Major Rivers of Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand, often called the "Land of Gods," is home to numerous rivers that play a crucial role in shaping its geography, culture, and economy. These rivers originate from glaciers in the western Himalayas, near the borders of India, Nepal, and Tibet, and hold deep religious significance as they flow through sacred temples and pilgrimage sites.
Beyond their spiritual importance, the rivers of Uttarakhand are vital for agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power generation. They support vast farmlands and provide sustenance to millions of people across northern India. However, the construction of hydropower projects, while essential for electricity production, also raises environmental concerns, as they can disrupt the region’s delicate ecosystem and biodiversity. Balancing development with conservation remains a key challenge for the state.
Famous Rivers of Uttarakhand: Sacred Lifelines of the Himalayas
Uttarakhand, often called the "Land of Rivers," is home to several holy and life-giving rivers that originate from the mighty Himalayas. These rivers hold immense religious and cultural significance in Hindu mythology while also playing a crucial role in agriculture, the environment, and the economy of India.
Major Rivers in Uttarakhand
Alaknanda River
The Alaknanda River is one of the two main source rivers of the sacred Ganga. It originates from the confluence of Satopanth Glacier and Bhagirathi Kharak Glacier. Flowing for 190 km, it has a basin area of 10,882 sq km. Alaknanda meets Bhagirathi at Devprayag to form the Ganga River. Read More…Bhagirathi River
Bhagirathi River is another major source of the Ganga River. It flows for 205 km through Uttarakhand, with a basin of 6,921 sq km. According to Hindu beliefs, Bhagirathi is the true source of the Ganga. Read More…Bhilangna River
Bhilangna River is a significant tributary of Bhagirathi River. Originating from Khatling Glacier at 3,717 meters, it flows for 80 km before merging with Bhagirathi. Read More…Dhauliganga River (Garhwal)
Dhauliganga is one of the six streams that form the Ganga. It originates from Deovan Himani in the Garhwal region and meets the Alaknanda River at Vishnuprayag. Read More…Dhauliganga River (Kumaon)
A tributary of the Kali River, the Dhauliganga River in Kumaon originates from Govan Khana Himani and merges with the Kali River at Tawaghat in Pithoragarh. Read More…Ganga River
The Ganga River, India’s holiest river, originates from the Gangotri Glacier. It begins at Devprayag, where Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet, and flows through Haridwar. It covers 96 km in Uttarakhand. Read More…Gaula River
The Gaula River originates from Paharpani and flows for 103 km through Kathgodam, Haldwani, and Shahi. It merges with the Ramganga River in Uttar Pradesh. Read More…Gori Ganga River
Gori Ganga, also known as Gori Gad, originates from Milam Glacier and flows through Pithoragarh before meeting the Kali River at Jauljibi. Read More…Kali River
Also called Sharda or Mahakali River, the Kali River originates from Lipmpiya Dhura in Pithoragarh at 3,600 meters. It flows for 252 km and forms a natural border between India and Nepal. Read More…Kosi River
Kosi River starts from Dharpani Dhar (2,500 m) in Almora and flows through Ramnagar before entering Uttar Pradesh, where it merges with the Ramganga River. Read More…Mandakini River
Mandakini River originates from Chorabari Glacier near Kedarnath. It meets Alaknanda at Rudraprayag and is fed by tributaries like Vasukiganga and Kaliganga. Read More…Nandakini River
A tributary of Alaknanda, the Nandakini River originates from Nanda Ghunghati and merges with Alaknanda at Nandprayag. Read More…Eastern Nayar River
Eastern Nayar River originates from the Dudhatoli ranges in Pauri Garhwal. Flowing for 94 km, it merges with the Ganga. Read More…Western Nayar River
Like the Eastern Nayar, Western Nayar also originates from Dudhatoli ranges and flows for 91 km before merging with the Ganga. Read More…Pindar River
Pindar River, also called Pindari River, starts from the Pindari Glacier in Bageshwar and flows for 105 km before joining the Alaknanda River at Karnaprayag. Read More…Western Ramganga River
Originating from Dudhatoli ranges, the Western Ramganga River flows for 155 km and is a major tributary of the Ganga. Read More…Eastern Ramganga River
The Eastern Ramganga River originates from Namik Glacier and flows through scenic valleys before merging with other streams. Read More…Saryu River
Saryu River starts from Sarmool and meets the Kali River at Pancheshwar. It is also known as Sarju and is revered in Uttarakhand. Read More…Tons River
Tons River is the largest tributary of the Yamuna. Originating from Bandarpuch Mountain, it flows for 148 km and meets the Yamuna near Dehradun. Read More…Yamuna River
The Yamuna River starts from the Yamunotri Glacier at 6,387 meters and flows for about 200 km through Uttarakhand before entering the plains. Read More…
These rivers remain clean and pure in the Himalayan region but face pollution as they enter the plains. Uttarakhand’s rivers attract adventure enthusiasts from around the world for activities like white-water rafting and kayaking, making the state a hub for water-based tourism. However, preserving these rivers while balancing development remains a major challenge.