The ecoregion winds its way around two chains of mountain ranges that extend westward from the Tian Shan Mountains. The northern chain is a direct extension of the Tian Shan, the southern chain is composed of (from west to east) the Gissar Range, the Zarafshan Range, the Turkestan Range, and the Alay Range. Collectively the southern chain has been referred to as the Pamir-Alay. In between the two mountain chains is the Fergana Valley. To the east are the Pamir Mountains. The snow line is lowest in the west (, and highest in the east ().