Doda River

The Doda River is also called as the Stod River and is one of the major rivers forming Stod Valley in Zanskar Valley of Ladakh region, within Jammu and Kashmir. The Doda River originates as one of the two main parts or branches of the Zanskar River. The source of the Doda River is Drang-Drung glacier which is located near Pensi La at 14,450 feet or 4,400 meters, Pensi La being a critically important mountain pass located off the Zanskar-Kargil road. The Doda courses into the Padum valley and is eventually joined with Tsarap River, resulting in the larger Zanskar River. The Doda has a length of 79 kilometers or 49 meters. The Drang-Drung glacier from which it emerges is the second largest glacier, after the Siachen Glacier. This glacier gives rise to a peak aptly named the Doda Peak having a height of 21,490 feet or 6,550 meters. The Doda district is located on the back side of the glacier. The Pensi La mountain pass, wherein the Doda River originates, receives heavy snowfall and is only accessible during the summer months. The Doda River freezes during the winter and the Stod Valley is entirely cut off from the rest of the country in this season. The source of the river in Pensi La is located approximately 350 kilometers east from Srinagar, which is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Doda River is particularly known as a hot spot for adventure activities. Several rafting events are held through the entire length of Doda and Zanskar rivers. During the winter season it is possible for tourists to walk on the frozen river bed. The Doda River contributes to the limited agricultural production that takes place in Zanskar valley. Doda River acts as a source of irrigation for the buckwheat, peas, wheat and barley fields in the area.  This river flows past the famous Karsha Monastery, which is another popular tourist attraction.

Course

The Doda River first originates from the Drang-Drung glacier and then flows south-east along the Kargil-Zanskar road within the Zanskar valley. The river then passes through towns of Abran, Akshu, Kushol as well as Phey. The Tsarap River also known as the Lungnak River is the other branch that combines with Doda River to form the main Zanskar River. The Tsarap or Lungnak River courses in a north-westward direction through a narrow gorge and then unites with the Doda River to form the main Zanskar River. This confluence of Tsarap and Doda occurs at Padum, which is the capital of Zanskar town. The Zanskar River in itself is a tributary of the main Indus River.

Tributaries

The Doda River does not have any tributaries and it is in fact main tributary of the Zanskar river. The Doda or Stod River originates from melted waters of the Drang-Drung glacier under the Pensi-la. It flows through the open valley before joining the Lungnak or Tsarap. The waters of Doda and Tsarap eventually flow together as Zanskar to join the Indus River in Nyemo within Central Ladakh.

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