Kalateke Mountain

Kalateke Mountain

Kalateke Mountain

Within the territory of Artux, there are 134 large and small peaks scattered throughout, with 22 peaks exceeding an altitude of 4,000 meters. The most famous among them is Kalateke Mountain.

Kalateke Mountain is a branch of the southern Tianshan mountain range, running in a northeast–southwest direction. It connects to the west with Maidantag and extends eastward into the territories of Wushi and Keping counties, stretching northeast across the northern part of Artux and serving as the boundary mountain between Artux and Akqi.

Kalateke Mountain acts as a natural barrier in the north of Artux. This solid, over-a-hundred-kilometer-long natural shield first blocks the howling cold winds from the north, shielding Artux from ice, snow, and freezing weather. As a result, the area enjoys a mild, sunny climate with distinct seasons, creating an environment that has made it a renowned land of fruits across the Tianshan Mountains. Here, fertile fields yield abundant crops, sweet fruits abound, and fragrant blossoms enchant. This is the first great contribution of Kalateke Mountain to the people of Artux — truly a blessing for generations. Stretching from east to west, the mountain blocks the cold winds from the north, fostering unique climatic conditions on its northern and southern sides, forming an ecological environment that remains largely unaltered. It also gives rise to differing cultural traditions between grassland and oasis cultures, as well as distinct production and lifestyle habits between nomadic and agricultural societies.

Kalateke Mountain is not only a spectacular tourist destination, but its fossil belt of seashells also holds significant value for geological research. Moreover, the rich mineral resources buried within the mountain make it an ideal investment opportunity for developers. Its lead-zinc mines and copper mines have been in operation for many years and still hold substantial reserves. Natural gas has also been extracted and supplied to markets in the autonomous prefecture and Kashgar.

Kalateke Mountain features a forest of peaks and rugged rocks scattered across its slopes, making it a scenic destination in the southern Tianshan range. To truly experience the vastness of the mountains, visitors should come with their own vehicles to explore freely. Alternatively, carrying a backpack, wandering through valleys, climbing mountains, and wading through streams will bring out the joy and richness of the journey.