Khanpur Dam


Khanpur Dam is a dam located on the Haro River near Potowar Plateau, about 50 km from Islamabad, in Khanpur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It forms Khanpur Lake, a reservoir which supplies drinking water to Islamabad and Rawalpindi and irrigation water to many of the agricultural and industrial areas surrounding the cities.
The dam was completed in 1983 after a 15-year construction period at a cost of. It is high and stores of water.

Blue-green water and tourism

The Blue-green water of dam attracts hundreds of tourists from all over the Pakistan. Every week, between 40,000 to 50,000 tourists visit Khanpur Dam. Tourists enjoy various ground- and water-based activities, such as:
There are several excavated Buddhist archaeological sites nearby that also attract local and foreign tourists.

Bhamala Buddhist Complex

Sculptures and heads dating back to second to fifth century AD have been discovered during excavation at Bhamala Buddhist Complex near Khanpur known as Bhamala Stupa. During excavation, precious coins of Kushan period were also found around the stupa. Bhamala archaeological site had been declared national and world heritage site located near Khanpur dam. The ruins dated back to fourth century BC. The stupa is cross-shaped and looks like an Aztec Pyramid.

Rajgan Mosque

The deserted Rajgan Mosque, locally known as the "Rajon ki Masjid", is believed to be over 100 years old. It is now only used for Eid prayers, as people use the newly-constructed mosques in the nearby areas for everyday prayers. It has a large prayer hall and a time-worn brick courtyard in need of restoration and rehabilitation.

WAPDA Rest House

Rest House at Khanpur Dam has been established at a very unique location. The rest house provides congenial living environment and quality services to the visitors during their official tours as well as their recreational trips.