| Kuri Chhu | |
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Kuri Chhu (centre) |
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| Basin countries | Bhutan |
| River system | Manas River, Brahmaputra River |
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.[1]
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The Kuri Chhu originates from the Kula Kangri Glacier in the Tibet Autonomous Region of People's Republic of China where it is known as the Lhobrak Chhu.[2][3] It crosses into Bhutan at a relatively low altitude of 1200 metres,[3] 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.[4]
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.[4]
Geographically Bhutan forms a giant natural staircase. Starting from the plains of India, in the south, at an altitude of around 100 metres (330 ft), the elevation rises to the high Himalayan peaks of over 7,000 metres (23,000 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 3,780 metres (12,400 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 (2,300 ft) in 22 kilometres (14 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 ft), after a marked descent of about 3,500 metres (11,500 ft) from Thrumshingla Pass[5]
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 kayaking 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 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.[6]
Bhutan’s hydropower 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.[7][8] Bhutan and India formed Kurichu Project Authority in 1994 to develop a power plant on the Kuri Chhu. A 55 metres (180 ft) straight gravity concrete dam was built with a surface power house operating at average net head of 32 metres (105 ft).[9]
Some of the villages of traditional 'kushitara' weavers, linked with the royal family of Bhutan, are found in the Kuri Chhu valley near Mongar. 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.[10][11]
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