"Khanpur Dam" Top 5 Page for this destination Islamabad Off The Beaten Path Tip by besal

Situated approx. 40 km from Islamabad in Khanpur, NWFP, the dam is nestled between mountains. It supplies water to the near by city such as Taxila, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Khanpur dam was completed in 1983 after 15-20 years of construction. Maximum height of the dam is approx. 170 ft.

Khanpur is a nice get away and picnic spot from Islamabad, where one can enjoy boating/water sports, swimming, and for those into it, paragliding from the surrounding mountains.

Boating costs around Rs. 600 for full round (takes approx 45 min), to Rs. 400 for half-an hour. But do negotiate with the boatmen. Depending on rush, they will charge less. Swimming is free, but be careful of wandering buffaloes (see picture).

One can reach Khanpur via Taxila. Take the Taxila road and it will take you straight to Khanpur Dam.

Note: During various seasons, you can also buy different seasonal, especially oranges and “leechy” (do not know the English name for this fruit). There are numerous fruit sellers on both side of Taxila-Khanpur road, surrouned by farms and orchids as yoou drive towards Khapnur.