The existence of powerful glacial nodes, large areas occupied by snowfields, and groundwater outflows in the Tien Shan and Alai mountains leads to the formation of a dense and branched hydrographic network. All major rivers of Kyrgyzstan originate high in the mountains near glaciers and snowfields. The water flow of the rivers is related to the absolute basins, their degree of glaciation, and the area of snowfields that feed the rivers. In the lower reaches, due to intense evaporation and filtration, the water flow of the rivers decreases.
Kyrgyzstan is divided into two hydrological regions: the area of runoff formation - the mountainous zone, and the area of runoff dispersion - the foothill and plain areas. In the area of runoff dispersion, there is also a so-called zone of groundwater discharge, where many rivers receive additional nourishment. Here, streams and brooks of groundwater often form, which are called "kara-su" due to the clarity of their water.
The rivers of Kyrgyzstan belong to the basins of the Aral Sea (76.5% of Kyrgyzstan's area), Tarim (12.4%), Issyk-Kul (10.8%), and Balkhash (0.3%). The rivers of the republic possess enormous potential energy. The reserves of channel energy of all rivers amount to 105 billion kWh or 18.9 million kW of power.
The rivers of Kyrgyzstan are mainly fed by meltwater from snow and glaciers. The boundary of eternal snows, that is, the line above which they accumulate and form, is located at altitudes of 3600-4600 meters depending on the orientation of the slopes of the ridges. In the western Caucasus, it is on average at an altitude of 2800 meters, while in Altai it is 2400-3500 meters. The higher elevation of the snow line here is explained not only by the southern location of the republic but also by the dryness of its climate. The snow line is lowest on the Fergana and Kyrgyz ridges. To the southeast, it rises significantly, as the amount of precipitation decreases in that direction.
According to the runoff regime, the rivers of Kyrgyzstan belong to the Tien Shan and Altai types. Rivers of the first type are mainly fed by meltwater from snowfields and glaciers in the high mountains. Their water flow increases in summer during the intense melting period, reaching a maximum in July and August. Rivers of the Altai type are predominantly fed by meltwater from seasonal snows in the mid-mountains. Their water flow increases in spring, and since the snow melts at different altitudes not simultaneously, the flood period is extended. In summer, the flow in these rivers decreases.
Since most rivers originate from snow and glaciers, the water temperature in them is low. However, in winter, the rivers do not freeze due to their turbulent flow. Only ice covers and frazil ice form on many rivers. Frazil ice is often referred to as a scourge for hydroelectric power stations because it clogs channels and grids, hindering water flow to the turbines.
The water in rivers originating in high mountains and flowing among hard, erosion-resistant rocks is clean and transparent. In summer, it takes on a whitish-gray hue from the sediments carried from the glaciers. Rivers flowing among loose, easily eroded rocks become muddy during snowmelt or heavy rains, and the water acquires a reddish-brick or dirty-coffee hue.
Major tributaries of the Naryn: On-Archa, Kazyryty, At-Bashy, Chychkan, Uzun-Akmat, Alabuga, Kyok-Irim
Tributaries of Tyup: Ken-Suu, Chon-Tash, Taldy-Suu
Tributaries of Jyrgalan: Turgene-Ak-Suu, Ak-Suu
Karakoil. Jeti-Oguz, Juu-Ku, Barskon, Chon-Ak-Suu
Tributaries of Sary-Jaz: Enilchek, Kainy, Koy-Kan, Zhaman-Suu, Kyuymo, Uch-Kol, Ak-Shyyrak
Tributaries of Uzyong-Kuush: Kichi-Uzyong-Kuush, Chon-Terek, Kichi-Terek
On the left, tributaries of Talas: Kalba, Beshtash, Urmaral, Kyuemyushtak, Kara-Buura. On the right, tributaries of Talas: Kenkol and Nyl'dy
Main tributaries of Kara-Darya: Kurshab - on the left; Yassy, Kugart, and Karaunkur - on the right
Ala-Archa has tributaries, the largest of which are: Ak-Say, Top-Karagay, Teke-Tör, Tuyuk-Suu, Adygine, Jindi-Suu.
Isfara. The largest tributaries: Kishimish, Temingen, Jiptyk.
Talas receives many tributaries, the most water-rich of which are: Urmaral, Kara-Buura, Kumushtak, Kalba, Besh-Tash.
Major tributaries of the Chong-Kemina River include Kashka-Suu, Ichki-Suu, Zhaniryq, Orto-Kainy.
