Kungei-Alatau

a mountain range in Tien-Shan, bordering the Lake Issyk-Kul’ basin from the north. Most of the range lies in the Kirghiz SSR; the eastern part of the northern slope is situated in the Kazakh SSR. The range is approximately 280 km in length and attains an altitude of 4,771 m (Mount Choktal). The Kungei-Alatau is composed of granites, schists, and sandstones. Its relief is greatly dissected, with alpine crests. The present glaciated area, situated mainly on the northern slope, is 237 sq km. Hilly meadowlands and grassy steppelands predominate; at a lower level, on the southern slope, lie hilly steppelands. Fir trees cover the northern slopes and gorges.