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How does the elevation of the Takla Makan Desert vary from west to east?

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Map of Asia highlighting the location of the Takla Makan Desert in northwestern China, with the desert area shaded in orange. Surrounding regions, including parts of Europe, Africa, and the Pacific Ocean, are shown for geographic context. An inset in the top right corner provides a global view with the desert's location marked. — Takla Makan Desert The Takla Makan Desert is flanked by high mountain ranges: the Tien Shan to the north, the Kunlun Mountains to the south, and the Pamirs to the west.

The elevation of the Takla Makan Desert decreases as one moves from west to east. In the western and southern portions of the desert, elevations reach between 3,900 and 4,900 feet (1,200 to 1,500 metres) above sea level. Conversely, in the eastern and northern parts of the desert, the elevation drops to between 2,600 and 3,300 feet (800 to 1,000 metres).1