Formed by the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers near Tandi village in Lahaul & Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh.
Locally called Chandrabhaga in the upper reaches.
Course
Flows through Himachal Pradesh → Jammu & Kashmir → Pakistan.
Enters the plains of Pakistan’s Punjab, where it joins the Jhelum, and later merges with the Sutlej, forming part of the Indus River System.
Length
About 1,180 km (approx.).
Major Tributaries
Left bank: Marusudar, Batten Nallah
Right bank: Thirot, Sohal, Bhut, Lidrari
Major Projects / Dams
Baglihar Hydroelectric Project (J&K)
Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Project (J&K)
Ratle Hydroelectric Project (J&K)
Significance
A major river of the Indus Water Treaty (1960) — along with Jhelum and Indus, it was allocated to Pakistan, while India can use it for non-consumptive purposes (like hydropower).
Vital for irrigation, hydropower, and ecology in Jammu & Kashmir.
