Major Mountain Ranges of the Asian Mountain System

The vast Asian Mountain System encompasses the world's highest and most extensive ranges. Key components include:

• Himalayas (India/China/Nepal/Bhutan/Pakistan) – Highest range; Mt. Everest (8,848 m).
• Karakoram (Pakistan/India/China) – K2 (8,611 m); massive glaciers.
• Hindu Kush (Afghanistan/Pakistan) – Tirich Mir (7,708 m); historic passes.
• Kunlun Mountains (China/Tajikistan) – Northern edge of Tibetan Plateau; remote.
• Tian Shan (Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan/China) – "Celestial Mountains"; Victory Peak (7,439 m).
• Altai Mountains (Russia/China/Mongolia/Kazakhstan) – Biodiversity hotspot; Belukha (4,506 m).
• Caucasus Mountains (Russia/Georgia/Armenia/Azerbaijan) – Europe/Asia divide; Elbrus (5,642 m).
• Zagros Mountains (Iran/Iraq/Turkey) – Fold mountains; Zard Kuh (4,548 m).
• Arakan Mountains (Myanmar) – Coastal range; Victoria Peak (3,094 m).

These ranges shape Asia's climate, rivers, cultures, and geopolitics.