Shyok River facts for kids
The Shyok River is a river that flows through Ladakh and parts of Pakistan. It is a major branch, also called a tributary, of the mighty Indus River.
The Shyok River starts high up in the mountains from the Rimo glacier. This glacier is part of the huge Siachen Glacier. As the river flows, it gets much wider when it meets the Nubra River. The Nubra River also starts from the Siachen Glacier.
The path of the Shyok River is quite unusual! It begins by flowing southeast. But then, when it reaches the Pangong mountain range, it makes a sharp turn. It starts flowing northwest, almost parallel to where it just came from.
The Shyok River flows through a wide valley. However, after a place called Chalunka, it suddenly enters a narrow gorge. Finally, it joins the Indus River in Skardu, Pakistan. The Nubra River also makes a similar turn, flowing southeast before turning northwest to meet the Shyok River. Scientists think these similar turns might show old cracks in the Earth's crust.
These rivers are important because they have left behind many layers of sand and rocks over time. These layers are like a treasure chest for geologists who study the Earth's history.
Contents
Rivers that Join the Shyok
Many smaller rivers flow into the Shyok River. These are called its tributaries.
Chang Chen Mo River
The Chang Chen Mo River forms near Pamzal in the Changchinmo plains of Ladakh. It flows towards the west. This river eventually empties into the Shyok River.
Galwan River
The Galwan River is found in the southern part of Aksai Chin. It starts in an area called Samzungling. The Galwan River flows west and then joins the Shyok River.
Nubra River
The Nubra River is a very important tributary of the Shyok River. It flows through the Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir. The Nubra River then flows into the Shyok River, which later joins the Indus River.
Saltoro River
The Saltoro River begins near the Saltoro Kangri mountain peak. It flows southwest. Another part of this river starts from the slopes of the Masherbroom peak. It flows south to join the main Saltoro River. Finally, the Saltoro River flows into the Shyok River near the town of Khaplu in Pakistan.
Other pages to explore
Images for kids
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Shyok in Khaplu Valley
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Kharfaq and Yugu
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Road marker map
See also
In Spanish: Río Shyok para niños
