Zheltau (Jambyl Region)

Zheltau is an elongated upland located in Jambyl Region, Kazakhstan.

Mirny, a mining town in the Moiynkum District, lies at the southeastern end of the Zheltau. The area is a seasonal grazing ground for local cattle.

Geography
Zheltau is located at the western limit of the Balkhash-Alakol Basin, roughly 50 km to the west of the southwestern shore of Lake Balkhash. It extends from northwest to southeast for about 140 km. The Betpak-Dala desert lies to the west. The Zheltau stretches northwestwards from the northern end of the Chu-Ili Range, with the Maizharylgan running parallel to its southern stretch. 972 m high Mount Zhambyl rises to the southwest of the southern section of the Zheltau.

The Zheltau upland forms an almost continuous elevated terrain of moderate height. Located near the northern end, 599 m high Mount Suykadyr is the highest point.

Flora
The vast hilly area is covered with resilient grasses such as Festuca, Aristida, Calamagrostis, Artemisia, Anabasis, Salsola and Spiraea. The soil is gray and crumbly owing to high salinity. The average annual precipitation is 220 mm.