How does elevation affect the growing season in the Pamirs?

In the Pamirs, elevation plays a significant role in determining the length of the growing season. Generally, lower-lying areas experience longer growing periods compared to higher elevations. For instance, the village of Sangvor, located at an elevation of 7,000 feet (2,100 metres), has a growing season of 200 days. In contrast, the deeper, lower-lying valleys of the Panj River, such as those at Khorog and Qalaikhum, benefit from a longer growing season of 230 days.1

At the highest elevations of the region, the climate becomes increasingly harsh, characterized by significant glaciation and substantial snowfall, which further limits agricultural potential compared to the more temperate lower valleys.1