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Top 10 Famous Rivers in Pakistan
By Mohsin Zaheer, Made In Pak. Last updated 4 November 2026.
Quick answer: the most famous rivers in Pakistan are the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, Kabul, Swat, Gilgit, Hub and Astore. The Indus is the longest at about 3,200 kilometres, and the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej are the Punjab rivers that feed the Indus plains.
Top 10 famous rivers in Pakistan
| River | Where it starts | Where it flows | Where it ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indus | Tibetan Plateau | Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh | Arabian Sea |
| Jhelum | Kashmir | Azad Kashmir and Punjab | Joins the Chenab |
| Chenab | Himachal Pradesh, India | Punjab | Joins the Sutlej to form the Panjnad |
| Ravi | Himachal Pradesh, India | Punjab, past Lahore | Joins the Chenab |
| Sutlej | Tibet | Punjab, near Bahawalpur | Joins the Chenab to form the Panjnad |
| Kabul | Afghanistan | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, past Peshawar | Joins the Indus near Attock |
| Swat | Hindu Kush mountains | Swat valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Joins the Kabul River |
| Gilgit | Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges | Gilgit Baltistan | Joins the Indus |
| Hub | Balochistan | Along the Sindh and Balochistan border near Karachi | Arabian Sea |
| Astore | Deosai Plateau | Astore valley, Gilgit Baltistan | Joins the Indus |
Pakistan’s river system includes dozens of smaller rivers and streams, and most of the country’s water comes from snow and glacier melt in the northern mountains and from the monsoon. The rivers supply irrigation for farmland, drinking water and hydroelectric power.
1. Indus River
The Indus is Pakistan’s longest river, at roughly 3,200 kilometres. It rises on the Tibetan Plateau near Lake Mansarovar, enters Pakistan through Gilgit Baltistan, and flows south through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh to the Arabian Sea. Tarbela Dam on the Indus is one of the largest earth filled dams in the world.
2. Jhelum River
The Jhelum rises in Kashmir, flows through Azad Kashmir and past the city of Jhelum, and joins the Chenab in Punjab. Mangla Dam, one of Pakistan’s major dams, is built on the Jhelum.
3. Chenab River
The Chenab rises in Himachal Pradesh in India and enters Punjab, where it is joined by the Jhelum and the Ravi. It then meets the Sutlej to form the Panjnad, which flows into the Indus.
4. Ravi River
The Ravi rises in the Himalayas in India and flows through Punjab past the city of Lahore before joining the Chenab.
5. Sutlej River
The Sutlej rises in Tibet, enters Pakistan in Punjab and flows past Bahawalpur. It joins the Chenab to form the Panjnad.
6. Kabul River
The Kabul River rises in Afghanistan and flows east into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, passing Peshawar before it joins the Indus near Attock. It is one of the most important rivers in the north west.
7. Swat River
The Swat River flows through the beautiful Swat valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and joins the Kabul River. The valley is known for its green landscape, tourism and carved wood traditions.
8. Gilgit River
The Gilgit River flows through Gilgit Baltistan and joins the Indus. The Hunza River meets it near the city of Gilgit.
9. Hub River
The Hub River forms part of the border between Sindh and Balochistan and flows towards the Arabian Sea near Karachi. Hub Dam on the river is an important water source for Karachi.
10. Astore River
The Astore River drains the Deosai Plateau and flows through the Astore valley before joining the Indus. The Rupal River, which comes from the glaciers beneath Nanga Parbat, is one of its main tributaries.
Explore more of Pakistan
Pakistan’s landscapes shape its crafts and culture. Read our guides to the deserts of Pakistan and the culture of each province, or browse handmade Pakistani pottery and crafts in our shop.
Frequently asked questions
What is the longest river in Pakistan?
The Indus is the longest river in Pakistan, at roughly 3,200 kilometres. It flows from the north of the country to the Arabian Sea in the south.
Which river flows through Lahore?
The Ravi River flows past Lahore.
What are the five rivers of Punjab?
Punjab means five waters. The name refers to the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, although the Beas now joins the Sutlej in India, so only four of these flow through Pakistan.
Which rivers have large dams in Pakistan?
Tarbela Dam is on the Indus and Mangla Dam is on the Jhelum. Both provide water storage and hydroelectric power.
Where does the Indus River end?
The Indus flows into the Arabian Sea near Karachi, after crossing Sindh and forming a delta.