What is Jetisu known for?

The Dzhungarian (Zhongar) Alatau — a wild, little-visited alpine range with high lakes, hot springs and quiet trekking .

When is the best time to visit?

June to September for the high valleys and passes; the lower steppe and lakes are pleasant from spring.

More remote than Almaty Region — expect longer drives and fewer facilities, with trips run as guided expeditions for those who want solitude.

Things to do in Jetisu

Jetisu — the 'Land of Seven Rivers' — stretches east of Lake Balkhash into the Dzhungarian Alatau, a quieter, wilder alpine range on the Chinese border. Where the crowds thin and the valleys empty out, this is the Tien Shan with the volume turned down: high lakes, hot springs and ridge lines that see a fraction of the traffic of the Almaty peaks.

Wild alpine country

Dzhungarian Alatau trekking, the Kora valley and Zhongar-Alatau National Park, alpine lakes and remote ridge routes, in the wider southeast. Guided expeditions handle the logistics; open the Book here tab for dates.