It flows roughly southeastwards across the eastern limits of the upland, descending into the Central Yakutian Lowland.

Much of its wide floodplain is marshy and the river flows slowly, forming meanders in the plain.

Finally it joins the right bank of the Tyukyan 49 km (30 mi) from its mouth in the Vilyuy River.

[2] The main tributaries of the Chilli are the 72 kilometres (45 mi) long Ikee (Икээ) on the left and the 41 kilometres (25 mi) long Iireleekh (Иирэлээх) on the right.

The river is fed by snow and rain and its largest water flow is in May.