[1] The area of the basin is a seasonal grazing ground for local cattle and the Ashchysu is used for watering livestock.

It heads first northwards, then it bends when it reaches the highland plain and flows roughly northeastwards at the feet of the range along its northern slopes.

Further downstream it describes a wide bend west of the Zheltau and heads roughly northwestwards, leaving salt lake Tuzkol to the east near Zhanatilek.

When it reaches Musa Shormanov village (former Tendik), the river bends and heads northeastwards within a 7.5 km (4.7 mi) wide valley.

Further downstream it bends and flows eastwards north of the Bayanaul Range, past a number of salt lakes, including Zharkol at 51°06′44″N 75°51′29″E / 51.11222°N 75.85806°E / 51.11222; 75.85806 and Sulysor further east.