Shyok Valley widens at the confluence with the Nubra River but suddenly turns into a narrow gorge near Yagulung (34°46′N 77°08′E / 34.77°N 77.14°E / 34.77; 77.14), continuing through Bogdang, Turtuk[4] and Tyakshi before crossing into Baltistan.

The name Shyok (or Shayog) is derived from Tibetan ཤག་མ (shag) 'gravel' + གཡོག་ (gyog) 'to spread' and therefore means 'gravel spreader', referring to the large quantities of gravel that the river deposits when it floods.

Khardung La on the Ladakh Range lies north of Leh and is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys.

The Chang Chen Mo River is formed in the vicinity of Pamzal in Changchinmo plains of Ladakh and flows westward.

Another branch starts from the western Siachen glaciers and flows to the west to join it at Dumsum village.