Rivers of Nepal

Nepal 's rivers can be broadly divided into three categories in accordance with their origins. The first category comprises the three main river systems of the country-the Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali river systems, all of them originating from glaciers and snow-fed lakes.

The Koshi river system consists of the Tamor, Arun, Dudhkoshi, Likhu, Tamakoshi, Sunkoshi and Indravati rivers. Of these, the Arun and Sunkoshi originate in Tibet . The confluence of these rivers is at Tribeni (near Dharan) in Sagarmatha Zone. Flowing for almost 10kms through a narrow gorge before entering the plains, the "Sapta Kosi" or he "Koshi" swollen with the waters of the seven riversÕ finally merges into the Ganges .

The Gandaki river system in central Nepal consists of the Kaligandaki, Budhigandaki, Marsyanghi, Trishuli, Seti, Madi and Daraundi rivers. The Kaligandaki is the longest river and the Trishuli, the main tributary of this system.

The Kaligandaki originates in Mustang and converges with the Trishuli at Deoghat in Chitwan. The river is then called the Narayani and goes on to meet the Ganges . The Karnali river system in western Nepal consists of the Humla Karnali, Mugu Karnali, Seti and Bheri rivers and is the longest river system in the country. The Humla Karnali, which rises in Tibet , is the main tributary. After entering India , this river assumes the name Gogra .

Rivers like the Mechi, Mahakali, Bagmati, Kamala, Rapti, etc., most of which have their origin in the Mahabharat range, constitute the rivers of the second category. The Bagmati, which rises at Bagdwar and drains out through the Chobhar gorge, is the principal river of the Katmandu Valley .

Streams and rivulets originating mostly from the Chure hills make up the third category; these rivers rely on monsoon rains and are otherwise dry.

Quick Facts on Rivers and Relevant

• Nepal is a mine of water. In Nepali " Nepal Pani Ko Khani Ho", this statement is taken literally. (Translation: Pani - water, Khani - Mine), this is a very popular phrase used and honored by Nepalese everyday. Nepal is a rich country of water.
• Nepal 's Total Area is 147,181 sq km of which land is 143,181 sq km and water is 4,000 sq km - source CIA the World Fact Book. So 3% of Nepal is water which includes rivers, lakes, and ponds
• Arun River of Nepal shares the name of Arun River of United Kingdom, isn't that interesting?
• Karnali is Nepal 's largest and longest River.
• Nepal is a mountainous country; most of its rivers have mountains as the source.
• Nepal is prone to natural disasters like floods and land and slides. Major Rivers continue to shift their path and go deeper.
• World's 39th longest River Ganges starts from the Himalayas of Nepal. The river is 2510 K.M
• Nepal 's about 70% of the population is in Rural Areas. Less than 20% of rural people have access to Electricity.
• 80% of Nepalese depend on Agriculture. Rivers are a good source to Agriculture business.
• More than 220 billions cubic meters of water run through Nepal every year.
• 8 of the 10 snow-capped and highest mountains in the world are located in Nepal . Nepal Himalaya is the source of most rivers of Nepal
• The largest river in the world is Nile River which is 6516 Kms
• All major rivers start from Tibet , transverse through Nepal , and then join Ganga River of India before finally meeting the heavenly sea.
• Of all the rivers in the world having more than 600 miles (965.60 km) in length, 90% are located in the United Sates of America
• Water is the #1 natural resources of Nepal . The others are quartz, timber, hydro power, lignite, copper and cobalt.

Lakes of Nepal
There are number of lakes and tanks of glacial and tectonic origin in Nepal . Mountain lakes like Rara, Phoksundo, Phewa etc., are majestic in extent and beauty.

Rara in Mugu district of western Nepal is the country largest lake. Phewa at Pokhara is another equally famous lake. Phoksundo in Dolpa District is yet another big lake but is less well known than Phewa Lake due to its difficult approach. Rupa tal and Begnas tal (Pokhara), Gaduwal tal (Chitwan), Satyavati Tal (Palpa), Khaptad tal (Doti), Barhakunetal (Dang), Surma Sarobar (Bajhang) and Tilicho tal (Manang) are some of Nepals other well-known lakes.

Gosainkunda and other lakes in the Langtang Himal region are of religious significance.

Nepal Mojor Lakes

Other Popular Lakes.
 

Activities.

Nepal lakes are famous for their crystal clear water, scenic backgrounds and the adventure activities that they offer. Cited below are two of the activities that keep you fresh and vigorous like the blue waters of the lakes themselves.

Boating.

The pleasure of touching water waves while sitting on a boat cannot be described in words. A relaxing boat drive on Phewa Lake of Pokhara is one of the most soothing experiences in Nepal . Leisure boating can be done in various locations. Pokhara, set in a lush topical alley, with a backdrop of the Annapurna range, is blessed with many lakes and is the most famous spot for boating activities.

The Phewa, Begnas and Rupa lakes provide enough space for boating experiences. Phewa Lake is Pokhara's prime attraction for photographers, boaters and shore side strollers. Visitors love sending an hour or two rowing (or being rowed by one of the local boats men) through the many inlets, with a visit to the Varahi island temple.

Fishing.

Nepal , the world's second rich country in the water resources having numbers of rivers and lakes, is an ideal location for fishing and angling. There are some specific ethnic group in the hills and Terai region of Nepal whose lifestyle has been based on Fishing. Bote, Majhi, Tharu and Machhuwar are some of them.

With approximately 118 varieties of fresh water fish found in the Himalayan waters of Nepal , fishing can be really exciting. Mahaseer is the most commonly sought sport fish, besides mountain stream trout-like varieties and lowland water species. Pokhara's crystal clear lakes are the best for fishing.