Kusak

The Kusak is a tributary of the Tokrau in the dry uplands north of Lake Balkhash. It runs through a broad valley and fills with spring meltwater, but in summer its channel often breaks into isolated pools. Its water is bitter and salty, unlike the fresher Tokrau. Together the rivers descend towards the sands on the northern side of Balkhash, where their flow is usually absorbed before reaching the lake.