Indus and Its Tributaries

• The Indus is one of the most important drainage systems of the subcontinent of India.
• The Indus is the western most River system in the subcontinent.
• Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Satluj are its main tributaries.
• The Indus originates from the Bokhar Chu (glacier) in northern slopes of Mt. Kailash (6714m).
• It drains the largest number of glaciers and mountain slopes of the Karakorum, Ladakh, Zaskarand Himalayan Ranges.
• Originating from the Kailash Mountain, it flows in a constricted valley north-westward through Tibet, where it is called as Singi Khamban or Lion’s mouth.
• In ladakh it follows a long nearly straight course between the Ladakh range and the Zaskar range.
• In the first 480 km, it flows along the northern flank of the Zaskar range over a flat country at heights over 3200 m where it receives River Zaskar below Leh.
• Suruand Dras are the other left bank tributaries which join the Indus near Kargil.
• Moving north-westward, the Indus is joined by the Shyok-Nubra tributaries.
• These tributaries arise from the Siachin Glacier (Karakoram Range).
• At Skardu, at a little distance below the Shyok, the Shigar River meets River Indus.
• Gilgit is another important tributary which comes from the west to join Indus.
• Downward; the Indus crosses the central Himalayan range through a huge synclinal gorge.
• The River passes by the Nanga-Parvat and turns south-west to enter Pakistan.