Abstract. Our glaciological studies were conducted for the periods of 1956-1989, 
1989-2001 and 2001-2012 and are based on Landsat TM/ETM+ data analysis. A well-
established semi-automated band ratio technique was applied for glacier mapping. The 
result  showed  a  comparatively  higher  shrinkage  rate  (-1.02%)  than  rates  in  other 
glacierized areas of Central Asian mountains, including Altai, Tien Shan and Pamir. We 
also analyzed long-term climatic and runoff fluctuations for the different sub-basins of 
the  Karatal  River.  A  positive  trend  in  annual  discharge  was  detected  in  almost  all  the 
glacierized tributaries of the Karatal River during the last half of the century.