The Pamir alpine desert and tundra ecoregion (WWF ID: PA1014) covers the high plateau of the Pamir Mountains, at the central meeting of the great mountain ranges of Central Asia: Himalaya, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Kunlun, and Tian Shan.

[1][2] The ecoregion is mostly located in the eastern region of Tajikistan, on a high plateau with broad valleys and steeply-sloping mountains.

The Pamir also sit in the middle of different climates and habitats: the Alai woodlands to the west and north, and the dry Tarim Basin to the east.

Lower elevations trend into a Subarctic climate (Dsc) (mean temperatures may rise above 10 °C (50 °F) for 1–3 months each summer).

Large areas at high altitudes are devoid of vegetation due to the harsh polar climate.