Pakistan is home to Khanpur Dam, a spectacular water reservoir. Aside from holding water and aiding in agriculture, this dam also generates hydroelectric power and offers a location for some enjoyable leisure activities. Graana.com has outlined everything you need to know about Khanpur Dam below if you plan to visit there soon.
Overview of Khanpur Dam
Built over the Haro River, Khanpur Dam is one of the most spectacular dams in Pakistan. It is located near Khanpur in KPK, about 50 km from Islamabad on Taxila Haripur Road. The lake was built in 1953 with the construction of the 52-meter (170-foot) Khanpur Dam spillway, with up to 110,000 acre-feet of water in the area. The 40-foot-deep dam was built during Ayub Khan’s presidency.
The dam was built for irrigation, supplying drinking water to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. After recent developments, however, it has also become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. With stunning views of the mountains and the calm greenish-blue waters of Khanpur Lake, the place now offers many activities for tourists, including various types of water sports.
Construction of Khanpur Dam
The Khanpur Dam cost 1,385.1 million Pakistani Rupees to build and was finished in 1983 after a 15-year construction period. It is 51 metres tall and has a storage capacity of 79,980 acre-feet.
Location of Khanpur Dam
Khanpur Dam is regarded as one of the most beautiful sites in KPK. The majestic mountains of the Pothohar Plateau surround it. It takes about 1.5 hours by car to get to Khanpur Dam from Islamabad via the N-5 and N-125.
On the other hand, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach if you are coming from the M-1 (Islamabad-Peshawar) highway route. From Lahore, it takes about 5-6 hours to reach this popular tourist attraction.
Location of Khanpur Dam
The summer season (from June to October) is an ideal time to visit the dam. The cool water not only helps you beat the heat, but also allows you to enjoy some water sports and activities like fishing, boating, and cliff-diving.
Timings
You can visit Khanpur Dam at any time between 9:00 AM and 05:00 PM.
Things to Do at Khanpur Dam
The wide range of activities available here includes:
- Boating and Jet Skiing: Take a boat ride or rent a jet ski to explore the vast Khanpur reservoir. It’s a fantastic opportunity to have fun on the water while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
- Fishing: If you’re a fishing enthusiast, Khanpur Dam is an excellent spot for angling. Grab your fishing gear and try to catch various fish species in the reservoir.
- Picnicking: Plan a delightful picnic with friends and family along the banks of Khanpur Dam. The serene ambiance and picturesque views make it an ideal location for a relaxing day out.
- Hiking and Nature Walks: The area around Khanpur Dam offers beautiful hiking trails and nature walks. You can trek, explore the nearby hills, and take the breathtaking vistas.
- Camping: Spend a night under the stars by camping near the dam. Many camping spots are available, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and indulge in a memorable outdoor experience.
- Paragliding: If you’re an adventure seeker, try paragliding at Khanpur Dam. Soar through the sky, feel the thrill of flying, and witness the stunning landscape from a unique perspective.
- Photography: The scenic beauty of Khanpur Dam makes it a paradise for photographers. Capture the mesmerizing views, sunsets, and the reflection of the dam in your lens.
- Bird Watching: The reservoir attracts a variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Bring your binoculars and spot the colorful and diverse birdlife in the area.
Price of Water Sports Activities
Here is the price list of water sports activities you can enjoy at Khanpur Dam:
| # | Water Sports Activity | Price Per Head |
| 1 | Jet Ski (800 cc) | Rs. 1700 |
| 2 | Jet Ski (1800 cc) | Rs. 2000 |
| 3 | Cliff Diving (Small Boat) | Rs. 5500 |
| 4 | Cliff Diving (Big Boat) | Rs. 8500 |
| 5 | Banana Boat/Sofa Tube | Rs. 1700 |
| 6 | Parasailing | Rs. 3700 |
| 7 | Scuba Diving | Rs. 9000 |
| 8 | Paragliding (if 4 to 5 persons) | Rs. 6000 |
| 9 | Camping | Rs. 1500 |
| 10 | Parasailing, Sofa Tube, Jet Ski, Wake Tube | Rs. 7000 |
| 11 | Boating | Rs. 5000 |
Places Near Khanpur Dam
Most people prefer to take a day trip to Khanpur Dam. You can depart early in the morning and return by midnight. However, there are also many guesthouses and hotels nearby where people can stay overnight.
These offer many facilities and amenities, from well-furnished rooms to breakfast buffet.
Mabali Island
Mabali Island is one of the most popular travel destinations near Khanpur Dam. It offers various sports, including jet skiing, boating, fishing, ziplining, and wake tubing. There are a few eateries here where you can enjoy delicious dishes such as karahi, BBQ, and steak.
If you want to stay, there are plenty of options available. There are many types of rooms that you can book, which come with a complete set of toiletries, air conditioning, a TV, etc.
Room Charges Per Night
- Standard Room: Rs. 7500
- Deluxe Room: Rs. 9500
Contact Number: 0303-5958999
Address: Old Khanpur, East Road
Tomorrowland Country Club & Resort
This hotel is one of the top resorts near Khanpur Dam. Tomorrowland Country Club & Resort offers luxurious rooms, an outdoor sitting area, a spa, tasty food options, a rooftop BBQ area and a parking area.
For more information, you can contact them at the following details.
Contact Number: 033-11111051
Address: Khanpur Road
Gandhara Castle Resort
You can enjoy parasailing, diving, boating, archery, and much more at Gandhara Resort. The resort offers many dine-in options and comfortable rooms that are well-equipped to meet your needs. The famous Pakistani web series Mrs. and Mr. Shameem was also shot here, which is another reason it attracts many tourists.
You can contact them at the number or email below for more information.
Contact Number: 0344-3111112
Address: Old Khanpur, East Road
Orange Lake Resort
This resort is another ideal spot to stay, offering sports, food, and well-maintained rooms. You can also avail of their package, including breakfast, a visit to the Taxila Museum, and lunch at Monal Restaurant.
You can contact them at the number and email listed below for more information.
Contact Number: 0304-1171228
Address: Khanpur
Rajgan Mosque
There is also a historic mosque called Rajgan Mosque, locally known as ‘Rajon ki Masjid’. It was built by Rajasultan Jihandad Khan in 1872. The mosque is on the other side of the lake and can be reached by boat. With its beautifully-designed minarets and domes, it is worth a visit.
Travel Packages for Khanpur Dam
Many private tour operators in the country offer Khanpur Dam tour packages. These may include transportation facilities, meals, and the activities listed above.
The prices for these travel packages start at just PKR 3,500 for a full-day trip and vary depending on location and duration. It also depends on the season you choose to visit this popular tourist attraction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Khanpur Festival
Khanpur Dam Festival is an annual and high-profile three-day festival. It is one of the best festivals in Pakistan. Multiple activities are arranged on a large scale. The festival also hosts magic, folk dances, theatre, puppet, and cultural shows.
Many stalls also sell food, jewelry, traditional costumes, and artifacts, etc. This vibrant and colorful festival is visited by hundreds of people each year. If you want more guides on one-day trips in Islamabad, visit the Graana blog.
FAQs
Why is Khanpur Dam famous?
Khanpur Dam is famous for several reasons. Here are the main factors that contribute to its popularity:
Water Supply: Khanpur Dam is vital in providing water supply for domestic and agricultural purposes in the surrounding areas. It helps meet the water demands of nearby cities and supports irrigation of farming activities.
Hydroelectric Power Generation: The dam generates hydroelectric power, contributing to the region’s energy needs. The power generated helps reduce reliance on other energy sources and promotes sustainable development.
Scenic Beauty: The picturesque landscape surrounding Khanpur Dam attracts visitors and tourists. The serene reservoir, surrounded by hills and greenery, offers a peaceful and visually appealing environment.
Recreational Activities: Khanpur Dam offers a range of recreational activities for visitors. From boating, fishing, and jet skiing to camping, hiking, and paragliding, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and have a great time.
What is the current status of Khanpur Dam?
Regarding the current status of Khanpur Dam, as an AI language model, I don’t have access to real-time data. It’s best to consult official sources or local authorities for the most up-to-date information on the dam’s status, maintenance, and any other relevant details.
What are the paragliding charges in Khanpur dam?
As for paragliding charges at Khanpur Dam, the exact pricing may vary, and it’s advisable to check with local paragliding service providers or tour operators for the most accurate and current rates.
How far is Khanpur dam from Islamabad?
Khanpur Dam, Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. The distance may vary depending on the location within Islamabad and the route taken.
