The river “Karatal”

The embankment of the Karatal River is a new and modern architectural object, which picturesquely blended in among the main attractions of Taldykorgan. The embankment was opened in 2016, with a length of 1414 meters.

The Karatal River originates in the mountains of Dzungarian Alatau and flows into Lake Balkhash. Karatal is one of the main rivers of the historical district of Zhetysu. It flows through the territory of Eskelda and Karatal districts.

It is formed at the confluence of three rivers called Tekelinka, Chazha and Kora.

The Karatal River is the second largest river after the Ili River in Semirechye. The river is translated from Kazakh as “Black Willow”.

The river is home to pelicans, several species of ducks, herons and others.

The cities of Taldykorgan, Tekeli and Ushtobe are located on the river. A cascade of small HPPs is located on the river. Water of the river is actively used for large-scale irrigation and other economic needs since the middle of XX century.