Nepal River System
River System of Nepal
The rivers of Nepal can be grouped into three categories on the basis of
their origin:
(1) Antecedent to Himalaya
(2) After the Mahabharat
(3) After the Churia range
Antecedent rivers belong to the period prior to the rise of the Himalaya.
These rivers added their tributaries during or after the Himalayan origin
alongwith the development of monsoon climate. After the formation of
Mahabharat hills, the antecedent rivers changed their courses as Mahabharat
stood as a barrier. As a result, most of the rivers changed their courses
either to the east or west. Most of these rivers were responsible to deposit
the sediments in the Churia basin.
The major river systems namely the Koshi, the Karnali and the Gandaki belong
to the antecedent group. Rivers originating from the Mahabharat range and
cutting through Churia hills come under the second group, these include
Kankai, Bagmati, Kamala etc. The third group of rivers originate from the
southern face of the Churia hills. For the purpose of commercial rafting,
the following rivers are in use.
1. Saptakoshi River System (East Nepal)
2. Narayani or Saptagandaki River System (Central Nepal)
3. Karnali River System (West Nepal)
Eleven rivers in the three river systems are open for tourists for rafting.
The rivers are :
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River Section
The Trishuli (Trisuli-Narayanghat)
The Kali Gandaki Kusma-Narayaghat)
The Bheri (Birendranagar- Chisapani)
The Seti (Damouli-Narayanghat)
The Sunkoshi (Baseri-Chatara)
The Karnali (Karaleghat-Chisapani)
The Tama Koshi (Busti-Chatara)
The Arun (Tumlingtar-Chatara)
The Budhi Gandaki (Arughat-Trishuli)
The Bhote Koshi (Kodari-Lartza Bridge)
The Marshyangdi (Ngadi-Bimalnagar
