Tian Shan

The western Tian Shan rises northeast of Tashkent in a succession of steep ridges and deep river valleys. The Pskem and Ugam ranges run through this mountain country, with the Pskem River separating parallel heights. Snowmelt feeds streams that descend toward the Chirchik and the cultivated oasis below. Rocky slopes, mountain forests and high meadows replace one another with elevation, while narrow valleys provide routes between the ridges.