Rivers A variety of rivers flow through the Kumaon Himalayas. The Mahakali River separates India from Nepal and is the major river in the region. It originates north of the main Himalayan range, carves its way through the Greater Himalayas and merges with the Ganges in the plains. Tributaries like Kuthi, Darma and Lassar flow into the Kali at different points along its course. In fact, the Kali Valley was once the standard trade route from India to Tibet over the Lipu Lekh pass.

Ramganga flows by in the Corbett National Park. Credit: Yogesh Wadadekar

Right bank tributaries of the Mahakali include the Goriganga, the Dhauliganga and the Ramganga. Goriganga (or Gauri) is a major tributary of the Mahakali River. The turbulent Goriganga rises at the Milam glacier, which lies at the head of the Milam Valley. Almost all settlements of the Malla Johar area in Munsiari, Pithoragarh, lie along the Gauri River, which originates from the Milam glacier. The Unta Dhura ridge divides the catchment areas of the Goriganga or Gauri river in the southwest and the Girthi in the north. The north-facing slopes of this ridge are extremely dry. The left bank tributaries of the Goriganga emerge from the Balati glaciers and the Panchchuli Massif.

Towards the western end of Kumaon lies the Pindari Valley. The river Pindar originates in the Pindari glacier.