Paropamisus Mountains

The central Afghan highlands rise in a tangle of ridges and narrow valleys around the homeland of the Hazaras. The western reaches of the Hindu Kush and the Kuh-e Baba form part of this mountainous country, from which the Helmand, Harirud and other rivers begin their long courses. Snow and difficult passes isolate the valleys in winter, while summer pastures lie high above the settled land.