On the east lies the 3,536 m (11,601 ft) Taunmurun (alternative spellings Taukmurun and Tongmurun) Pass and then more valley leading to the Erkeshtam border crossing to China.

To the south, M41 (Pamir Highway) becomes very rough and leads to the 4,280 m (14,040 ft) Kyzyl-Art pass to Murgab in Tajikistan, a route that requires considerable preparation and paperwork.

[4] One traveler says "with no jobs, a harsh winter climate, and poor conditions for agriculture, life is immensely tough here, and most of the adult male population have left to seek work elsewhere.

"[5] Places in or near the valley: Irkestam, Nura, Sary-Tash, Achiktash, Lenin Peak, Sary-Mogol, Kashka-Suu, Bordobo, Kara-Kabak, Kyzyl-Eshme, Daroot-Korgon, Chak, Jar-Bashy, Karamyk, Achyk-Suu.

Bird species of interest include the snow pigeon, Barbary and Saker falcons, Himalayan vulture, plain mountain finch, white-tailed rubythroat and red-billed chough.