Karatau Mountains

The Karatau Mountains form a range in southern Kazakhstan with limestone and sandstone rock formations that spread across several hundred kilometers. Multiple snow-fed rivers flow down from the slopes, providing water to the surrounding regions.

The range contains archaeological sites from prehistoric times with evidence of early human settlements in the region. These discoveries show that people have inhabited this area since ancient times.

The name comes from Turkic languages and means Black Mountain, referring to how these northwestern foothills of the Tian Shan appear. Local communities have adapted to living alongside this terrain, which shapes their daily connection to the land.

Access to this mountain range requires good physical preparation and suitable equipment for mountain terrain. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and explore the area best during warmer months.

The eastern slopes contain substantial phosphorite deposits that are extracted at several industrial mining sites. This raw material is processed locally and supports economic activity in the region.