Tian Shan

The Trans-Ili Alatau rises sharply above the plains south of Almaty and Talgar. Snow-covered summits feed streams that descend through deep valleys toward the Ili basin. Spruce forests grow on the mountain slopes, giving way higher up to alpine meadows, rock and ice. This northern branch of the Tian Shan separates the settled foothills from the high valleys beyond the crest.