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How is the Tarim River formed?

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Map of Asia highlighting the location of the Takla Makan Desert in northwestern China, with the desert area shaded in orange. Surrounding regions, including parts of Europe, Africa, and the Pacific Ocean, are shown for geographic context. An inset in the top right corner provides a global view with the desert's location marked. — Takla Makan Desert The Takla Makan Desert is flanked by high mountain ranges: the Tien Shan to the north, the Kunlun Mountains to the south, and the Pamirs to the west.

The Tarim River is formed in the far west of the Tarim Basin by the confluence of the Kaxgar and Yarkand rivers. As it flows northeastward, it is joined downstream by the Aksu and Hotan rivers.1

The Yarkand River, which originates in the Karakoram Range, is considered the main source stream of the system, deriving its water primarily from melting snow and glaciers in the Karakoram and Kunlun Mountains. The Aksu River is the Tarim's most significant tributary, providing 70–80 percent of its total water volume and remaining the only tributary that flows year-round. Because the river traverses the Takla Makan Desert, it is characterized by active migration, where its beds and banks frequently shift, and it often lacks a clearly defined channel.21