The northern Khorasan region is located in the north-east of the country and is geographically surrounded by two mountain ranges: Kope Dagh to the north and the continuation of the Elborz Mountains, called Ala Dagh, to the south. Overall it is a mountainous region with fertile plains between the mountains that determine favorable conditions for agriculture and pastoralism. The capital of the region is the city of Bojnourd and the major population centers are: Shirvan and Esfarayen.