List of rivers of Nepal facts for kids

Nepal, a country famous for its towering mountains, is also home to many important rivers. These rivers flow down from the Himalayas, creating amazing landscapes and providing water for people, farms, and wildlife. They are grouped into different "basins," which are like large areas of land where all the water drains into one main river and its branches. Think of it like a giant funnel where all the rain and melted snow eventually ends up in one big river.

Nepal's rivers are generally divided into ten main basins. This list shows the rivers from east to west, helping you understand how they connect to each other.

Understanding River Basins in Nepal

A river basin is an area of land where all the water, from rain or melting snow, flows downhill into a single main river and its smaller branches, called tributaries. These basins are super important because they show how water moves across the land. In Nepal, these basins are often named after the biggest river in that area.

Kankai River Basin

The Kankai River basin is found in the eastern part of Nepal. The Kankai River is the main river here, and it has several smaller rivers that join it.

Koshi River Basin

The Sunkoshi River flows near the border between Nepal and China.

The Saptakoshi River at Sunsari District in Nepal.

The Koshi River basin is one of the largest river systems in Nepal. The Koshi River itself is sometimes called the "Saptakoshi" because seven major rivers join together to form it. It's a very powerful river.

Bagmati River Basin

The Bagmati River flowing by the famous Pashupatinath Temple.

The Bagmati River basin is very important, especially because it flows through the Kathmandu Valley, where Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu, is located. The Bagmati River is considered sacred by many people.

Gandaki River Basin

The Gandaki River is also known as the Narayani River or Kali Gandaki River in different parts of its journey. This basin is another major river system in Nepal, known for its deep gorges and powerful flow.

West Rapti River Basin

The West Rapti River basin is located in the western part of Nepal. This river is different from the East Rapti River, which is part of the Gandaki basin.

Babai River Basin

The Babai River in Nepal.

The Babai River basin is another important river system in the western region of Nepal. It has many tributaries that join its main flow.

Karnali River Basin

The Karnali River is one of the longest and largest rivers in Nepal. Its basin covers a significant area in the western part of the country.

Mahakali River Basin

The Mahakali River, also known as the Kali River, forms part of Nepal's western border with India. This river basin is important for the region it flows through.

Other Smaller River Basins

Besides the major river basins, Nepal also has many smaller rivers that form their own basins. These rivers are still very important for the local areas they flow through.

See also

• List of lakes of Nepal