Tian Shan

North of Aksu, the Tian Shan form a towering barrier between the Tarim Basin and the valleys of the Ili. Snowfields and glaciers feed rivers that descend toward the oasis settlements below. The Muzart Pass crosses the mountains in this region, linking the Ili valley with the country of Kucha and Aksu. Its steep, icy approaches made travel arduous even where a route through the range could be found.