Arys (river)



The Arys (Арыс, Arys) is a river of southern Kazakhstan and a right tributary of the Syr Darya. The river is 378 km long, covering a basin area of 14900 km2.

The river begins in the Talas Alatau ridge, and average water flow is 46.6 m3/s. The highest runoff is in April during snow melt, the lowest is in August. The river is used for irrigation to grow rice in the lower reaches. The largest tributaries are the Mashat, Aksu, Boralday and the Badam.

The Arys has been populated by humans since ancient times, and was located to the north of the Silk Road. Numerous medieval castles, of which the most significant is Otrar, is located in the area.