Targabatay

The Tarbagatai Mountains rise between the grasslands and basins of eastern Kazakhstan and the approaches to Emin. Slopes provide seasonal pasture, while valleys and passes channel movement across Central Asia. Differences in snow, water and vegetation make the timing of grazing and travel important; herders need to know sheltered winter grounds and summer pastures.

The wider region became a meeting ground of Kazakh pastoral communities, Oirat and Dzungar powers, and later Qing expansion. Conflict could redirect migration and alter access to pasture, while seasonal movement remained necessary. Trade exchanged livestock and animal products for grain, textiles and metal goods. Imperial authorities later sought to define borders and regulate passage across mountain and steppe.