Indus River

asia · rivers · geography

Starts in Tibet. The Indus River begins high in the Tibetan mountains of China, where local people call it Sengge Zangbo. From there, it flows northwest across some of the world's most dramatic landscapes.

Crosses many borders. This river is a transboundary river, which means it flows through multiple countries and regions. It travels through China, the Kashmir region, India, and Pakistan on its incredible journey.

Makes a sharp turn. After flowing past the massive Nanga Parbat mountain, the Indus makes a dramatic sharp left bend and changes direction to flow south toward the sea. This bend shows how mountains shape where rivers go.

Ends at Arabian Sea. After traveling 3,180 kilometers (nearly 2,000 miles), the Indus River finally splits into branches and empties into the Arabian Sea near the Pakistani city of Karachi. This mouth of the river is one of South Asia's major waterways.

Feeds millions. The Indus River is hugely important because it provides water for farming, drinking, and cities across Pakistan and parts of India. Millions of people depend on this river to survive.