Tian Shan

mountains · Central Asia · geography · extreme terrain

Enormous mountain system. The Tian Shan is one of the largest mountain ranges in the world, spreading across Central Asia and touching five different countries including Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and China.

Super tall peak. The highest mountain in the range is called Jengish Chokusu, which reaches 7,439 meters (24,406 feet) into the sky, making it one of the tallest peaks in Central Asia.

Wild elevation changes. The Tian Shan has an incredible range of heights, from its highest mountains down to the Turpan Depression, which sits 154 meters below sea level, giving it one of the most dramatic vertical spans of any mountain system.

Ancient name. The name Tian Shan comes from different languages and means similar things across cultures, with names like Tengri Tagh and Tengir-Too used by local peoples over thousands of years.