Rivers, Lakes and Glaciers of Nepal

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Nepal is often called one of the richest countries in the world in water resources. Thousands of rivers and streams flow from the Himalaya and the hills towards the south, and all of them finally join the Ganga in India. This note explains the main river systems, other important rivers, lakes, wetlands and glaciers of Nepal in an easy, exam-ready way.

1. Types of rivers by origin

Rivers of Nepal are usually grouped into three types according to where they start:

The four big Himalayan rivers are fed by snow and glaciers, so they carry water even in the dry season. This makes them the most important for hydropower and irrigation.

2. The Koshi river system (east)

The Koshi is the biggest river system of eastern Nepal and is also called the Saptakoshi because it is formed by seven tributaries:

• Indrawati
• Sunkoshi
• Tamakoshi
• Likhu
• Dudhkoshi
• Arun
• Tamor

The Arun is special because it begins in Tibet and cuts through the Himalaya before entering Nepal. The Sunkoshi, Arun and Tamor meet at Tribeni in eastern Nepal, and from there the river is called the Saptakoshi. In India the Koshi was long known as the Sorrow of Bihar because of its floods. The Koshi Barrage, built between Sunsari and Saptari districts close to the Indian border near Bhimnagar, controls its water, and the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies along its banks.

3. The Gandaki river system (centre)

The Gandaki drains central Nepal. Its seven main tributaries give it the name Saptagandaki:

• Kali Gandaki
• Seti
• Madi
• Marsyangdi
• Budhi Gandaki
• Trishuli
• Daraudi

The Kali Gandaki rises in upper Mustang and flows between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs, creating one of the deepest gorges in the world. After the Kali Gandaki and the Trishuli meet at Devghat, the river is called the Narayani. In India it is known as the Gandak.

4. The Karnali river system (west)

The Karnali is generally regarded as the longest river of Nepal. It rises in Tibet, in the region of Lake Mansarovar, and enters Nepal in Humla. Its important tributaries include the Humla Karnali, Mugu Karnali, Tila, Seti and Bheri. In India the Karnali is called the Ghaghara.

5. The Mahakali river (far west)

The Mahakali forms the western border between Nepal and India. It rises in the high area around Kalapani and Limpiyadhura in Darchula district. In India it is called the Sharda (Sarda). The Mahakali Treaty of 1996 AD between Nepal and India deals with sharing its water, including the planned Pancheshwar project.

6. Other important rivers

• Bagmati: rises at Baghdwar in the Shivapuri hills, flows through Kathmandu past the Pashupatinath temple and then south into India. The Bishnumati joins it in Kathmandu.
• Mechi: forms part of Nepal’s eastern border with India, mainly in Jhapa.
• Kankai and Kamala: Mahabharat rivers of eastern Nepal.
• West Rapti and Babai: important rivers of mid-western Nepal.

7. Lakes of Nepal

Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance listed under the Ramsar Convention. Nepal’s first Ramsar site was the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, listed in 1987.

8. Glaciers and glacial lakes

Nepal has many glaciers in its high Himalaya. Some well-known ones are:

• Ngozumpa glacier in Solukhumbu, often described as the longest glacier of Nepal.
• Khumbu glacier on the route to Everest.
• Tsho Rolpa in Dolakha and Imja lake in Solukhumbu are large glacial lakes that are closely watched.

As glaciers melt, glacial lakes can grow and suddenly burst. This is called a GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) and is a serious risk for people living downstream.

9. Uses of rivers

• Hydropower: Nepal’s first hydropower plant was Pharping (500 kW), started in 1968 BS (1911 AD) during the rule of Chandra Shumsher.
• Irrigation: rivers water the farms of the Tarai through canals.
• Drinking water, fishing and transport of goods in some areas.
• Tourism: rivers such as the Trishuli, Bhote Koshi and Sunkoshi are popular for rafting.