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Khanpur Dam
National Tourism Portal

AttractionType

Lake

National Tourism Portal

District

Haripur

City

Khanpur

National Tourism Portal

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KPK -> Haripur -> Khanpur

08:00 - 16:00


April, August, July, June, March, May, November, October, September
   Photo Credit:
    Zeeshan Shahzad

Attraction Type

Lake

Description

Khanpur Dam, a 51-meter-high reservoir on the Haro River in Haripur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lies 40-50 km from Islamabad. Completed in 1983 after 15 years it forms Khanpur Lake, supplying drinking water to Islamabad and Rawalpindi and irrigating local agriculture. Its blue-green waters, framed by Pothohar Plateau mountains, make it a top tourist spot, hosting water sports like jet skiing and paragliding, the annual Khanpur Dam Festival, and historical sites like Rajgan Mosque. Despite limited facilities, littering concerns, and no swimming, its vibrant activities and scenic beauty draw thousands weekly during peak seasons.

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What To Do

  • Boating (paddleboats or motorboats)
  • Jet skiing and kayaking
  • Parasailing and paragliding
  • Cliff diving (10-25 ft, depending on water level, advance booking)
  • Fishing for catfish and trout (bring own gear)
  • Camping with bonfires (bring own tent or book resorts)
  • Hiking or rock climbing in surrounding hills
  • Visiting Rajgan Mosque (1872) via boat to the lake’s far side
  • Picnicking by the lake with Pothohar mountain views
  • Attending the annual Khanpur Dam Festival (spring, 3 days)

What To Buy

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What is Around

  • Blue-green Khanpur Lake with a central island (accessible by boat)
  • Pothohar Plateau mountains and lush greenery
  • Rajgan Mosque (1872), a historic site with minarets and domes
  • Rocky cliffs (10-25 ft) for diving and climbing
  • No restrooms, lifeguards, or reliable food vendors
  • Small villages like Mang and Khanpur along the lake
  • Buddhist archaeological sites (e.g., Bhamala Stupa, 2nd-5th century AD)
  • Lakeside resorts with basic amenities for day use or overnight
  • Water sports hubs with jet skis, kayaks, and paragliding gear
  • Annual Khanpur Dam Festival with cultural stalls and performances

Nearby Tourist

  • Bhamala Stupa (10 km): A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Buddhist relics.
  • Taxila Ruins & Museum (15 km): A UNESCO World Heritage Site & Museum with Gandhara civilization remains.
  • Budha Caves (15 km): Shah Allah Ditta Caves are ancient Buddhist caves in Islamabad's Margalla Hills.
  • Margalla Hills (48 km from main entrance): Ideal for trekking, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives.
  • Faisal Mosque (47 km): Pakistan’s largest mosque with modern architecture.
  • Jaulian Monastery (11 km): An ancient Buddhist university with well-preserved stupas.
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Best Season to visit

April
August
July
June
March
May
November
October
September

Spring (March - May)

  • Spring offers mild temperatures (15-25°C), ideal for water sports, hiking, and the Khanpur Dam Festival (3 days, cultural shows). Clear skies and lush greenery enhance views. Moderate crowds; weekends are busier. Highly recommended for vibrant activities.

Summer (June - August)

  • Summer brings hot weather (25-40°C), perfect for water sports to beat the heat. Monsoon rains (July-August) increase water levels, making cliff diving riskier. Crowds peak; book activities early. Recommended for water fun but avoid during heavy rain.

Autumn (September - November)

  • Autumn provides cool temperatures (15-25°C) and clear skies, ideal for boating, paragliding, and picnics. Low crowds and stable weather make it serene. Highly recommended for a relaxed visit.

Winter (December - February)

  • Winter is chilly (5-15°C), with cold water unsuitable for sports. Clear days suit picnics and hikes; try Khanpur’s Red Blood Oranges (January-February). Low crowds but limited shade. Suitable for short visits.
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How to Reach


  • By Air: Fly into Islamabad International Airport (ISB), 52 km from Khanpur Dam. Hire a taxi or use ride-hailing apps (e.g., Indrive, Yango) via Taxila-Haripur Road (N-125) or Grand Trunk Road (N-5) to Khanpur village (1-1.5 hours). Use “Khanpur Dam, Haripur” as the destination. secure vehicles due to limited spaces.
  • By Road from Major Cities:
    • From Islamabad: Take N-125 via Taxila or N-5 to Khanpur (50 km, 1-1.5 hours) from zero point.
    • From Lahore: Follow M-2 to Islamabad, then N-125 to Khanpur (426 km, 5-6 hours).
    • From Peshawar: Use M-1 to Islamabad, then N-125 (329 km, 3-4 hours).
  • By Train: Travel to Haripur Railway Station (25 km from Khanpur Dam) via trains like the Hazara Express from Lahore or Karachi. From Haripur, hire a taxi to Khanpur Dam via Haripur Road (38 minutes). Use “Khanpur Dam, Haripur” as the destination. Trains are limited; check schedules.
  • By Public Transport: From Rawalpindi’s Pirwadhai Bus Terminal, take a van or bus to Taxila Bypass and then take van or taxi to Khanpur (50 minutes, total). Carry cash and arrive by 10:00 AM for water sports.
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Where to Eat / Stay

Where to Eat:

  • Bring your own food and water for picnics or barbecues, as food options are limited to low-quality pakoras, fish, or fries at lakeside stalls. Nearby Haripur (28 km) offers local dishes like chappal kebab and biryani. Islamabad (40-50 km) provides diverse dining. Pack snacks like nuts or paratha and extra water, as vendors are unreliable.

Where to Stay:

  • No on-site lodging; lakeside resorts and guest houses offer basic stays with lake views, bookable in advance. Haripur (28 km) and Islamabad (40-50 km) provide budget and luxury options. For bookings, explore luxury, budget hotels, and guest houses through the booking section of the National Tourism Portal.
National Tourism Portal

Emergency Contact Numbers


  • Hospitals:
    • THQ Hospital Taxila: (15 km away)
    • PIMS Hospital Islamabad: (48 km away)
  • Ambulances:
    • Edhi Ambulance Service: 115
    • Rescue 1122: 1122 (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Emergency Service)
  • Police Station:
    • Khanpur Police Station: (2 km away)
    • Emergency Police Helpline: 15

Note: Verify contact numbers before visiting, as they may change.

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Location on Google Map

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Contact Info

Sir Syed Avenue, H-13, Islamabad, Pakistan.

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