Pamir Knot
Also called: Roof of the World · Topic: World Physical Features and Natural Regions · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Pamir Knot is a very high mountain area where several great ranges meet, like strings tied in a knot. It lies mainly in Tajikistan, with a part in Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor. The Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Kunlun and Tian Shan ranges meet here. The Himalaya joins it through the Karakoram. Because it is so high, it is called the "Roof of the World" (Bam-i-Dunya).
Example
From the Pamirs, the Hindu Kush runs south-west into Afghanistan, and the Tian Shan runs north-east into Central Asia. The Karakoram runs south-east and links the knot to the Himalaya. The thin Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan reaches into this knot.
Don't confuse with
- Tibetan Plateau: a huge flat-topped highland (about 4,500 m high on average) between the Himalaya and the Kunlun. The Pamir Knot is a meeting point of ranges, not a plateau.