Alatau

The Dzungarian Alatau rises along the northwestern edge of the Dzungarian Basin. Snow and glaciers crown its high ridges, while rivers descend toward the surrounding dry country. To the east the range ends at the Dzungarian Gate, a broad gap between these mountains and the Barlik range. The opening joins the basin to the steppe beyond and has long offered a passage through an otherwise formidable mountain barrier.