Kuri Chhu
Encyclopedia
The Kuri Chhu, also known as the Lhobrak, is a major river of eastern Bhutan
, that has formed a scenic valley with high peaks and steep hills. Kuri Chhu is a tributary of the Manas River
system, which is the largest river of Bhutan and a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River
that drains most of eastern Bhutan.
of People's Republic of China
where it is known as the Lhobrak Chhu. It crosses into Bhutan at a relatively low altitude of 1200 metres, flowing in a southerly direction up to Nye and changes its course to south-easterly till it reaches Lhuentse Dzong
. Further downstream the Kuri Chhu flows in a south-westerly direction and joins the Manas River
.
peaks of over 7000 metres (22,965.9 ft), in the north, on the borders with Tibet. Eastern Bhutan lies across the Donga range running north-south across the country and is crossed by the 3780 metres (12,401.6 ft) high Thrumshingla pass. From this high pass the terrain drops precipitously to the low valleys of the Kuri Chhu.
On a clear day, one can see Gangkhar Puensum
, Bhutan’s highest peak, from Thrumshingla pass. After crossing the pass, for a drive to Sengor the road descends about 700 metres (2,296.6 ft) in 22 kilometres (13.7 mi). After Sengor the road begins its descent into the Kuri Chhu valley. Numerous waterfalls and streams slide down the sharp cliffs and leap on to the road. In some places the road is critically cut into the side of the vertical cliff. Finally the road leaves Thrumshingla National Park
area and emerges into the upper part of the large valley of the Kuri Chhu, lush with bamboos and ferns. The area is also good for bird watching. The winding road gradually descends through corn fields, rice terraces and tropical fruit plants begin to appear. At Zuri Zampa (bridge) it gets to the lowest point at 570 metres (1,870.1 ft), after a marked descent of about 3500 metres (11,482.9 ft) from Thrumshingla Pass
and rafting
. Even within these limitations Bhutan is an attractive destination for the recreational kayaker with incredible rivers that are both challenging and are amongst some of the most beautiful in the world. The Kuri Chhu offers three runs – the 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) stretch upper run and the 20 kilometres (12.4 mi) stretch middle run are suitable only for kayaking, but the 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) stretch lower run is suitable for both rafting and kayaking.
potential is estimated at around 30,000 MW but harnessed capacity is only 460 MW, which includes the 60 MW run-of-the-river type project commissioned in 2001 on Kuri Chhu in Mongar District
. Bhutan and India formed Kurichu Project Authority in 1994 to develop a power plant on the Kuri Chhu. A 55 metres (180.4 ft) straight gravity concrete dam was built with a surface power house operating at average net head of 32 metres (105 ft).
. The entire weaving process for complete kira takes between six months to one year to complete. The Bhutanese prize these textiles so highly that they are considered part of a family's wealth and are used as currency.
Bhutan
Bhutan , officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked state in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People's Republic of China...
, that has formed a scenic valley with high peaks and steep hills. Kuri Chhu is a tributary of the Manas River
Manas River
The Manas River is a transboundary river in the Himalayan foothills between southern Bhutan and India.It is named after Manasa, the serpent god in Hindu mythology.It is the largest river system of Bhutan, among its four major river systems; the other three are Amo Chu or Torsa, Wong Chu or Raidak,...
system, which is the largest river of Bhutan and a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River
Brahmaputra River
The Brahmaputra , also called Tsangpo-Brahmaputra, is a trans-boundary river and one of the major rivers of Asia. It is the only Indian river that is attributed the masculine gender and thus referred to as a in Indo-Aryan languages and languages with Indo-Aryan influence...
that drains most of eastern Bhutan.
Course
The Kuri Chhu originates from the Kula Kangri Glacier in the Tibet Autonomous RegionTibet Autonomous Region
The Tibet Autonomous Region , Tibet or Xizang for short, also called the Xizang Autonomous Region is a province-level autonomous region of the People's Republic of China , created in 1965....
of People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
where it is known as the Lhobrak Chhu. It crosses into Bhutan at a relatively low altitude of 1200 metres, flowing in a southerly direction up to Nye and changes its course to south-easterly till it reaches Lhuentse Dzong
Lhuentse Dzong
Lhuentse Dzong is a dzong and Buddhist monastery in Lhuentse District in eastern Bhutan. It lies on the eastern side of the Kuri Chhu river and is perched on a spur at the end of a narrow valley....
. Further downstream the Kuri Chhu flows in a south-westerly direction and joins the Manas River
Manas River
The Manas River is a transboundary river in the Himalayan foothills between southern Bhutan and India.It is named after Manasa, the serpent god in Hindu mythology.It is the largest river system of Bhutan, among its four major river systems; the other three are Amo Chu or Torsa, Wong Chu or Raidak,...
.
Tributaries
The main tributaries of the Kuri Chhu are the Tangkhar Chhu, the Chuneygang Chhu, the Kilung Chhu, the Rong Chhu, the Nye and the Dungkhar Chhu.Topography
Geographically Bhutan forms a giant natural staircase. Starting from the plains of India, in the south, at an altitude of around 100 metres (328.1 ft), the elevation rises to the high HimalayanHimalayas
The Himalaya Range or Himalaya Mountains Sanskrit: Devanagari: हिमालय, literally "abode of snow"), usually called the Himalayas or Himalaya for short, is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau...
peaks of over 7000 metres (22,965.9 ft), in the north, on the borders with Tibet. Eastern Bhutan lies across the Donga range running north-south across the country and is crossed by the 3780 metres (12,401.6 ft) high Thrumshingla pass. From this high pass the terrain drops precipitously to the low valleys of the Kuri Chhu.
On a clear day, one can see Gangkhar Puensum
Gangkhar Puensum
Gangkhar Puensum is the highest mountain in Bhutan and a strong candidate for the highest unclimbed mountain in the world with an elevation of 7,570 metres and a prominence of over 2990 metres. It lies on the border with China...
, Bhutan’s highest peak, from Thrumshingla pass. After crossing the pass, for a drive to Sengor the road descends about 700 metres (2,296.6 ft) in 22 kilometres (13.7 mi). After Sengor the road begins its descent into the Kuri Chhu valley. Numerous waterfalls and streams slide down the sharp cliffs and leap on to the road. In some places the road is critically cut into the side of the vertical cliff. Finally the road leaves Thrumshingla National Park
Thrumshingla National Park
Thrumshingla National Park in central Bhutan covers just over across four districts, but primarily in Mongar. It is bisected by the Lateral Road, and contains the Thrumshing La pass.-Flora and fauna:...
area and emerges into the upper part of the large valley of the Kuri Chhu, lush with bamboos and ferns. The area is also good for bird watching. The winding road gradually descends through corn fields, rice terraces and tropical fruit plants begin to appear. At Zuri Zampa (bridge) it gets to the lowest point at 570 metres (1,870.1 ft), after a marked descent of about 3500 metres (11,482.9 ft) from Thrumshingla Pass
Water sports
Bhutan is emerging as a noted destination for white water sports, although tourism in the country is strictly regulated. The rivers in Bhutan generally rush down very steep slopes with great force and road access is limited. Therefore, only relatively short sections of the main rivers are suitable for kayakingKayaking
Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. Kayaking and canoeing are also known as paddling. Kayaking is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle...
and rafting
Rafting
Rafting or white water rafting is a challenging recreational outdoor activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this...
. Even within these limitations Bhutan is an attractive destination for the recreational kayaker with incredible rivers that are both challenging and are amongst some of the most beautiful in the world. The Kuri Chhu offers three runs – the 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) stretch upper run and the 20 kilometres (12.4 mi) stretch middle run are suitable only for kayaking, but the 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) stretch lower run is suitable for both rafting and kayaking.
Hydropower
Bhutan’s hydropowerHydropower
Hydropower, hydraulic power, hydrokinetic power or water power is power that is derived from the force or energy of falling water, which may be harnessed for useful purposes. Since ancient times, hydropower has been used for irrigation and the operation of various mechanical devices, such as...
potential is estimated at around 30,000 MW but harnessed capacity is only 460 MW, which includes the 60 MW run-of-the-river type project commissioned in 2001 on Kuri Chhu in Mongar District
Mongar District
Mongar District is one of the 20 dzongkhags comprising Bhutan. Mongar is the fastest-developing dzongkhag in eastern Bhutan. A regional hospital has been constructed and the region is bustling with many economic activities. Mongar is noted for its lemon grass, a plant that can be used to produce...
. Bhutan and India formed Kurichu Project Authority in 1994 to develop a power plant on the Kuri Chhu. A 55 metres (180.4 ft) straight gravity concrete dam was built with a surface power house operating at average net head of 32 metres (105 ft).
Weaving
Some of the villages of traditional 'kushitara' weavers, linked with the royal family of Bhutan, are found in the Kuri Chhu valley near MongarMongar
Mongar is a town and seat of Mongar District in Bhutan. As of 2005 it has a population of 3502....
. The entire weaving process for complete kira takes between six months to one year to complete. The Bhutanese prize these textiles so highly that they are considered part of a family's wealth and are used as currency.
See also
- Kurtoed ProvinceKurtoed ProvinceKurtoed Province was one of the nine historical Provinces of Bhutan.Kurtoed Province occupied lands in northeastern Bhutan. It was administered together with Kurmaed Province...
, the historical "Upper Kur" province - Kurmaed ProvinceKurmaed ProvinceKurmaed Province was one of the nine historical Provinces of Bhutan.Kurmaed Province occupied lands in southeastern Bhutan. It was administered jointly with Kurtoed Province...
, the historical "Lower Kur" province