The List of rivers of Nepal is an encyclopedic compilation that enumerates the principal waterways flowing within the sovereign borders of the Himalayan nation of Nepal. Nepal’s river network is shaped by its location on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, where numerous glacial melt‑water streams converge into larger river systems that ultimately drain into the Ganges basin of the Indian subcontinent. The rivers are commonly classified according to the major drainage basins (or “river basins”) to which they belong; the principal basins are the Karnali, Gandaki, Koshi, and Mahakali (Sharda) systems, along with several smaller independent basins such as the Bagmati.
Major river basins and their primary rivers
| River basin | Principal river (main stem) | Notable tributaries |
|---|---|---|
| Karnali Basin | Karnali River (also known as Ghaghara in India) | Seti River (Mahakali), Bheri River, Rapti River (West Rapti), Babai River |
| Gandaki Basin | Gandaki River (also called Narayani in its lower reaches) | Kali Gandaki, Trishuli River, Seti Gandaki (also called Seti River), Madi River, Marshyangdi River |
| Koshi Basin | Koshi River (also called Sapta Koshi) | Arun River, Sun Koshi, Tamor River, Likhu River, Dudh Koshi, Bhote Koshi |
| Mahakali (Sharda) Basin | Mahakali River (Sharda River) | Chameliya River, Subarnarekha (of Nepal) |
| Bagmati Basin | Bagmati River | Thapathali, Hanumante, Manohara, Kamal Dhoka streams |
Representative list of notable Nepali rivers
- Karnali River – the longest river in Nepal, originating in the Tibetan Plateau and flowing south‑west into India.
- Gandaki (Narayan) River – flows through the central highlands, receiving the Kali Gandaki, a deep gorge‑carving tributary.
- Koshi River (Sapta Koshi) – an aggregation of seven major tributaries, forming the largest river system by discharge.
- Mahakali (Sharda) River – forms part of the western border with India.
- Bagmati River – drains the Kathmandu Valley and is culturally significant.
- Seti River (Seti Gandaki) – a major tributary of the Gandaki, noted for its deep canyon.
- Trishuli River – a principal tributary of the Gandaki, popular for white‑water rafting.
- Arun River – originates in Tibet, joins the Sun Koshi, contributing to the Koshi system.
- Tamor River – merges with the Arun and Sun Koshi to form the Sapta Koshi.
- Bheri River – a tributary of the Karnali, draining the mid‑western hills.
- West Rapti River – a tributary of the Karnali, flowing through the Dang Valley.
- Madi River – joins the Tamakoshi, part of the larger Koshi basin.
- Marshyangdi River – a tributary of the Trishuli, traversing the Annapurna region.
- Kamala River – enters the Koshi from the south‑central Terai.
Characteristics and significance
- Hydrology – Over 90 % of Nepal’s rivers are fed by monsoonal rainfall and seasonal glacial melt, resulting in pronounced peak flows during the monsoon (June–September).
- Economic role – Rivers provide water for irrigation, domestic use, and hydro‑electric power generation; Nepal’s hydro‑electric potential is largely concentrated in the steep, fast‑flowing tributaries of the northern basins.
- Ecology – River valleys host a diversity of flora and fauna, including endemic fish species, and serve as critical wildlife corridors.
- Cultural importance – Many rivers, particularly the Bagmati and Gandaki, hold religious significance for Hindus and Buddhists, featuring prominently in rituals and festivals.
Extent of the list
The above enumeration includes the most prominent rivers and tributaries commonly cited in geographic and governmental sources. Nepal possesses dozens of additional smaller streams and seasonal washes (locally termed “khola” or “nadi”) that contribute to its intricate fluvial network; a complete inventory would be extensive and is typically presented in detailed hydrological surveys and official water resource reports.