The Kuri Chhu originates from the Kula Kangri Glacier in the Tibet Autonomous Region of People's Republic of China where it is known as the Lhozhag Nub Qu (Tibetan: lho brag nub chu, Roman Dzongkha: Lhobrak Chhu) and Xung Qu (Tibetan: gzhung chu), and another origin is the Lhozhag Xar Qu (Tibetan: lho brag shar chu) a.k.a. Damxoi Xung Qu (tib. gtam zhol gzhung chu) originates between the Xoijin Qênri and the Tar Lhari. It crosses into Bhutan at a relatively low elevation of , flowing in a southerly direction up to Nye and changes its course to south-easterly until it reaches Lhuentse Dzong. Further downstream the Kuri Chhu flows in a south-westerly direction and joins the Manas River.