This page displays the important Rivers of Jammu and Kashmir
There are many rivers which originate from high mountains and flow through the state. The Jhelum, Ravi, Chenab, Indus and Tawi rivers are the important Himalayan rivers of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu Region:
Chenab River
The ancient name of the Chenab river is Asikni. This river originates from Baralacha La pass in Lahaul and Spiti region of the of Himachal Pradesh. It is formed by two streams namely, the Chandra and Bhaga. It is also known as Chandrabhaga. Its total length is about 960 km long. It covers the length of 504 km in Jammu and Kashmir. It drains the Eastern section of the Southern slope of Pir Panjal. It enters into Jammu and Kashmir near Paddar at Kishtwar and cross Doda, Ramban, Reasi and Akhnoor districts. It leaves Jammu and Kashmir at Akhnoor district and enters into Sialkot district of Pakistan. Many hydel power projects are located on this river like Salal,Dalhasti, Sawalkot and Baghilar. Important tributaries of Chenab river are Miyar Nala,Marusudar (biggest right bank tributary), Tawi (biggest left bank tributary) Bhut Nala, Lidrari, Sohal and Thirot.
Marusudar River
It originates from Lahaul valley at an elevation of about 5175 m. In the beginning two streams namely Batkot and Gumbar merge to formWarwan river. In the lower areas Warwan river is known as the Marusudar. The Marusudar flows almost the North to South direction. Its catchment is almost fan shaped. The upper part of the river is covered with glacier and the permanent snow line is considered generally around 4700 m.
Tawi River
This river originates from Kailash Kund glacier located in Bhadarwah of Doda district ( Jammu). Its total length is about 141 km. Its catchment area covers Jammu, Udhampur and small parts of Doda districts. The river flows through the Chenani town of Udhampur and Jammu and then joins the Chenab river in Sialkot district of Pakistan. After passing through these regions, the river enters into Pakistan. Chenani hydro power project is constructed on this river.
Ravi River
The ancient name of Ravi river is Parusni. This river originates from the Himalayas at Bara Bhangal near Rohtang pass in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Its total length is about 720 km long. The river passes through two mountain ranges namely, Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar on its South and North, respectively. It flows through the North-Western regions of India and then turns to South-West at the boundary of Jammu and Kashmir. It flows about 80 km along the Indo-Pak border, before entering Pakistan. Important tributaries of this river are Budhil,Naior Dhona, Seul and Siawa.
Ujh River
This river originates from the Domal structure of Seojdhar range in the middleHimalayas. The river is about 65 km long in the state. It is the second most important river of Kathua district after Ravi river. It is a branch of Ravi river that comes from Ramkot side of Jammu, passes through Kathua district and enters Pakistan.Water is used for irrigation purpose and transportion of timber from hills to plains. Important tributaries of this river are Naaz and Bhinni Nala.
Kashmir Region:
Jhelum River
The ancient name of Jhelum river is Vitasta. It is the main waterway in the Kashmir valley where it is also known as Vyath. This river originates from Verinag spring which lies 80 km South-East of Srinagar district. The total length of the river is about 725 km. It covers a length of 177 km in valley of Kashmir. In Srinagar district many tributaries join this river and thus, it becomes navigable from Khannabal toWular lake. Jhelum river is also called the lifeline of Srinagar and it bifurcates the city into two parts. This river flows through Baramulla district and across the Jammu region, after that it leaves for Pakistan and merges with Indus river. Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag cities are situated on both the sides of Jhelum river.Many hydel power projects are located on this river e.g.Ganderbal, Lower Jhelum, Upper Sindh, Uri-I, etc. It has about 24 tributaries. Important tributaries are Sindh, Pohru, Vishow, Rambaira, Pohru, etc.
Lidder River
This river originates from the Kolahoi glacier in the North-Western Himalayan range about 26 km North from Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. It covers a length of 73 km in Kashmir valley. It is the second major tributary of river Jhelum and meets it in North of Anantnag town. Pahalgam is situated in the center of Lidder valley. It has two main tributaries, Lidder East and Lidder West.
Ladakh Region:
Indus River
This river originates in the Northern slopes of the Kailash range in Tibet from Mansarovar lake. Its total length is 2900 km. It covers a length of 1114 km through India. The river flows between the Ladakh range and Zanskar range and covers the areas of Ladakh, Baltistan and Gilgit. Through a deep gorge (5181 m) near Attock, it crosses the Himalayas and then take a turn towards South-West direction and enters into Pakistan.The important tributaries of this river are Shyok, Suru,Zanskar, Jhelum, Chenab,Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.
Kishanganga River
This river originates from Drass (Kargil) in Ladakh. It is also known as Neelum river. Its total length is about 245 km long. It covers a length of 50 km in the state. It flows through Gurez, Keran and Karnah mountain tracks and joins the Jhelum river at Domel (Muzaffarabad). The river has Kishanganga hydroelectric power project. It has ice cold water which is famous for trout fish. Important tributaries are Sindh and Lidder rivers.
Shyok River
This river originates from Rimo Glacier which is a part of Siachen glacier. It is also known as River of Death because it is a difficult route to cross. Its total length is about 550 km long and flows through Ladakh and Ghangche district of Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan. From its origin place, Shyok flows in the South-East direction and joins the Pangong range, then it turns towards North-Western direction and again flows parallel to its previous path. It joins Indus river at Skardu city (Pakistan). Important tributaries of this river are Chang Chen Mo,Galwan Nubra and Saltoro.
Suru River
This river originates from the Penzella glacier. Its total length is about 185 km. It flows through the towns of Tongul, Suru,Grantung,Goma and Kharul. Kargil town is the largest city situated on the bank of this river. Suru valley is formed by this river. It meets the Indus river at Nurla village in Leh district. Its important tributary is Shafat Nala.
Drass River
This river originates from Machoi Glacier near Zoji La pass. Its total length is about 86 km and flows through Kargil district of Ladakh. It flows through the town of Matayan, Kharbu and Kakshar. At Kharbu, the Shingo river joins Drass river and at Kharul, both of these rivers join the Suru river. It formed the Drass valley, where this river is joined by its two tributaries, the Mashko river and Gomru Nala.
Nubra River
This river originates from the Siachen glacier. It is a tributary of Shyok river. It flows through Nubra valley in the Northern part of Ladakh region and then joins the Indus river in Skardu, Pakistan. Then, it flows towards South-East to join the Shyok river.
