Rivers of Uttarakhand

Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is known all over the world for its deep spiritual vibe and the holy rivers that makes its way from the glacier slopes of the Himalayas. The rivers are worshipped every where it goes and is honoured by the Hindus for it spiritual and religious importance. Most of the temples and the places of significance and temples a re situated on the banks of these rivers and holds immense relevance in the lives of the people of India. From illuminating the lives of thousands of people through the hydroelectric power projects to being the centre of culture and religion not only here but across the entire Indian landmass. Here are some of the Rivers of Uttarakhand which will be a beautiful experience for you:

Alaknanda River

Rising majestically on the confluence of Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glacier Alaknanda is one of the prime rivers of Devbhoomi. Due to its length and water discharge it is considered as the source stream of Ganges rather than Bhagirathi as it is mentioned in Hindu mythology. Alaknanda River can be spotted clearly in Devprayag due to its sediment laden water which meets Bhagirathi in Devprayag, a crucial pillar of the Panch Prayag Yatra. Gushing in a length of 195 km and passing through the district of Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Pauri Garhwal this river fuels life into the regions it crosses.

Bhagirathi River

Named after the great King Bhagirath who is said to have been the reason for making the heavenly river Ganga descend down from heaven on to earth, this river is very important in Hindu culture. According to Mythology this river serves as the main source stream for Ganges. The headwaters for the river can be traced back to the Gaumukh glacier which lies on the foot of Gangotri and Khatling Glacier. It flows hurriedly past the holy Kedarnath Dham where people make it a point to take a dip in its water from the Ghats. Flowing past the Garhwal division and passing through the districts of Uttarkashi and Tehri this is also one of the holiest rivers of India.

Mandakini River

Originating from the Chorabari glacier which is located in close proximity to Kedarnath this river is fed on by the famous Vasukiganga River in Sonprayag. Rudraprayag is at sacred and very holy point where the river meets Alaknanda and is also one of the most sacred locations for devotees to take a dip on this meeting point. The river tuns into a chaotic and violent river during the monsoon season which often destroys the roads and villages that are located in close proximity to it. Ironically the river goes back into its calm and peaceful state which has given it a name of ‘she who floes calmly’.

Sharda River

The main feature of this river on an elevation of 3,600 metres above sea level works as a demarcation between the Nepal’s western borders to India. In Nepal this river is locally named Mahakali River whereas in Uttarakhand it is referred to as kali Ganga. The surrounding beauty of this river is blessed with lush green natural surroundings and is a great way to unwind, relax and getaway. Flowing at a length of 350 km the river flows past Ghaghra River etc. the pond of Kalapani is considered to be the traditional source of Kali River. This is also an ideal destination for river rafting professionals and beginners alike.

Dhauliganga River

Flowing on at a length of 94 kms and originating from Deovan Himani and exiting Uttarakhand at Vishnuprayag this river is 1 out of the 6 other source streams that forms the holy river of Ganga. Beautifying the Garhwal Himalayan region and rising at an elevation of 5,070 metres above sea level. The famous lush green meditating meadow of Tapovan is located right next to this river and is surely a piece of paradise on earth. Some other interesting towns that are situated en route include Raini, Lata, Segri etc. from camping by the river to white river rafting expedition.

Tons River

Located in Dehradun and with its source traced back to Bandarpunch Parvat, this river is famed for being the largest tributary of river Yamuna and makes its way through the entire Garhwal region and even touches a little bit of Himachal Pradesh. The exact location of this river lies in the Jaunsar Bawar region and crosses the cant of Chakrata which is located in between the rivers of tons and Yamuna. Various researches done the river have found that it is possible that Saraswati River used to have its source in the Himalayan glacial waters which then due to some tectonic event tons became a tributary of Yamuna.

Pindar River

Originating from the Pindar glacier in Bageshwar and finally exiting at Karnaprayag after covering a distance of 105 kms this river is one of the best epitomes for classic mountain beauty. The river goes on beautifying every nook and cranny it flows from. It also crosses a number of hilly hamlets here like that of Nauligaon. Kulsari, Bhagoli, Nauti etc. Pindar merges with Alaknanda in Karnaprayag which is a significant place of importance in the hearts of devout Hindus. Staying here you will be able to view some of the most panoramic and stunning surroundings which is blessed here.

Saryu River

This Himalayan River originates at Sarmool and flowing through the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand covers a distance of 146 km before exiting Mahakali at Pancheshwar. The banks of this river namely – Bhuni, sup and khati are utilised by the locals and visitors to take a holy dip here. it flows in a south western direction and finally meets at Kanal Gad. After making its way through the charmingly enchanted valley of Malla Katyur River Saryu confluences with Lahur River. An important temple named Bagnath is located by the river in Bageshwar where it meets Gomti river. After crossing this holy town this river is joined by Bhrapadigad, Chaugarkha ki Ghat, Jalaurgad etc.

Yamuna River

Originating from the Champasar glacier which is located at few kms of distance from the main temple of Yamunotri the river covers an overall length of 1,376 kms before exiting the state of Uttarakhand at Dhalipur. Also known locally as Jamuna the mountain slopes of this river source is located on an elevation of 6.387 metres above sea level. There are several canals built on the river for the purpose of irrigation in the fields. The course of the river makes its way through Uttarakhand, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Nayar River

This is probably one of the most underrated tributaries of the holy river of Ganga and flows on for a length of 94 km. it emerges from Dudhatoli ranges in the Garhwal division and passes through the ranges in the district of Pauri Garhwal. Some of the most scenic and stunning places where you can visit include Khairsain, Bironkhal, Satpuli, Baijron etc. this river confluences with Vyasghat in Pauri. If you are looking to have a peaceful getaway by the peaceful river, wide open skies and the lish forest cover then you can go on a backpacking by this river.

Kosi River

The river finds its origination point at the Dharpani Dhar and flows on downwards for a distance of 168 kms before exiting at Ramnagar in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Its origin location in the district of Almora makes it a very rejuvenating spiritual getaway for you and your family. It is referred to as Kosila by the local population here and it is known for its important relevance in the lives of the locals who have made settlements just next to the river. The river water is utilised as water for cultivating rice, wheat and other crops.

Ramganga River

This 155 kms long river originates from Dudhatoli and concludes at Kalagarh after crossing the entire Garhwal region. The river flows peacefully through the south-western end of Kumaon Himalayas and is one of the most important tributaries of river Ganga. The source emerges from 800 to 900 metres above sea level and also passes through the famous Corbett national park at Nainital before descending into the plains. Other villages that have found their homes on its banks include Moradabad, Bareilly and others.

Gaula River

Beautifying the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand this river flows on for a distance of 102 kms and finds its origination point at Paharpani and concludes at Kichha. This Himalayan river emerges from the stunning lakes of Sattal which allows you to flow it through Kathgodam, Haldwani and Shahi. Over the years due to deforestation, quarrying and erratic climate changes, sadly the course of this river is drying up but it should definitely be visited at least once since it is a very significant part of the Ganges.

Nandakini River

This river forms one of the main tributaries of the holy river of Ganga and its origin location can be traced back to the glaciers located below Nanda Ghunti within the Nanda Devi wildlife sanctuary. It merges with Alaknanda at Nandprayag which is also a very important part of the Panch Prayag Yatra circuit. The river is admired by all the devotees and the river flows on for a distance of 56 kms and gives life to every place it crosses. Beautifying the Garhwal division of Uttarakhand this river is a very serene and peaceful one.