Oxygen isotopic and soluble ionic measurements made on snow-pit (2 m depth) and firn-core (12.4 m depth) samples recovered from the accumulation zone (5100 m) of Inilchek glacier (43° N, 79° E) provide information on recent (1992–98) climatic and environmental conditions in the central Tien Shan region of central Asia. The combined 14.4 m snow-pit/firn-core profile lies within the firn zone, and contains only one observed melt feature (10 m temperature = −12°C). Although some post-depositional attenuation of the sub-seasonal δ 18O record is possible, annual cycles are apparent throughout the isotope profile. We therefore use the preserved δ 18O record to establish a depth/age scale for the core. Mean δ 18O values for the entire core and for summer periods are consistent with δ 18O/temperature observations, and suggest the δ 18O record provides a means to reconstruct past changes in summer surface temperature at the site. Major-ion (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, NH4 +, Cl−, NO3 −, SO4 2−) data from the core demonstrate the dominant influence of dust deposition on the soluble chemistry at the site, and indicate significant interannual variability in atmospheric-dust loading during the 1990s. Anthropogenic impacts on NH4 + concentrations are observed at the site, and suggest a summer increase in atmospheric NH4 + that may be related to regional agricultural (nitrogen-rich fertilizer use) activities.