Nestled on the Haro River near the city of Khanpur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and at a distance of more than 20 miles from Islamabad, the Khanpur Dam is a popular spot for teenagers, adults and families alike. It is not only home to water sports like jet skiing and cliff diving, but also caters to the water needs of twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It is also the source of irrigation water for industrial and agricultural hubs nearby.
If you’re planning to play some music on your way to the dam, prepare to be disappointed. The scenery is absolutely breath-taking and you will forget all those catchy tunes you wanted to sing along to. You will also catch a glimpse of one of the top Pakistani universities: the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Taxila. My, now that is a grand entrance!
As soon as your stomach starts rumbling, traditional dhabas with complete seating arrangements shall catch your eye. The fare may not look like much to a connoisseur, but hot pakoray with sweet tea can fully satiate one’s hunger. And if you’re a group of girls travelling without a male buddy, worry not – these dhabas also house families and other all-girl gangs.
As soon as you reach Khanpur Dam, you’ll be flooded by vendors who demand you entertain yourself by paying for their rides. If you love adventure in any shape or size, and are a bit of a daredevil as well, we highly recommend the cliff diving. What better way to risk your life and have fun, all at the same time?
If your wild spirit has still not been tamed, the next thing on your agenda should be the jet skiing. At 500 rupees per round, it’s a bargain, and you’ll regret it for days afterwards if you don’t avail it.
Also included in the package for the party animals out there are activities as diverse as rock climbing and air gun shooting, archery and paragliding. Gentler works of nature will not be left behind; there is plenty to do for these beings as well. Whether you like fishing or boat-riding, or simply lying on the ground, enjoying a novel, the Dam is a great destination for those who appreciate their share of peace and quiet.
As if all of this were not enough, private organisations offer packages for the Dam. Costs ofpackages can range from 1500 rupees to 7000 rupees per head. The more expensive ones offer food (maybe even a barbeque!), multiple activities (including campfire games like Antakshari), and even night-stays, whilst the cheaper ones are usually one-day trips that end with a dinner in the famous Savour restaurant. Why not splurge a little and go for the exorbitant rates with the guarantee of a great time? If you’d like to be a more frequent visitor, you might want to tone it down to the economical packages, though.
All in all, a trip to Khanpur Dam must be on your to-do list; if you haven’t done it already, then what are you waiting for? Get a group of friends together and be prepared for the times of your lives!
Kluchit Staff
Neeshay Imran
