The river runs parallel to the northern borders of Nepal, Bhutan and India, between the Himalayas to the south and the Tibet Plateau to the north.

[1][2] The river valleys are the most populated areas of Tibet, putting pressure on wildlife.

The Yarlung Tsangpo runs west to east for 800 kilometres (500 mi) along the north slope of the Himalayas, but south of the Transhimalaya ranges of the Gangdise Shan and Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains.

Above 4,400 meters, vegetation grades into cold steppe species of feather grass (Stipa purpurea) and shrubs such as shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) and honeysuckles (Lonicera tibetica).

Above 5,000 meters, some areas of stable soil support species of Kobresia sedges, and cushion plants.