The topography of Aizawl is dramatically rugged and steep. The city is essentially carved into a series of ridges and hillsides, resulting in a dramatic, multi-tiered urban landscape where buildings appear stacked upon one another.
The highest point within the city limits is the Durtlang Hill in the north, providing a spectacular vantage point over the rest of the capital. The lowest points are the flood plains and riverbeds of the Tlawng and Tuirial rivers that border the city's ridge. Due to the high gradient of the slopes and the loose soil structure, the topography makes the region susceptible to landslides, particularly during heavy monsoons.