate adventure while strolling on ice.
Glaciers are most astounding marvels of Earth with their sudden changing property of calmness from one point to ruthless at another. For a large number of years, these icy masses have been forming and softening, and have made a portion of the finest places on Earth. Apart from such unpredictable results, people still loving to cover or enter in the world of such magnificent glowing white ice sheets. Such long ice stretches within milky white backdrop and serene air is for sure offered captivating and enchanting experience.
Why are you still tightly sitting? Set out on a snowmass to uniquely experience the beauty of ice world. Glaciers far and wide pull in a ton of vacationers consistently and caught the fantasy of adventure lovers in a wide range. If you are one of them and your attention consistently drawn towards such huge ice covered land masses, then we have planned this brief rundown for you with the details of most famous glaciers around the world.
Athabasca Glacier, Canada
Are you a big fan of Lake Louise beauty, then you have ideal instruction to head towards South to Jasper to visit most popular glacier of North America. It is a wonderful Glacier covered up inside the rough scene of the world renowned Canadian Rockies. This icy mass spreads crosswise over Jasper National Park extending into the Icefields Parkway. This 6 Km long glacier covers an area of around 2.3 sq miles. It is located within the close proximity of Icefields Parkway, between the scenic locations of Banff and Jasper. Setting out to this icy mass in unequipped or unplanned manner is not prescribed. Athabasca Glacier is popular for a Ice Cubed Glacier adventure and for more thrilling act, one can explore its vastness. Icewalks are operational between May up to October.
Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland
As a largest glacier of Swiss Alps, Aletsch Glacier is also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering within 120 sq km area, it is a part of Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected region. It is a group of three glaciers which meet each other at Concordia. From this point, the Aletsch proceeds towards the Rhone Valley up to Massa River. One can start his guided hike from Bettmerhorn and closely witness this rewarding area portrayed by 32 snow-clad pinnacles, each 4,000 m tall, offering a mind blowing perspective of the pristine Märjelen lakes. Without any prior experience or expertise one can enjoy this glacier hike from July to October.
Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Feel internally satisfied with your ice walk performance on one of the most popular and fascinating regions of New Zealand's south island. This famous couple of glaciers (Fox and Franz) found on the South island region of New Zealand within the surroundings of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. The Franz Josef is a 12 km (7.5 mi) long and the Fox Glacier is a 13 km long glacier on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Both settled at very interesting location towards a green temperate rainforest. While covering such scenic valley, you can also get the chance to enjoy your walk up to the silver-white Waiho River and stunning Trident Falls.
Jostedalsbreen Glacier, Norway
Enjoy your professional guided hiking along a pair of crampons within a wide area of 487 sq km. This 80 km long Jostedalsbreen Glacier is renowned in the category of the largest glaciers of mainland Europe. With more than 50 branches, it offers several hiking trails for thrill seekers. As a part of Jostedalsbreen National Park, glacier covers almost 50% area of the park. You can also combine your hiking trip with the discovery of this National Park. The glacier faces a high rising temperature with changing environmental conditions and results high melting rate. But, the rate of snowfall maintains the balance and still holds the significant amount of ice. The best time of hiking is from May to October.
Lambert Glacier, Antarctica
Now, the time comes to add the world’s largest glacier into the list on the land of Antarctica which is already a home of several spectacular glaciers. Lambert is one of the most popular glaciers of the Earth. For an adventure seekers, it will be a long journey in isolated region of Antarctica. This 60 miles wide and 320 miles long ice mass considered as one of the most important among the study of climate and its changing factors. At longitude of 70 degrees, Lambert drains into Amery Ice Shelf which comprises of rarely found icebergs. It will become more excited to know a maximum of two tourist ships sail to the place in a year.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
Within an area of 250 sq km, this 30 km long glacier forms the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It is located in Los Glaciares National Park in southwest Santa Cruz province of Argentina. This major tourist attraction of Argentina is named on its first discoverer ‘Francisco Moreno’. As, most of the glaciers of the world are situated in the region of Antarctica and Patagonia. Similarly, Perito Moreno is one of the three Patagonian glaciers which is under a major topic of discussion or research among glaciologists due to its expandation. You can deeply explore it during a trekking or hiking tour.
Vatnajökull Glacier, Iceland
If a country itself has a word ice in its name, then it clearly signifies the cool climatic conditions of the place. Similarly, Vatnajokull surprises you with its huge massive area of 8100 sq km. It covers within around 10% area of the island and which results its calculation among largest glaciers of Europe. With the formation of largest ice cap, this glacier also underneath several active volcanoes (Grimsvotn is one of them). One can also witness the huge amount of icebergs in its glacier lake ‘Jokulsarlon’. It is most voluminous glacier of Iceland, which truly gives an incredible view.
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
Hubbard Glacier is one of the fast expanding glaciers of North America. It is situated in Yukon territory of Canada in the eastern region of Alaska. It is also popular as a largest tidewater glacier of North America continent. Hubbard Glacier provides a stunning look with its around 122 km long stretching area. According to researchers, one can also witness around 400 years old ice at its foot. Due to its constantly calving off massive icebergs, hiking is not allowed here. Tourists can take a helicopter tour (with special permission) to cover its captivating views.
Siachen Glacier, India
Siachen Glacier is located in the extreme northern region near the Indo-Tibet border. It lies at high altitude of 5,400 m within the Karakoram ranges. With its approximate 76 km long length, it is considered as second longest glacier of the world outside the polar regions. Within 270 sq miles area, it is located on Line of Control between India and Pakistan. This vast snow field provides a good mountaineering opportunity, especially who love challenges. At this amazing height, you can also try ice skating, skiing and heli skiing like activities.
