- It flows in the north-west direction from its source (Glaciers of Kailas Range – Kailash range in Tibet near Lake Manasarovar) till the Nanga Parbat Range.
- Dhar River joins it near Indo-China border.
- After entering J&K, it flows between the Ladakh and the Zaskar Ranges. It flows through the regions of Ladakh, Baltistan and Gilgit.
- It is joined by the Zaskar River at Leh.
- Near Skardu, it is joined by the Shyok at an elevation of about 2,700 m.
- Kabul river from Afghanistan joins Indus near Attock. Thereafter it flows through the Potwar plateau and crosses the Salt Range (South Eastern edge of Potwar Plateau).
- Just above Mithankot, the Indus receives from Panjnad (Panchnad), the accumulated waters of the five eastern tributaries—the Jhelum, the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas and the Sutlej.
- The river empties into the Arabian Sea south of Karachi after forming a huge delta.
