It originates in the Eastern Highlands Province and flows through the highlands of the Simbu Province, where it joins the Pio River, giving rise to the Purari.

[2] The Waghi River is also a major tributary, which rises in Jiwaka Province and flows through the expansive Waghi Valley.

Another tributary is the Chimbu River.

During the formation of the volcanoes of Soaru Range and Mount Karimui, the river's course was temporarily blocked, which caused the formation of a short-lived lake.

This Papua New Guinea–related geography article is a stub.