Teesta River | Origin, Map, Tributaries & Course
Teesta River is a major river in eastern India and Bangladesh and an important tributary of the Brahmaputra River. It originates in the eastern Himalayas and flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh.
In this article, we will cover the origin of the Teesta River, its tributaries, river system, course, and key geographical features in a simple and structured format.
| River | Teesta |
| Origin | Tso Lhamo Lake |
| Tributary of | Brahmaputra River |
| Length | ~414 km |
| Major Tributary | Rangeet River |
| Glaciers | Khangse Glacier and Pahunri Glacier |
Table of Contents
Teesta River is Tributary of Which River?
Teesta River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
It joins the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh, and eventually, its waters flow into the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna system, which drains into the Bay of Bengal.
The origin region is well documented in the official mapping sources of the Ministry of Environment and Forest.
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Origin of Teesta River
Teesta River originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake (Cholamu Lake) in the eastern Himalayas near the India–China border.
- Located in: Sikkim
- Region: Eastern Himalayas
- Source type: Glacier-fed (snow + glacial melt)
The river is fed by glaciers like the Teesta Khangse Glacier and Pahunri Glacier, which ensures that it remains a perennial river throughout the year.
Course of Teesta River
Teesta River flows through the eastern Himalayan region, starting from high-altitude glacial zones and moving down to the plains before joining the Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh.
After originating in Sikkim, the river initially flows in a southward direction through steep mountain valleys. In this upper course, the Teesta is a fast-flowing river with strong currents, shaped by the rugged terrain of the Himalayas.
As it moves downstream, the river enters the plains of West Bengal near Sevoke. Two important barrages are built on it:
- Gajoldoba Barrage (India)
- Duani Barrage (Bangladesh)
States and Regions Covered
The Teesta River flows through:
- Sikkim (upper mountainous course)
- West Bengal (plains region)
- Bangladesh (lower course and confluence)
Length and Basin
- Total Length: Approximately 414 km
- Drainage Basin:
- 83% in India
- 17% in Bangladesh
End Point of Teesta River
Teesta River finally joins the Brahmaputra River in Haripur, Phulchhari Upazila in the Gaibandha District, Rangpur Division, Bangladesh.
Major Tributaries
- Rangpo River
- Rangeet River (largest tributary)
- Lachung Chu
- Lachen Chu
Among these, the Rangeet River is the most important tributary, contributing significantly to the flow of the Teesta.
Distributaries
Unlike some large rivers, the Teesta does not form major distributaries in its lower course. However, minor channels may develop in floodplain areas, especially in Bangladesh.
