Trans-Himalayan river of southern Asia.
It is one of the world's longest rivers, with a length of 1,800 mi (2,900 km). Its annual flow of 272 billion cu yd (207 billion cu m) is twice that of the Nile . It rises in southwestern Tibet and flows northwest through valleys of the Himalayas . After crossing into the Kashmir region, it continues northwestward through the Indian-and Pakistani-administered areas and then turns south into Pakistan. Swelled by tributaries from the Punjab region, including the Jhelum , Chenab , Ravi , Beas , and Sutlej rivers, it widens and flows more slowly. It has supplied water for irrigation on the plains of Pakistan since early times.