The Rivers of Shigatse – From The Complete Guide to Tibet Travel

The Rivers of Shigatse, Tibet

• Dalongpuqu (Dalongfuqu), meaning “Tiger Gorge Stream,” is a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River located northeast of Shigatse. The riverbanks have excellent pastures where yaks, dzo (yak-cattle hybrids), and Tibetan sheep are herded. The river is home to schizothoracin fish.
• Zirerqu (Ziri’aqu), meaning “Seepage Dam River,” is a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo on its southern bank, southwest of Shigatse. Its surrounding pastures support yaks and Tibetan sheep, and the river contains species such as the Gymnocypris fish.
• Donggataqu (Dongga River), meaning “White-Faced Cut-Off River,” is a northern tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo, located north of Shigatse. The riverbanks feature high-quality pastures where yaks, dzo, sheep, and goats are herded.
• Yeruzangbu (Yeruzangbo or Yarluzangboqu), meaning “Right-Wing River,” is a major tributary of the Pengqu River in Dinggye County, south of the county seat. The river basin includes natural pastures and farmland where yaks, dzo, and Tibetan sheep graze, and crops such as barley, wheat, buckwheat, corn, and millet are cultivated. The river is home to fish species such as Triplophysa and Gymnocypris.

Nianchu River,

meaning “Tasting Water,” has a legendary connection to Guru Padmasambhava, who is said to have placed a sacred nectar-filled treasure vase in the Ningjingangsang Snow Mountain. Since then, nectar water has continuously flowed from the snow-capped peaks, allowing people to taste its divine essence. This river is also known as Niangqu, Nianqu, Nianpu, Nianquhe, or Yangquhe. Located east of Shigatse, the Nianchu River originates from the northern slopes of the Himalayas and is a major tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo. It flows southeast to northwest, stretching 217 km with a drop of 1,190 meters and an average gradient of 6.1‰.

The drainage basin covers 11,954 square kilometers. South of Gyantse, the river valley is steep and narrow, cutting through granite cliffs. North of Gyantse, it flows through an alluvial plain, where the terrain is flat, the river widens, and the current slows over a gravelly riverbed. The Nianchu River basin is one of Tibet’s key agricultural regions, with natural pastures and farmland. Numerous cultural and natural sites are scattered along its course. The river is home to species such as Gymnocypris fish.

Pengqu River

Also known as Pengqu He, Pengqu, Penqu, or Pengchuzangbu Jiang, meaning “Vase River” or “Pure (Buddha) Water Vessel River.” Located in Dinggye County, southwest of the county seat, it originates from the Wild Bokan Gale Glacier on the northern slope of Mount Xishapagma, part of the Ganges River system. The river is 384 km long within Tibet, with a drainage area of 25,307 square kilometers, making it the sixth largest river in Tibet.

The river follows an east-west alignment, flowing through Nielamu County, passing by Dati Lake, Kalai, Menbu, and Menkadu, with a generally gentle slope. It enters the Gucuo Basin, where the valley widens and the river becomes winding with multiple branches. This region includes half of the towns in the Everest area, where agriculture and animal husbandry are well developed.

Upon reaching the Xiningzangbu Basin south of Jixiong, the river widens. The area is known for its distinct wind-sand landforms, including star-shaped dunes, ridge dunes, and clustered dunes, which are significant geographical features of Tibet.

At the confluence with Xiningzangbu, the river sharply turns south, forming a north-south section. The river passes through the Yuri Gorge and the Chentang Gorge, as well as the Zemen-Kadakwan Gorge. Due to its unique climate and steep terrain, this region has become the largest and most intact forest area in the Everest region. The river produces species such as the Gymnocypris fish.

Xiabqu River

Also known as Xiabu He or Xiaqu, meaning “The Lucky Flying River of Xiabu,” this river is located northeast of the county seat in Sakya County. It is a southern tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The basin is home to fertile farmland and natural pastures. The river contains fish species such as the Huayu and Moyu.

Narongtongqu River

The name Narong refers to the grass of “Na (Na) Zha,” and Rong means valley or plain. Tongqu refers to “Sea Snail River” and is also called Larongtongqu. Located northwest of the county seat in Gyantse County, it is a tributary of the Nianchu River. The riverbanks feature grasslands and farmlands, with yaks and Tibetan sheep grazed, and crops such as barley, wheat, and oilseed are cultivated. Fish species such as Huayu and Huangyu are found in the river.

Natangqu River

Also known as Nadang He, meaning “Nazhacao Sandbar River,” located southwest of the county seat in Dinggye County. The basin includes forest resources and farmland, with species such as long-styled magnolia and water-oak trees, and crops like barley, wheat, and soybeans. The river contains fish such as Huayu.

Nieruzangbu River

Also known as Nieruqu, meaning “Nearby Tribe River” or “Shortcut River,” located southeast of the county seat in Gyantse County. A tributary of the Nianchu River, its upper reaches feature natural pastures, while the middle and lower reaches have farmlands. Yaks, dzo, and Tibetan sheep are herded in the upper reaches, and barley, wheat, and peas are grown in the lower reaches. The river produces species such as the Schizothorax and Gymnocypris fish.

Chongqu River

Also known as Cuomuqiu, Chakeya Terumqu, Sakya Zangbu, or Sakya Chongqu, meaning “Badger River.” Located south of the county seat in Sakya County, it is a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo. The basin features fertile farmland and natural pastures, with crops like barley, wheat, and oilseed being cultivated, and animals such as dzo, yaks, cattle, and Tibetan sheep being herded. The river is home to species such as Moyu.

Duoxiong Zangbu River

Also known as Laka Zangbu, Reka Zangbu, or Rega Zangbu, meaning “Colorful Sandbank River,” it is located northeast of the county seat in Lazi County. The river originates from the northern slopes of Kailas Mountain, and is a major northern tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The river stretches 303 km, with a drop of 1,120 meters, an average gradient of 4.15‰, and a drainage area of 20,454 square kilometers. The river valley is wide and the banks are gentle, with marshes and sandy dunes along the banks. The basin is home to lush natural pastures and fertile farmlands. The river produces species such as Huangyu and Huayu fish.

江日曲 (Jiangri Qu):

Also known as “Jiangru River,” it means “Distant Peak River.” Located north of Kongma County, this river passes through natural pastures and agricultural lands. It supports yak and Tibetan sheep herding and grows barley and wheat. The river is home to the plateau naked carp fish.

冲巴涌曲 (Chongbayong Qu):

Also called “Chongbayongmu Qu,” it means “Chongba Jade River.” It originates from the Yenqu River and runs southwest of Kongma County. The river basin is fertile, supporting farming and excellent pastures, home to the naked carp and naked stomach fish.

甲军普曲 (Jiajunpu Qu):

Also known as “Jiajunpu River,” it is a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Located northeast of Lazi County, the river has good grazing lands, supporting yaks, cattle, and sheep. The river produces belly-split fish, heavy-lipped fish, and naked stomach fish.

康如普曲 (Kangru Pu Qu):

Also called “Kangru River,” it translates to “Kangru (Nearby) Creek River.” Situated to the north of Kongma County, it is a tributary of the Yenqu River. The region is known for its farmland and natural pastures, yielding naked stomach fish and belly-split fish.

卡达曲 (Kada Qu):

Also known as “Kada River” or “Kerta Qu,” meaning “Snow Valley Mouth River,” located in Dingri County. The river area contains forest resources, producing fish like the flower fish and yellow fish.

波曲 (Bo Qu):

Known as “Boza Guo Qu” in Nepali, meaning “Tibet River,” it flows through the Nielamu County to the south. The upper reaches are called “Mazhang Tsangbu.” The region supports pastures and agricultural lands, producing yellow fish and flower fish.

热曲藏布 (Reqi Tsangbu):

Also called “Reqi Tsangbu” or “Requ,” meaning “Amniotic Fluid River,” it flows southwest of Dingri County. This river basin supports pastures and fertile lands, where yaks and Tibetan sheep graze, and barley, wheat, and peas are cultivated.

科亚曲 (Keya Qu):

Also called “Jiaya Qu,” meaning “Good Region River,” located northeast of Nielamu County. It originates from the northern slopes of Mount Xixabangma and flows eastward into Mazhang Tsangbu. The river supports pastures and fertile fields and produces naked stomach fish.

麻章藏布 (Mazhang Tsangbu):

Also known as “Nielamu Pu Qu” or “Fu Qu,” it is a major river in Nielamu County, originating in the north and flowing south. It joins the Sun Kosi River in Nepal and eventually flows into the Indian Ocean. The river’s upper reaches are home to natural pastures, and the lower reaches contain rich agricultural lands and forests, producing naked stomach fish.

汝藏布 (Rucang Bu):

Also called “Ru River,” meaning “Collapsed Earth River” or “Landslide River,” it flows southwest from Jilong County and enters Nepal’s Budhi Gandaki River. The basin contains pastures and agricultural lands and is home to naked stomach fish.

吉龙曲 (Jilong Qu):

Also called “Jilong River,” meaning “Growth Valley River,” located north of Yadong County. This river area features natural pastures and supports yaks, cattle, sheep, and goats. It produces belly-split fish and naked stomach fish.

曼曲 (Man Qu):

Also known as “Menqu River,” meaning “Medicine River,” it is the source of the Pengqu River. Located northeast of Nielamu County, it flows through natural pastures and fertile fields, supporting yaks, cattle, and Tibetan sheep, and growing barley, wheat, peas, and rapeseed. The river produces naked stomach fish and naked carp.

These rivers hold ecological significance, providing both natural resources like pastures and farmland and serving as home to unique fish species in the region. They also shape the landscapes, supporting both local livelihoods and biodiversity.

唐嘎普曲 (Tangga Pu Qu):

Also known as “Tanggab Qu” or “Tanggab,” meaning “White Slope Creek River,” located northeast of Yadong County. The river basin supports natural pastures and farmland, with herds of yaks and Tibetan sheep, as well as barley, wheat, and pea cultivation. It is home to the flower-point fish, also known as “river salmon.”

吉隆藏布 (Jilong Tsangbu):

Also called “Jilong River,” meaning “Happiness Village River” or “Joy Village River,” located southeast of Jilong County. It originates from the central part of the county and flows southward into Nepal, where it is called the “Ter Suri River.” The upper region has good pastures for yaks, Tibetan sheep, and goats, while the lower reaches are rich in forest resources, including rare tree species like the Tibetan long-leaf pine and long-leaf spruce. The river produces belly-split fish and naked stomach fish.

库尔曲 (Kuer Qu):

Also known as “Ke’er Qu,” meaning “Tent River,” located north of Yadong County. The basin is home to natural pastures, supporting yaks, cattle, sheep, and goats.

卓木麻曲 (Zhuomu Ma Qu):

Also called “Chuo Mo Ma Qu” or previously “Yadong River,” meaning “Swirling Valley Main River.” Located south of Yadong County, it originates from the Himalayan range’s Bao Hanli Mountain. The upper reaches are known as “Kangbu Qu,” and after merging with Ma Qu, it becomes Zhuomu Ma Qu. It flows into India through Bhutan and is known as the “Brahmaputra River.” The river is famous for producing river salmon. The basin is rich in forest resources, and the steep banks and fast-flowing waters make it ecologically significant.

达多藏布 (Daduo Tsangbu):

Also known as “Dalo Tsangbu” or “Da Rao Tsangbu,” meaning “Hungry Horse River,” located northwest of Angren County. It flows northward and drains into Dangre Yongco, an endorheic lake. The river basin supports natural pastures and herds of yaks and Tibetan sheep, and it is home to naked stomach fish and naked carp.

达隆曲 (Dalong Qu):

Also called “Daga Nong Qu,” meaning “Tiger Village River,” located northwest of Angren County. The river is home to plateau naked carp fish. The region around the river has natural pastures, supporting yaks, oxen, cattle, sheep, and goats.

达那浦曲 (Danuo Pu Qu):

Also known as “Da Napu Qu” or “Danuo Dong Qu,” meaning “Black Horse Valley Creek River,” located northeast of Xietongmen County. It is a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The river basin has natural pastures for yaks and Tibetan sheep, and it produces naked stomach fish.

热嘎藏布 (Regga Tsangbu):

Also known as “Raga Tsangbu,” “Laka Tsangbu,” or “Reka Tsangbu,” meaning “Goat’s Mouth River,” located northwest of Angren County. It is the upper reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River’s Dazhuo Tsangbu tributary. The river produces naked stomach fish, and the area around it has grasslands.

拉阿曲 (La’a Qu):

Meaning “Frying Pan River,” located northwest of Xietongmen County. The river basin has good pastures for yaks, cattle, sheep, and goats. It is home to the naked stomach fish.

苦曲藏布 (Ku Qu Tsangbu):

Meaning “Boiling Water River,” named after the boiling-like spring in its upper reaches. Located northwest of Gangba County, the river basin has fertile farmland and good pastures for yaks and Tibetan sheep, with crops like barley and wheat grown here. It is also home to the naked stomach fish.

钦则曲 (Qin Ze Qu):

Also known as “Chen Zhe Qu,” meaning “Spade Tip River,” located north of Xietongmen County. This river is a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River’s northern bank. It produces naked stomach fish and striped chest herring. The region has good natural pastures supporting yaks and Tibetan sheep.

杜龙曲 (Dulong Qu):

Also known as “Xue Bu Rang Qu,” meaning “Confluence River,” located southwest of Gangba County. The river is home to belly-split fish, and its basin contains natural pastures for yaks, sheep, and goats.

达巴绒曲 (Dabaron Qu):

Also known as “Dawa Long Qu” or “Daba Cha Qu,” meaning “Mud Flat Valley River,” located east of Zongba County. It produces naked carp and naked stomach fish. The river basin has excellent natural pastures for yaks, oxen, and Tibetan sheep.

林普曲 (Lin Pu Qu):

Also called “Lin Bu Qu,” meaning “Island Valley River,” located southeast of Gangba County. It produces belly-split fish, and the river basin supports natural pastures for yaks and Tibetan sheep.

马攸木藏布 (Mayou Mu Tsangbu):

Also called “Mayou Tsangbu,” meaning “Respect Mother River,” located northwest of Zongba County. It is a tributary of the Maquan River. The river basin has natural pastures supporting yaks, Tibetan sheep, and goats, and it produces naked stomach fish.

拉曲藏布 (La Qu Tsangbu):

Also known as “Lalu Tsangbu,” meaning “Sacred Water River,” located northeast of Gangba County. The river produces naked stomach fish, and the basin has good farmland and pastures.

曼当嘎布曲 (Mandang Gab Qu):

Located northwest of Zongba County, meaning “White Mani Stone Pile River.” Also known as “Mandang Gade Bu Qu,” it is a tributary of the Maquan River. The region has natural pastures for yaks and Tibetan sheep.

毕多藏布 (Bidu Tsangbu):

Also known as “Budo Tsangbu” or “Budui Tsangbu,” meaning “Alkaline River,” located northwest of Zongba County. It originates from the northern slopes of the Gangdise Mountains and flows north into Taruo Co. The river produces naked stomach fish, and its banks are home to natural pastures for yaks, Tibetan sheep, and goats.

曲阿惹河 (Chu A Re He):

Also known as “Re A Qu He,” meaning “Roaring River,” located southwest of Zongba County. The river basin has natural pastures for yaks and Tibetan sheep.

柴曲 (Drai Qu):

Also known as “Ca Qu” or “Za Qu,” and sometimes called “Chai He,” meaning “Salt River” or “Alkaline River,” located northwest of Zongba County. It is a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The river basin has natural pastures for yaks, oxen, and Tibetan sheep, and it produces naked stomach fish.

荣居藏布 (Rong Ju Tsangpo):

Also known as “Rong Zu Tsangbu,” meaning “Valley River,” located northwest of Zongba County. The region has grasslands where yaks, Tibetan sheep, and goats graze. The river produces naked stomach fish.

雅鲁藏布江 (Yarlung Tsangpo River)

• Tibetan Name: “央恰布藏布” (Yangcha Bu Tsangbu), meaning “Water flowing down from the highest peak.”
• The Yarlung Tsangpo River is one of the longest rivers in Tibet, originating from the Jiemayangzong Glacier on the northern slopes of the Himalayas in Zhongba County. It flows through several regions in Tibet, including Lazi, Nyingchi, and Southeast Tibet, before crossing into India, where it is known as the Brahmaputra River.

Geographical Breakdown:

1. Upper Reach (Source to Lazi, 268 km):
   • Elevation drop: 1190 meters
   • Average slope: 4.4‰
   • Water catchment area: 26,570 sq km
   • Features a broad river valley with slow-flowing water and many curves.
2. Middle Reach (Lazi to Paicun, 1293 km):
   • Elevation drop: 1520 meters
   • Average slope: 1.2‰
   • Water catchment area: 163,951 sq km
   • The valley alternates between wide and narrow, with jagged mountain peaks lining the riverbanks.
3. Lower Reach (Paicun to Baxika, 496 km):
   • Elevation drop: 2725 meters
   • Average slope: 5.5‰
   • Water catchment area: 49,960 sq km
   • The river narrows, with winding, twisting water flows that create the famous Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon.

Key Characteristics:

• Total length in Tibet: 2057 km
• Drainage area: 240,480 sq km
• Average altitude: 4500 meters
• The Yarlung Tsangpo River is the second longest river in China, with a flow that supports rich biodiversity and vital resources for the surrounding communities.

Ecological and Cultural Importance:

• The river supports diverse fish species such as four-barred crocodile fish, skullfish, double-tusked heavy-lipped fish, and the naked stomach fish.
• The basin features rich pastureland, fertile agricultural fields, and abundant forest resources.
• The river is vital for Tibet’s pastoral economy, and its valley is home to numerous natural and cultural landmarks, including sacred Tibetan sites.

孜贵藏布 (Zigui Tsangbu)

• Meaning: “Respected River.”
• Location: Found in Saga County, located northwest of the county seat.
• This tributary produces naked stomach fish and has natural pastures that support livestock such as yaks, oxen, and Tibetan sheep.

查西藏布 (Chaxi Tsangbu)

• Meaning: “Intimidating River.”
• Location: Situated west of Saga County. This river is a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River.
• The river contains naked stomach fish and belly-split fish. Its banks have natural pastures supporting yaks, oxen, cattle, and Tibetan sheep.

加塔藏布 (Jiata Tsangbu)

• Alternate Names: “加达藏布” (Jiada Tsangbu), “扎塔克藏布” (Zhatake Tsangbu)
• Meaning: “Iron Chain River”
• Location: Northwest of Saga County.
• This is an upper tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The river banks are home to good grasslands that support livestock such as yaks, oxen, sheep, and goats.
• The river also contains belly-split fish (裂腹鱼).

如角藏布 (Rujiao Tsangbu)

• Alternate Name: “日脚藏布” (Rijiao Tsangbu)
• Meaning: “Curved Ditch River”
• Location: Northwest of Saga County.
• Another upper tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The river produces naked stomach fish (裸裂尻鱼).
• The banks are home to grasslands, where yaks, yellow cattle, and sheep are grazed.

沙曲藏布 (Shaqu Tsangbu)

• Alternate Name: “萨嘎河” (Saga River)
• Meaning: “Earth and Water River”
• Location: Northwest of Saga County.
• A tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. It contains naked stomach fish (裸裂尻鱼) and belly-split fish (裂腹鱼).
• The river basin has natural pastures supporting yaks and Tibetan sheep.

天曲 (Tianqu)

• Alternate Name: “谭就曲” (Tanjouqu)
• Meaning: “Disaster River” or “Evil River”
• Location: South of Bailang County.
• This river is a tributary of the Nianchu River. The banks are fertile with grasslands and fields for farming, where crops like barley, wheat, and peas are grown. Livestock such as yaks, oxen, yellow cattle, and Tibetan sheep are raised.
• The river has belly-split fish (裂腹鱼).

香曲 (Xiangqu)

• Alternate Names: “湘曲” (Xiangqu), “查曲” (Chaqu)
• Meaning: “Nose River”
• Location: South of Namling County.
• A tributary on the northern bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The river contains naked stomach fish (裸裂尻鱼). Along its banks, there are excellent pastures and farmland supporting yaks, oxen, yellow cattle, sheep, and goats, as well as crops like barley, wheat, peas, and canola.

帕当普曲 (Padang Puchu)

• Alternate Name: “帕当浦曲” (Padang Puchu)
• Meaning: “Middle Dam Creek River”
• Location: East of Rinbu County.
• This is a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River on its southern bank. The river contains belly-split fish (裂腹鱼) and the surrounding basin supports barley and wheat farming as well as grazing land for yaks, yellow cattle, Tibetan sheep, and goats.

These tributaries are essential to the agricultural and pastoral lifestyle of the region. The river systems support diverse wildlife and are crucial for both local farmers and herders, while also contributing to the ecological richness of the area.