Kakshaal Too

The Kakshaal Too (, , ) is a large mountain range in the Central Tian Shan. It stretches for a length of (in Kyrgyzstan) between Kyrgyzstan and China. The width of the range is and the highest point – Jengish Chokusu ().

Topography

The range consists of three parts:

1. Eastern section: Known as Bozkyr, extending to the Saryjaz Gorge with branches like Kayyndy, Koykap, and Maybash.
2. Central section: Includes branches like Karaichketoo, Akzoo, Jangart, Üchchoku, and Kaichy.
3. Western section: Includes Karakyr and Torugart descending towards the Aksai Valley and settling into Cenozoic deposits.

The southern slopes are steep (50–60°), while the northern ones are gentler (30–40°). The ridges are sharp and often rugged, with many gorges and rocky cliffs. Major passes include Bedel, Kogirim, Bikirtik, Kaichy, Karabel, Akögüz, and Suuktör (4,200 m).

Landscapes

The landscapes include high-altitude steppes (2800 – 3100 m), Alpine meadows (3100 – 3500 m), high-altitude tundra steppes (3400 – 3800 m), and glacial-nival belt (above 3800 m).

Geology

The Kakshaal Too lies within the southern Tien Shan and formed during the Hercynian orogeny. Structurally, it consists of a mega-anticlinal formation trending northeast. It is mainly composed of limestones, siltstones, sandstones, conglomerates, and argillites of Paleozoic intruded by granites, granosyenite, and syenite.

References