Water Irrigated From Above. Water From Everest

By jollyhimalaya 2025-08-15

- jollyhimalaya

The Everest region is not only home to the world’s highest peaks but also a network of rivers fed by glaciers, snowmelt, and mountain springs. These rivers carve deep valleys, sustain local life, and eventually join Nepal’s larger river systems.

Some Major Rivers:

1.Dudh Koshi River

The main river, the Dudh Koshi, begins near the Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier, west of Mount Everest. It flows south through Phortse, Namche Bazaar, and Monjo before meeting the Sun Koshi River at Harkapur. The river gets its name, meaning “Milk River,” from the milky-white color caused by suspended glacial silt.

Highlights:

Starting Point: Near Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier, west of Mount Everest.
Route: Flows through Phortse, Namche Bazaar, Monjo, and south toward Lukla.
Joining Point: Meets the Sun Koshi River at Harkapur, which later becomes part of the Koshi River system.
Special Note: Known as the “Milk River” for its milky-white water from glacial melt.

2. Bhote Koshi River (Thame River)

One of its major tributaries is the Bhote Koshi River, also known locally as the Thame River or Thame Khola. It originates near the Nangpa La pass on the Tibet border and flows through Thame Valley before joining the Dudh Koshi at Namche Bazaar. The name “Bhote Koshi” means “River from Tibet,” and it’s important to note that this is not the same Bhote Koshi river found in Sindhupalchok/Rasuwa, which is famous for rafting.

Highlights:

Starting Point: Near the Tibet border, north of Thame village, from glaciers in the Nangpa La area.
Route: Flows through Thame Valley to Namche Bazaar.
Joining Point: Joins the Dudh Koshi at Namche Bazaar.
Special Note: Locally called Thame Khola. The name “Bhote Koshi” means “River from Tibet.”

Important Clarification: This is not the same Bhote Koshi famous for rafting in Sindhupalchok/Rasuwa. That one flows into the Sun Koshi much farther west.

3. Imja Khola

The Imja Khola is another key tributary, originating from the Imja Glacier below Island Peak (Imja Tse) and the Amphu Laptsa Pass area. It flows through Dingboche and Pangboche, passing the Tengboche Monastery before meeting the Dudh Koshi near Phungithenga. This river carries a striking icy-blue color from glacial meltwater.

Highlights:

Starting Point: Imja Glacier below Island Peak (Imja Tse) and Amphu Laptsa Pass.
Route: Flows through Dingboche and Pangboche, past Tengboche Monastery.
Joining Point: Joins the Dudh Koshi near Phungithenga.

Special Note: Fed by both Lobuche Khola and Pangboche Khola before reaching Dudh Koshi.

4. Lobuche Khola

The Lobuche Khola starts at the Khumbu Glacier near Lobuche village. It flows down past Pheriche and merges with the Imja Khola near Orsho. Though shorter than other tributaries, it plays an important role in draining meltwater from the western and southern slopes of Mount Everest.

Highlights:

Starting Point: Khumbu Glacier near Lobuche village.
Route: Flows past Pheriche, merging with Imja Khola.
Joining Point: Meets Imja Khola near Orsho.

Special Note: Carries meltwater from Everest’s western and southern slopes.

Small Rivers along the trial:

⇒ Thado Koshi

Rises from Kusum Kanguru’s glacier.
Flows near Phakding and Thado Koshi village.
Joins the Dudh Koshi, carrying a powerful glacial current.

⇒ Chhuserma Khola (sometimes written Chuserma Khola).

Glaciers on the southern slopes of Lunag Ri and nearby peaks along the Tibet border.
Flows south past Chhuserma village.
Joins the Dudh Koshi between Toktok and Phakding.

Note: It’s a lesser-known tributary, but in monsoon and spring melt, it carries strong, milky glacial water.

⇒ Pangboche Khola

Begins from glaciers on the slopes of Ama Dablam.
Passes through Pangboche village.
Joins the Imja Khola below Pangboche, adding snow-fed flow.

⇒ Gokyo Khola - Gokyo Trek

Originates from the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal, west of Cho Oyu.
Flows past Gokyo village and drains the Gokyo Lakes before joining the Dudh Koshi near Phortse Thenga.
Known for clear, turquoise water in the upper stretches.

How They Connect

Most rivers in the Everest region are part of the Dudh Koshi watershed. Glaciers high in the Himalayas feed small streams, which merge into larger tributaries like Imja Khola, Lobuche Khola, and Gokyo Khola. These join the Dudh Koshi, which flows south into the Sun Koshi and finally into the mighty Koshi River before joining the Ganges in India.