Trans-Alay Range

The Trans-Alay Range stretches roughly 350 kilometers along the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, with many peaks rising above 6,000 meters. The mountains consist of limestone and schist, which have been shaped into jagged and angular forms by wind and weather.

The range formed through tectonic collisions during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, when continental plates pushed together to create mountain belts. These ancient geological events shaped the landscape that people in the region have inhabited for centuries.

The range shapes life for herders in nearby valleys, who still move their animals between higher and lower pastures depending on the season. This way of living remains visible in small settlements tucked into the mountainsides.

The Pamir Highway crosses through the Kyzyl-Art Pass at about 4,280 meters (14,040 feet), which is the main road link between Osh in Kyrgyzstan and Khorog in Tajikistan. The route is passable but can be challenging depending on the season, so planning ahead for weather conditions is advisable.

Ibn Sina Peak rises to about 7,134 meters as the highest point, named after the famous Persian scholar, reflecting the intellectual importance the region holds in Central Asia. Climbers from around the world come to this summit, though it remains less famous than other Asian mountains of similar height.