Rivers in Nepal and its types

Rivers of Nepal

Nepal is the second largest country in water resources (after Brazil) in the world. Including large and small water source there are about 6000 rivers and rivulets in Nepal. There are about 100 rivers having length more than 11km. About 3.9% of total land of Nepal is covered by rivers and rivulets.

The total length of rivers of Nepal is about 45000km and their water holding capacity is 2Lakh 2 thousand million quintal. About 83000MW hydroelectricity can be produced and irrigation is possible for 80, 00,000 hector of land. But from economics and technical view it is estimated that 42000MW electricity can be produced.

On the basis of sources of rivers and duration of water there are three types of rivers in Nepal:

• First Grade Rivers


• Second Grade Rivers


• Third Grade Rivers

First Grade Rivers

These types of rivers are permanent and year round. Their points of origin are snow clad, high mountains. The Koshi, the Gandaki and the Karnali are first grade rivers.

Koshi is the biggest river in Nepal. It drains the middle part of Nepal from Langtang Himal to Dhawalagiri.

Gandaki is the middle part of Nepal from Langtang Himal to Dhawaligiri.

Karnali is the biggest and permanent river in western side of Nepal. It irrigates land from Dhaulagiri Himal to Api. It is the longest river of Nepal.

 Second Grade Rivers

The rivers that have the origin in Mahabharat range are second grade rivers they swell in rainy season and shrink in summer season. Bagmati, Tinau, Eastern Rapti, Kankai Banaganga etc. are some examples of Second Grade Rivers.

Third Grade Rivers

These types of rivers are lower part of Mahabharat hill and Chure hill. These rivers swell in rainy season with flood and become dry from winter. Only riverbank remains in winter and summer season. These are not suitable for irrigation and elecrtricity. Danduwa, Ratuwa, Danda, Barkha, Mohana, Tilove, Manusmara, Chisang, etc. are some examples of Third Grade Rivers.