Previously, they called the Zhetysu or Semirechye Alatau the Dzhungarian Alatau. This title originated in the Chinese geography as in the southeast the ridge connects with the Dzhungarian Plain. In Kazakhstan, they call it Zhetysu because its northern slopes and south-western spurs descend to the Region of Zhetysu.
We are heading to the Altyn-Emel National Park. The rock debris desert is extending between the Zhetysu southwestern spurs and the Ili River. From the vehicle window, you can see the fleet-footed goitered gazelles and small herds of wild donkeys also known as Asiatic wild asses or kulans. In the past, they roamed these plains by thousands, but were exterminated 200 years ago. These beautiful animals came back to the Ili coasts only in the 80’s of the last century.
