[1] Zheltau is located in the Kazakh Uplands, 13 kilometers (8.1 mi) to the southwest of the Kyzyltau.

The Ashchysu river flows to the west of the western end and the Kyrgyn, its right tributary, heads northwestward close to the southern slopes.

The Karasu has its sources on the southern side of the highest summits and flows towards lake Karasor.

The highest point of the massif is 959 metres (3,146 ft) high Mt Zheltau, rising in the central sector.

[1] The mountains are covered in parts with resilient low vegetation, such as Artemisia austriaca, Chamaesphacos, Festuca, Helictotrichon and Caragana, most plant growth is found in riverside meadows.