From the Khunjerab River to the Indus River

Fertile lands owe their richness to rivers. In mountainous regions, rivers roar with intensity, while in the plains they flow with remarkable calm. What follows is a tale that may add something new to the reader’s knowledge.

At the Khunjerab Pass lies the point from which the Khunjerab River begins. As one travels toward this high mountain pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, a small stream marks the origin of the Khunjerab River. Flowing from a magnificent glacier, its waters begin with melting snow. In winter, its flow diminishes; in summer, it swells. As this stream journeys onward, it gathers waters from various springs and other glaciers, eventually merging into the Hunza River and continuing its course under a new name.

The journey continues until it is welcomed by the grand Attabad Lake, formed as a result of a massive landslide. It feels as though the Hunza River—after rushing downhill and crashing against rocks with constant noise—finally finds a moment of peace here. Calling Attabad Lake merely a lake seems insufficient; it resembles a small sea. Today, alongside small boats, there are large vessels accommodating one to two hundred passengers—almost like small ships. A proper port has been established, and long tunnels have been carved along the sides for traffic, each with its own distinct atmosphere.

After this pause at Attabad Lake, the Hunza River resumes its journey. Along the way, Rakaposhi contributes the waters of its glacier through the Rakaposhi stream, strengthening the Hunza further. The river graciously accepts smaller streams and channels flowing in from the sides, carrying them along as it advances. Eventually, it reaches near Sultanabad, close to Gilgit.

Here, it meets another companion—the Gilgit River. As the boundaries of Gilgit district begin—and given Gilgit’s grandeur in history, culture, lifestyle, and its status as a provincial capital—the Hunza River symbolically bows in respect and merges into the Gilgit River. From this point onward, the journey continues under the name of the Gilgit River.

However, this name does not last long. After some distance comes a place of unique global significance—the junction of three mighty mountain ranges. At this remarkable point, the Gilgit River meets the legendary Indus River, known for nurturing ancient civilizations of the subcontinent with its culture and heritage. Following this confluence, the Gilgit River, in deference to the greater giant, surrenders its identity to the Indus.

Then the Indus River begins its long and majestic journey, irrigating vast regions including Punjab and Sindh, before ultimately merging into the Arabian Sea—immortalizing itself in its waters.

The next chapter of its story, perhaps, is for another time.