The Deghelen Range
The Deghelen Range, also spelled as Dzhungarian Alatau or Zhetysu Alatau, is a mountain range located in the eastern part of Kazakhstan, near the border with China. It is part of the larger Tian Shan mountain system and is known for its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty.
Degelen Range: Mysterious Mountains of Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Legacy
Landscape: The range is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with high peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests. It is known for its scenic beauty and provides a habitat for various plant and animal species.
Biodiversity: The Deghelen Range is home to a range of wildlife, including species like ibex, snow leopards, and various bird species. The diverse ecosystems in the area contribute to its ecological significance.
Glacial Features: The range is also known for its glaciers, which contribute to the headwaters of numerous rivers. These glaciers play a significant role in maintaining local water resources.
Cultural and Historical Significance: The area around the Deghelen Range has cultural and historical importance, with a rich heritage of indigenous peoples and nomadic traditions.
Access: The range is accessible from the city of Almaty, which serves as a gateway for visitors interested in exploring the area. Several trekking and hiking routes are available for those seeking to experience the natural beauty of the Deghelen Range.
The Deghelen Range is a region of outstanding natural beauty and offers a range of recreational and outdoor opportunities for those who want to explore its diverse landscapes. It is part of the broader mountainous region of Kazakhstan, which is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
Degelen Range – Kazakhstan’s Secret Mountains
Tucked within the vast expanse of eastern Kazakhstan lies the Degelen Range (Kazakh: Дегелең жотасы), a rugged and isolated mountain chain once shrouded in secrecy. Located in the heart of the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, Degelen is known not only for its dramatic geology and remote landscapes, but also as a site of Cold War nuclear history.
Today, the Degelen mountains stand as a symbol of resilience—of both nature and a region recovering from decades of nuclear testing.
📍 Location & Geography
Region: East Kazakhstan Region
Nearest Cities: Kurchatov (~100 km), Semey (~200 km)
Coordinates: Approx. 49.7°N, 78.4°E
Mountain Type: Low-altitude granite and sedimentary hills
Elevation: Up to ~1,080 meters (3,543 ft)
The range is composed of rocky hills, valleys, caves, and tunnels, many of which were carved out during Soviet underground nuclear experiments.
🧪 Historical Significance
From the 1960s to the 1980s, the Degelen Mountains served as the main location for underground nuclear testing by the Soviet Union.
Key Facts:
Part of the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS), also known as The Polygon
Over 200 underground nuclear explosions were conducted here
A vast network of test tunnels, observation posts, and bunkers still remains
Since Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991, the site has been decommissioned and is now monitored for radiation safety and environmental recovery.
🌿 Nature & Recovery
Despite its tragic past, the Degelen Range has become a surprising case study in natural resilience. Decades after testing stopped, the landscape is slowly being reclaimed by wildlife and native vegetation.
Wildlife returning includes:
Foxes, hares, and wolves
Steppe birds and small rodents
Occasional migratory birds
Plant life is sparse but includes steppe grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers, especially in spring and early summer.
🧭 Visiting the Degelen Range
Degelen is not a typical tourist destination, but it draws increasing attention from:
Researchers in geology, nuclear science, and environmental recovery
Documentary filmmakers and photographers
Adventurers interested in Cold War history and remote landscapes
⚠️ Access Notes:
The region is heavily monitored and entry may require special permits
Travel should be arranged with local guides or scientific organizations
Some areas may still have radiation risks – only visit with proper information and precautions
📸 What to Expect
Crumbling Soviet bunkers and tunnels carved into the mountains
Signs of past blasts—fractured rock, test shafts, sealed caves
Silent, surreal beauty of isolated hills and endless sky
Unspoiled steppe terrain surrounding the range
For photographers and history buffs, Degelen offers an eerie yet compelling visual experience — a fusion of natural beauty and industrial ruin.
📚 Scientific and Global Importance
Since the end of testing, the Degelen Range has played a key role in:
Nuclear disarmament verification
Environmental remediation projects
UN-supported efforts for test ban treaties
Peace education and historical memory
Kazakhstan has since become a leader in global nuclear non-proliferation, and Degelen is a powerful reminder of why.
🔍 Degelen Today: A Site of Memory and Research
The Degelen Range is a landscape of contrasts—harsh yet healing, historic yet nearly forgotten. For those interested in the intersection of nature, science, and Cold War history, Degelen is one of Kazakhstan’s most enigmatic landmarks.
While not open for casual tourism, it is a destination of deep significance, where the Earth itself holds the echoes of human ambition, suffering, and resilience.