Chang Chenmo River


Chang Chenmo River or Changchenmo River is a tributary of the Shyok River, which flows into the Indus River. The source of Chang Chenmo lies in the disputed region of Aksai Chin in the northwest corner of Rutog County in Tibet. Chang Chenmo means "Great Northern" in Tibetic languages.
The river's source is from a large glacier near Lanak La, from which the river flows westward. In Tibet, it is joined by Toglung Marpo, Kyapsang, and Silung Kongma. It crosses the Line of Actual Control from China to India at Kongka Pass, entering into the Ladakh region of India. In Ladakh, it is joined by Silung Burma, Silung Yogma, Kugrung River, Rimdi River, and numerous other streams before flowing into the Shyok River.

History

In the late 1800s, in order to facilitate trade between the Indian subcontinent and Tarim Basin, the British attempted to promote a caravan route via the Chang Chenmo Valley as an alternative to the difficult and tariffed Karakoram Pass. The Maharaja Ranbir Singh at the request of the British made improvements to the trails and facilities of the campsites in Chang Chenmo Valley. Unfortunately, in addition of being longer and higher elevation than the traditional route, this route also goes through the desolate desert of Aksai Chin. By 1890s, traders have mostly given up on this route. At the time, Chang Chenmo valley was also a popular hunting spot for British officers on leave.
Since the 1950s, the river is in the disputed territory between China and India. As such, it hosts numerous border outposts from both sides, such as Kongka Pass, Hot Springs, and Tsogstsalu. The region was also the site of numerous tensions in the past, such as the 1959 Kongka Pass incident.