Karakoram – Map By J Wala

KARAKORAM. (1 : 250,000) Orographical Sketch maps in two sheets. By J. Wala, 1990. (Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research Zurich SFr. 29).

A 3-colour map, in 2 sheets, is published covering 44,730 sq. km. It cover the area between Khora Bhot pass, Khunjerab pass. Aghil pass (south), Karakoram pass, Shyok river and villages of Leh, Khapalu, Skardu and Gilgit.

Base for this map was established by Jerzy Wala of Poland who worked on it for many years. All the areas are clearly drawn. Wala has also carefully studied the recent literature, all the new nomenclature, heights and climbs are incorporated here. Names of glaciers, peaks, places marked on the map are separately indexed with reference to locate them easily. It refrains from marking any political borders in this troubled area.

The only irritating point is that the ‘North’ of the map does not point straight up but about 45° to left. This unconventional printing could have been easily corrected and would avoid a lot of inconvenience. It also proposes new ‘Regional Division of the Karakoram Mountain Area’ which are different than those accepted. Perhaps survey authorities in Pakistan antl India may disagree.

The map can be ordered from the publishers at Binzstrasse 23, 8045 Zurich, Switzerland.

Harish Kapadia