The Hindu Kush, Neighbor to the Western Karakoram Range and the Westernmost Extension of the Pamir Mountains

Reading Passage Question

The Hindu Kush, neighbor to the western Karakoram Range and the westernmost extension of the Pamir Mountains in Pakistan—and sometimes broadly grouped with the Himalayas—forms parts of both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Running northeast to southwest from the Karambar Pass in northern Pakistan to close to the Iranian border of Afghanistan, the mountains have historically created significant obstacles to trade, transportation, and communication, while certain passes, such as the KhyberPass and Bolan Pass, have formed traditional invasion routes between Central Asia and India.

The Hindu Kush also effectively isolates the north- ern provinces of Afghanistan from the rest of that country; a similar effect is seen in Pakistan but on a smaller relative area. The highest peaks of the Hindu Kush in Afghanistan are in the Vakhan or Wakhan corridor of Afghanistan, which separates Afghanistan from Tajikistan. The highest peak of the entire range, at 25, 230 feet, is Mount Tirich Mir, which is near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, the central part of the Hindu Kush. It is this extremely rugged central area of the Hindu Kush where both the highest peaks and most of the glaciers, including Tirich, Niroghi, and Kotgaz, are located.

A watershed region, the Hindu Kush divides the Amu Darya valley, or the ancient Oxus River valley, in the north from the Indus River valley in the south. Many rivers of the region, which depend greatly on snow and glacial melt, run in a generally northeast to southwest direction, and many eventually join with the Kabul River. Decreasing volumes of flow currently threaten the valleys, which are heavily populated and use the river waters for irrigation.

“The Hindu Kush, neighbor to the western Karakoram Range and the westernmost extension of the Pamir Mountains”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 3 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

Question1
Based on the passage information, which of the following characterizes the start of the Hindu Kush?

(A) Location in the Vakhan Corridor
(B) Proximity to the Pamir Mountains
(C) Passes such as the Khyber
(D) Large glaciers
(E) Population density

Question 2
Based only upon the information in the passage, which of the following distinguishes the Hindu Kush in Pakistan from the Hindu Kush in Afghanistan?

(A) Passes that facilitated historic invasions
(B) Northeast to southwest flowing rivers
(C) More rugged, higher peaks
(D) A greater threat to water resources
(E) An isolating effect on a larger area

Question 3
Which of the following statements about the geography of the Hindu Kush is most strongly supported by the passage?

(A) Densely populated areas exist only in the Indus River Valley of Pakistan.
(B) Those most dependent on the water resources of the watershed live mainly in Pakistan.
(C) The most rugged geography of the Hindu Kush is shared equally between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
(D) The Hindu Kush runs almost the entire east west length of Afghanistan.
(E) The Hindu Kush runs almost the entire north south length of Pakistan.

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