Dzhungar Alatau

The Dzhungarian Alatau is the longest mountain range in the region, stretching 450 km from west to east. In its central part, the mountains reach heights of over 4,500 meters. The highest point is Semyonov-Tyan-Shansky Peak (4,622 m).

The Altyn-Emel National Park is bordered by this mountain system to the north and west, with the elevation gradually decreasing toward the west.

• Koyandytau Ridge (3,459 m): The highest part of the mountains within the park boundaries.
• Altyn-Emel Ridge (2,928 m): Characterized by deep rocky canyons and stony, dome-shaped peaks.
• Altyn-Emel Pass: The route to the village of Basshi lies through this pass, which separates the Altyn-Emel Ridge from the Matai Ridge.
• Matai Ridge (2,880 m): Visible on the right side of the road leading to the Singing Dune.
• Degeres Ridge (2,280 m): At its foot, in the Ili River valley, lie the Besshatyr Saka Mounds.
• Sholak Ridge (1,785 m): The westernmost point of the Dzhungarian Alatau. Here, the mountains closely approach the Kapchagai Reservoir. The Tanbaly Tas ancient petroglyphs are located in the canyons of Taigak, Kara-Espe, and Terekty.

Toponymy

The historical names of the Dzhungarian Alatau ridges and canyons serve as indicators of the specific flora and fauna found there:

• Koyandytau — "Hare Mountains"
• Kaiyndy — "Birch Canyon"
• Tulkili — "Fox Canyon"
• Ayuly — "Bear Canyon"
• Zhideli — "Oleaster Grove"
• Itmuryn — "Rosehip Canyon"
• Dolanaly — "Hawthorn Canyon"

The World of Animals and Birds

These mountains are teeming with life. You will easily spot chukar partridges (kekliks) — their ringing calls echo everywhere as they skillfully scurry in coveys across the sheer cliffs.

The Dzhungar Alatau is famous for its incredible bird diversity. Some of the most majestic species include the golden eagle (the largest eagle in Kazakhstan), the Himalayan vulture (kumai), with a wingspan of up to 3 meters, the cinereous vulture, and the black stork.

Among the hoofed animals, you can see Siberian ibex (tek) on the distant rocky slopes. The Tianshan argali (mountain sheep) also inhabits these ranges.

The Dzhungarian Mountains are one of the few places on Earth where the snow leopard, a rare and endangered species, can still be found. Other Red List animals include the Tien Shan brown bear, Turkestan lynx, stone marten, Pallas’s cat (manul), and the Semirechye salamander.

The Kingdom of Plants

The flora here is truly magnificent. Picturesque canyons are overgrown with Cossack juniper, barberry, and wild rose (Albert's Rose). You can also find Tianshan wild cherry, and on the northern slopes, the stately Tianshan spruce (Schrenk's spruce) grows. Kaiyndy Canyon is named after its unique Tianshan birches, famous for their pinkish-peach bark.

The Ancestral Home of Apples

Adjacent to Altyn-Emel is the Zhongar-Alatau National Park, which covers the main massif of the Kazakh part of the Dzhungarian Mountains. This park is world-famous for its wild forests of the Sievers apple tree, the genetic ancestor of all modern cultivated apple varieties. The Sievers apple is also found within the territory of Altyn-Emel National Park.

From Scorching Steppe to Mountain Cool

While the village of Basshi is surrounded by harsh, open steppe, a short drive toward the Dzhungarian Mountains brings you into lush, green canyons:

Kayindy ("Birch")

A narrow mountain gorge with a rushing stream and dense greenery, where the rare pink Tien Shan birch can be found.

Tulkili ("Fox")

This canyon is a haven for hiking enthusiasts. The trail winds through a picturesque wide hollow crossing the Altyn-Emel Ridge, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Basshi Valley.

Naizatapkan ("The Place Where the Spear Was Found")

Famous for its healing springs. Since ancient times, the water here has been believed to possess miraculous powers to cure various ailments — the springs are even labeled according to their specific medicinal purpose. Naizatapkan is a place of pilgrimage, and by established tradition, there are separate visiting hours for men and women. The name refers to a legend about a spear found on this site. There is a hypothesis that the warriors of Khan Salqam Zhangir restored their strength here after the famous Battle of Orbulyak against the Dzhungars.

Traces of Ancient Nomads

Throughout the foothills, one can encounter the legacy of ancient herders: mysterious stone structures and impressive rock art. Petroglyphs carved into the stones can be seen along the entire route.