Describe the geographical features encountered on the journey from Tashkent to Kathmandu, as mentioned in the text.

Geographical Features:

The journey from Tashkent to Kathmandu traverses a diverse range of geographical features:

• Mountains: The text mentions the Tian Shan mountain range with sharp or flat-topped peaks and the Pamir mountains. Later, it describes the high Himalayas, culminating in Mount Everest (Jomolungma).
• Valleys and Basins: The Fergana Valley, through which the Syr Darya River flows, is mentioned. There is also a large basin with the bright blue water of the Kyrgyz Lake Issyk-Kul, described as being salty and at an altitude of 1608m.
• Rivers: The Syr Darya River is mentioned as flowing through the Fergana Valley. The Tarim River is described as changing its course and disappearing in sandy areas.
• Deserts: The Takla Makan desert, characterized by sandy dunes, is encountered.
• High Plateaus: The journey passes over the harsh, treeless Tibetan Plateau, situated at an altitude of over 4000m, with strong cold winds.
• Lakes: Numerous salt lakes on the Tibetan Plateau are mentioned.
• Lowlands: The Indo-Gangetic Plain is described as the area to which the southern slopes of the Himalayas descend in three steps.