Alatau

Alatau refers to a major mountain system in Central Asia that forms part of the northern Tian Shan. The range extends across eastern Kazakhstan and western Kyrgyzstan, running roughly east–west to north of the Kazakh steppe. The best-known subranges are the Big Alatau (Bolshoi Alatau) and the Little Alatau (Malyy Alatau), which lie near the city of Almaty and its surroundings. The Alatau serves as a geographic boundary between lower-lying plains to the north and more rugged highland terrain to the south. Elevations span from foothills in the hundreds of meters to high summits exceeding 3,000 meters, with glaciation on the upper reaches.

Geology and climate vary with altitude. The range is composed of a mix of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks that have been uplifted during the tectonic evolution of the Tian Shan. The climate is continental, with greater precipitation and more forests on the northern slopes, and harsher, alpine conditions at higher elevations. The region contains numerous glaciers, cold springs, and alpine lakes.

Ecology and human use. Lower slopes host coniferous and mixed forests transitioning to alpine meadows and tundra higher up. The Alatau supports diverse Montane flora and fauna typical of Central Asia and is a destination for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. Protected areas, such as Ile-Alatau National Park near Almaty, conserve representative ecosystems of the range and its foothills. The name Alatau also appears in various toponyms across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, reflecting its prominence in regional geography.