Rivers of Uttarakhand: Map & Details
Uttarakhand is a Himalayan state in northern India, covering an area of about 53,483 square kilometers. It borders Himachal Pradesh in the northwest, Uttar Pradesh in the south, and shares international boundaries with Tibet in the north and Nepal in the east.
The state is the origin of many important Indian rivers. Most of the rivers of Uttarakhand rise from the glaciers of the Himalayas and flow down through steep valleys into the plains. The Ganga and Yamuna, two of India’s most sacred rivers, both begin their journey here. Along with these, the state is home to several other rivers and tributaries that shape its terrain and flow into larger river systems.
Table of Contents
Major Rivers of Uttarakhand
1. Ganga River System
- The Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier as the Bhagirathi River.
- After Devprayag, Bhagirathi merges with Alaknanda to form the Ganga.
- Flows through Rishikesh and Haridwar.
2. Yamuna River System
- Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier.
- Flows through western Uttarakhand.
- Major tributaries: Tons and Asan rivers.
3. Alaknanda River System
- Alaknanda originates from Satopanth Glacier near Badrinath.
- Key tributaries: Dhauliganga, Mandakini, Pindar, Nandakini.
- Merges with Bhagirathi at Devprayag to form the Ganga.
4. Ramganga River
- Originates from Dudhatoli ranges in Chamoli.
- Flows through Corbett National Park.
- Joins Ganga in Uttar Pradesh.
5. Saryu River
- Originates from Sarmool in Pithoragarh district.
- Merges with Kali River near Pancheshwar.Kali River (Sharda River)
- Forms the boundary between India and Nepal.
- Originates from Kalapani.
- Joins Ghaghara River in Uttar Pradesh.
Map of Uttarakhand Rivers
Glacial Sources
- Gangotri Glacier (Bhagirathi)
- Yamunotri Glacier (Yamuna)
- Satopanth Glacier (Alaknanda)
Important Confluences (Prayags)
- Devprayag: Bhagirathi + Alaknanda = Ganga
- Rudraprayag: Alaknanda + Mandakini
- Karnaprayag: Alaknanda + Pindar
- Nandprayag: Alaknanda + Nandakini
- Vishnuprayag: Alaknanda + Dhauliganga
Dams and Hydropower Projects in Uttarakhand
- Tehri Dam (Bhagirathi River)
- Koteshwar Dam (Bhagirathi River)
- Srinagar Dam (Alaknanda River)
- Vishnuprayag Hydro Project (Alaknanda River)
- Dhauliganga Hydro Project
- Maneri Bhali Project (Bhagirathi River)
