[4][5] The Tokrau Formation, a fossiliferous stratigraphic unit in Kazakhastan whose strata date back to the Paleozoic, was named after the river.

[6][7] The Tokrau river originates in the Kyzyltas range of the southern Kazakh Uplands, 10 km (6.2 mi) to the north of Mt Karashoki.

About 50 km (31 mi) away from the coast of Lake Balkhash to the south, the river fans out into many arms in a dry, widening plain.

[3] This last stretch of the Tokrau was an ancient delta dating back to the time when the river reached Lake Balkhash.

Very rarely, in years of abundant spring floods, the waters of the river may break through the desert area and trickle into the endorheic lake Balkhash.