Pamir Mountains

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Located in Central Asia, the Pamir Mountains are formed by the junction of the world's greatest mountain ranges, a geologic structural knot from which the great Tian Shan, Karakoram, Kunlun, and Hindu Kush mountain systems radiate.

The Pamir region is centered in the Tajikistani region of Gorno-Badakhshan. Parts of the Pamir also lie in the countries of Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. South of Gorno-Badakhshan, the Wakhan Corridor runs through the Pamir region, which also includes the northern extremes of the North-West Frontier Province and the northern extremes of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.

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Geography

Its two highest mountains are Ismail Samani Peak (from 1932-1962 known as Stalin Peak, from 1962-1998 as Communism Peak) (24,590 ft/7,495 m) and Lenin Peak (23,508 ft/7,165 m).

There are many glaciers in the Pamir Mountains, including the 144mi/231km long Murghab Pass.

Climate

Covered in snow throughout the year, the Pamirs have long and bitterly cold winters, and short, cool summers. Annual precipitation is c.5 inches (12.7 cm), which supports grasslands but few trees.

Economy

Coal is mined in the west, though sheep herding in upper meadowlands are the primary source of income for the area.

Transportation

At the southeastern edge of the Pamir region, the highest international highway in the world, the Karakoram Highway connects Pakistan to China.