The river has numerous tributaries forming valleys on both sides. These include the Chapa Dara, Waygal, Korangal Valley (site of the film Restrepo), Watapur, and Sharyak valleys.
Culture
In the Pech Valley, Pashto as well as the Askunu language is spoken. The Safi tribe of Pashtuns is the majority population in the Pech Valley.
The river's largest settlement is Nangalam, at the confluence of the Waygal River with the Pech River.
Military history
There were a series of U.S. military bases along the Pech River Valley in Kunar Province, including COP Honaker-Miracle, COP Able Main, COP Michigan, and the largest − FOB Blessing. Most were closed after 2011. In 2011 former FOB Blessing was abandoned by the Afghan National Army (ANA), and the 25th Infantry Division returned to reestablish the area of influence. The new name was COP Nangalam, with a majority of control in the hands of the ANA. In late 2012 with the ANA in control of and the establishment of ANA Fire bases in and along the area that COP Michigan was the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team. U.S. President Barack Obama then pulled the American forces from the valley again, ceding it to the Taliban due to the questionable ability and loyalty of the ANA.
The 2012 book Siren's Song: The Allure of War, by Antonio Salinas, depicts the experience of an American platoon operating in the Pech River Valley.
The 2016 book Hammerhead Six: How Green Berets Waged an Unconventional War Against the Taliban to Win in Afghanistan's Deadly Pech Valley, by Ronald Fry with Tad Tuleja, depicts the experience of an American Special Forces.
