Groundwater plays a crucial role as a freshwater source in the Himalayas, supporting the social and economic development of the region. However, the major Himalayan basins are facing severe threats from depletion and contamination of their groundwater resources, attributed to the combined impacts of global climatic variations and human activities. To tackle this critical issue, a comprehensive study was undertaken in the Pohru catchment area, employing a multi-influence factor (MIF) approach and remote sensing techniques to assess potential groundwater zones. This study’s thematic layers were meticulously compiled within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, integrating diverse satellite datasets and field observations. The study’s results unveiled that ~ 75% of the catchment area demonstrates moderate to good groundwater potential, while the remaining 25% is classified as having less potential. Notably, downstream regions of the basin, characterized by gentler slopes and unconsolidated sediments, were identified as significantly promising for shallow groundwater aquifers. The study underscores the significant roles played by geology, geomorphology, and lineaments in determining the occurrence and distribution of groundwater. These findings contribute to an improved understanding of groundwater availability and distribution and serve as a valuable resource for local and regional water management authorities. The insights gained from this research have the potential to aid in the sustainable management of groundwater resources, thereby ensuring the preservation of water quality standards throughout the Himalayan region.