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What are the three defiles of the Irrawaddy River?
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Irrawaddy River
The Irrawaddy and Mekong river basins and their drainage networks.
Between Myitkyina and Mandalay, the Irrawaddy River flows through three distinct defiles, which are narrow gorges or passages:1
- First Defile: Located approximately 40 miles (65 km) downstream from Myitkyina.1
- Second Defile: Situated below Bhamo, where the river cuts through limestone rocks. This passage narrows to about 300 feet (90 metres) and is flanked by cliffs reaching 200 to 300 feet (60 to 90 metres) in height.1
- Third Defile: Located at Mogok, about 60 miles (100 km) north of Mandalay. The river exits this defile at Kyaukmyaung.1