4th Khangri Glacier Expedition

The 4th Khangri Glacier Expedition represents a milestone in high-altitude exploration and adventure tourism in the Eastern Himalayas. Its primary goals are to study glacial health and the impacts of climate change on the fragile mountain ecosystem while promoting responsible mountaineering practices.

In this article, we will look into the Khangri glacier of Arunachal Pradesh and its importance. Additionally, it highlights the importance of sustainable exploration and indigenous knowledge, underscoring the need to conserve glaciers amid global warming.

Why is Khangri Glacier in The News?

The 4th Khangri Glacier Expedition is an important scientific endeavor. It has been launched in the Mago Chu basin of Arunachal Pradesh. The primary goal is to study how Himalayan glaciers are responding to the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, this initiative aims to enhance India’s understanding of the Eastern Himalayan cryosphere. Notably, this region is among the least explored in glaciological research.

What is Arunachal Himalayas?

The Arunachal Himalayas boast a vast glaciated expanse; however, detailed scientific studies of this region remain limited. Specifically, the area hosts around 161 glaciers, which together cover nearly 223 km². Moreover, these glaciers are distributed across four major river basins:

• Manas
• Subansiri
• Kameng
• Dibang

This showcases the intricate relationship between the glaciers and the hydrology of the region.

What is the Hydrological Importance of the Arunachal Himalayas?

These glacial basins serve as the headwaters of the Brahmaputra River system. This system is a lifeline for millions across Northeast India and downstream regions. Therefore, understanding their behavior is important. It is necessary for ensuring regional water security, effective flood management, and sustainable resource planning.

What is the Khangri Glacier?

The Khangri glacier is located in the Mago Chu basin. This basin is situated in the region of the Gori Chen (Gorichen) mountain area of Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Additionally, its altitude for key mass-balance measurement is around 5,032 meters above sea level. 

Furthermore, this glacier is part of one of the least-studied cryospheric systems in the Eastern Himalayas.

1. Why is the Khangri Glacier Arunachal Pradesh Important?

Below are some points why the Khangri glacier Arunachal Pradesh is important:

a. Water resources & hydrology: Glaciers like Khangri feed into river systems, sustain downstream communities and ecosystems, especially in the eastern Himalayas.

b. Climate change indicator: Serve as a key site for scientists to monitor how glaciers in the Eastern Himalaya are responding to climate change.

c. Hazard risk: Researchers have flagged associated glacial lakes (Rani Lake) at risk of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

2. What does the Latest Research Say About Khangri Glacier?

In April 2025, a joint expedition took place. This expedition involved the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CESHS), the National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research (NCPOR), and IIT, Guwahati. The team conducted various fieldwork activities. First, they measured mass balance. Additionally, they surveyed lakes and moraines. Moreover, they worked on maintaining automatic weather stations.

• Satellite-data analysis (2016-2025): The glacier is retreating, with pro-glacial lakes expanding in its basin.
• One survey recorded about 1.5 metres of ice melt in a specified season.
• The glacier’s behaviour and associated lakes have been classified under the hazard category by NDMA as “Category-B” for potential glacial lake outburst.

3. What are the Risks of the Khangri Glacier?

As the glacier melts and retreats, it leaves behind accumulating meltwater and forms glacial lakes that can be unstable. If a moraine dam breaks or is overtopped, a sudden flood (GLOF) may occur. Because this region is remote and high-altitude, early warning systems are harder to maintain, and downstream communities may be vulnerable.

The rapid changes in this glacier highlight how the Himalayan cryosphere may respond to climate change, with implications for water security, disaster risk, and ecosystem shifts.

What is the 4th Khangri Glacier Expedition?

The 4th Khangri Glacier Expedition is an exploratory and research mission. It focuses on studying the Khangri Glacier’s terrain, climate impacts, and environmental changes. Moreover, this expedition promotes adventure tourism and scientific documentation.

Additionally, it emphasizes sustainable mountaineering practices. The mission highlights the ecological importance of Himalayan glaciers. Importantly, it raises awareness about the need for conservation amid climate change.

1. Which Institutions are Organizing the 4th Khangri Glacier Expedition?

Below are the two institutions organizing the expedition:

a. Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESS&H)

The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESS&H) is a research institution in Arunachal Pradesh. It is focused on geology, climate change, disasters, and Himalayan sustainability.

b. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is India’s premier institute conducting research on polar, ocean, and Antarctic studies under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

2. What are the Objectives of The Khangri Glacier Expedition Arunachal Pradesh?

The fourth Khangri glacier expedition is an important step towards the research of glaciers. Below are the objectives of the Khangri glacier expedition Arunachal Pradesh:

1. Conduct systematic studies on glacier mass balance and dynamics. This will help us understand their differential responses to changing climatic conditions. 

2. Examine the formation and evolution of glacial lakes. Additionally, assess the potential risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). 

3. Collect long-term data on snow accumulation, melt patterns, and the hydrological behavior of glaciers. This data is crucial for our analysis.

3. What is the Significance of The 4th Khangri Glacier Expedition?

The project strengthens India’s scientific monitoring capacity in the Eastern Himalayas, thereby enhancing our understanding of this crucial region. Additionally, it provides critical insights into the climate–cryosphere–hydrology linkages that affect the Himalayan ecosystem. Consequently, this knowledge contributes significantly to the national strategy on climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, particularly in addressing potential Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) events. 

Furthermore, it offers valuable data for policy planning related to climate adaptation, water management, and sustainable mountain development. Overall, the project plays a vital role in addressing the complex interactions and challenges posed by climate change in this sensitive area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 4th Khangri Glacier Expedition not only enhances our understanding of glacial dynamics in Arunachal Pradesh but also underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts. Furthermore, it paves the way for future research while promoting sustainable practices in adventure tourism. Ultimately, this initiative highlights the important link between climate change and mountain ecosystems, encouraging us to take collective action.