The source of the river lies in the Machoi Glacier at an elevation of 4,800 m (15,700 ft), east of the Amarnath temple and south of the Zoji La.

It then flows mostly westwards along the NH 1D and is fed by many glacial streams on its way to Ganderbal town.

At Kichpora Preng it is fed by the Wangath river which flows down from the Gangabal Lake.

The extraction of sand/bajri by engagement of heavy machines is destroying the natural habitat of trout and other fish.

[10] Waste from the use of pesticides, DDT and insecticides by farmers kills many fish every day.

The most ecologically destructive method is using bleaching powder, procured from officials of the PHE department.