The Khanpur Dam Tour is a guided trip lasting 2 days in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, topping out at 550 m. It is graded Easy — sightseeing and short walks — short day walks. 5 fixed departures are open from $75 per person, all-inclusive from Islamabad.
Khanpur Dam Tour — 2027 All-Inclusive Weekend Trip
The Khanpur Dam Tour is a perfect 2-day weekend escape from Islamabad — a short drive to one of Pakistan's most scenic reservoirs, where turquoise water meets dramatic limestone gorges, water sports meet ancient history, and the Haro River Valley offers some of the most accessible natural beauty near the capital.
Khanpur Dam Reservoir
The vivid turquoise Khanpur Lake sits just 50km northwest of Islamabad, formed by the Khanpur Dam on the Haro River. The reservoir is surrounded by dramatic rocky hills and fed by crystal-clear mountain water. Water sports are available from the reservoir shore including jet skiing, speed boats and fishing.
Khanpur Cave
A fascinating limestone cave system in the hills above the dam, one of the few accessible cave systems near Islamabad. The cave contains stalactites, stalagmites and interesting geological formations.
Taxila UNESCO Heritage Site
Just 40km from Khanpur, the ancient city of Taxila is one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia — a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the ruins of one of the ancient world's greatest cities, spanning 1,000 years of civilisation from 600 BCE to 500 CE.
Related Tours: Murree & Nathia Gali | Naran Kaghan Tour | North Pakistan Tour
- Duration
- 2 Days - 1 Night
- Max altitude
- 550 m
- Grade
- Easy – Moderate
- Days on foot
- 0
- Best season
- All Year ( Best: March - November )
- Group size
- Max 16
Khanpur Dam Tour Price
Join one of our Khanpur Dam Tour fixed departures at an all-inclusive price of $75 per person from Islamabad to Islamabad.
Fixed Departures
Fixed departures are scheduled dates you join as part of a group, rather than arranging your own trip. 5 dates are currently open, each capped at 16 people. Every date is the same price, $75 per person. A $8 deposit reserves a place. The availability column shows how many places are left on each date.
| Departure | Dates | Price | Availability | Deposit | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 01 | 20 Jun – 21 Jun | $75/person | 9 of 16 places | $8 | Book now |
| Group 02 | 11 Jul – 12 Jul | $75/person | 7 of 16 places | $8 | Book now |
| Group 03 | 1 Aug – 2 Aug | $75/person | 5 of 16 places | $8 | Book now |
| Group 04 | 22 Aug – 23 Aug | $75/person | 8 of 16 places | $8 | Book now |
| Group 05 | 3 Oct – 4 Oct | $75/person | 6 of 16 places | $8 | Book now |
Private & customised groups
These are private departures, priced by the size of your party rather than by a set date. Pick the band that matches your group and the price per person is fixed at that rate, across 4 options. The more of you who travel, the less each person pays — from $165 for Solo (1 Person) down to $75/pp for 7-10 Persons. What each band covers is set out in the table.
| Group size | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo (1 Person) | $165 | A fully private Khanpur Dam getaway with a dedicated guide and vehicle throughout. |
| (2-3 Persons) | $120/pp | Semi-private — ideal for couples or close friends wanting privacy at a lower cost. |
| (4-6 Persons) | $94/pp | The balance of value and personal attention, with a small group and local guide. |
| (7-10 Persons) | $75/pp | Best value. Full guide, vehicle and hotels for the whole trip. |
Is this trip right for you?
Yes — this is one of the easiest trips to say yes to.
Graded Easy — sightseeing and short walks.
Good to know
The highest point is 550 m, low enough that altitude is rarely an issue.
One thing we do insist on: travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
Travel Experience
Itinerary — Khanpur Dam Tour
The Khanpur Dam Tour is a perfect 2-day weekend escape from Islamabad — a short drive to one of Pakistan’s most scenic reservoirs, where turquoise water meets dramatic limestone gorges, water sports meet ancient history, and the Haro River Valley offers some of the most accessible natural beauty near the capit...
Day 1Islamabad to Khanpur
550 m
Drive to Khanpur Dam for turquoise water, the Khanpur cave, and water sports.
Day 2Haro Gorge & Taxila
540 m
A Haro River gorge walk and boat ride, then the UNESCO heritage site of Taxila before returning to Islamabad.
What’s included in the price
Every fixed departure is all-inclusive from Islamabad. This is exactly what your $75 per person covers, and the handful of things it does not — so there is nothing to settle at the trailhead.
Included in the price
- Private ground transport from Islamabad
- 1 night hotel/resort by the dam
- Breakfast and dinner
- A local guide
- Boat ride on Khanpur Dam
- The Haro River gorge walk and Taxila UNESCO site entry
- Bottled water and daily route planning
Not included
- Domestic and international flights (we book these for you on request)
- Lunches and personal expenses not listed in the itinerary
- Pakistan visa fees and personal travel insurance
- Tips for your guide and driver (appreciated
- Never expected)
Resources
Free guides from our local team, so you arrive ready.
- Trekking gear list what to pack
- Trekking medicine & altitude staying well up high
- Maps, books, visa & permits planning your trip
Why Karakoram Venture
Because the people who take you up this mountain are from it. Our guides grew up in these valleys, and they are our own team — not a booking desk handing you to whoever is cheapest that week. Every one of them holds a guide licence from DTS Gilgit-Baltistan and the Federal DTS, renewed each year, and worked at least five years in the region before applying for it. Most also hold Wilderness First Aid.
Because the safety is real, and we will name it rather than imply it. A satellite phone travels in every camp, we hold established helicopter-rescue contacts for this region, and we tell you exactly which travel insurance to carry. Budget operators cut precisely these things, because you cannot see them on a web page.
Because the price is honest. Local infrastructure is why $75 per person covers the trip from Islamabad rather than a stripped-down base rate. Exactly what it includes — and the handful of things it does not — is set out above.
How to book this trip
More About the Khanpur Dam Tour
Booking & Payment
A deposit of 10% of the trip price confirms your seat. The balance is due on arrival, before the trip begins.
Book through our website, WhatsApp, or an authorized agent — every booking is confirmed in writing.
Prices are held once your deposit is received and may otherwise change with season and availability.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 30+ days before departure: full refund minus the deposit.
Cancel 14-29 days before: 50% refund of the total paid.
Cancel under 14 days before: no refund, as rooms and transport are already booked.
Permits & Documentation
Foreign guests need a standard Pakistan tourist visa — no restricted-zone permit is required. We provide a Letter of Invitation on request.
Khanpur Dam water-sports and Taxila museum entry fees are included.
Carry your passport and ID; valid travel insurance is recommended.
Health & Fitness Requirements
Easy. A relaxed weekend by the water — boating, a gentle gorge walk and a heritage visit, suitable for all ages.
Water sports such as cliff jumping and kayaking are optional and run by licensed operators.
Tell us of any medical needs in advance.
Important Notes
Carry at least 2 recent passport-size photos for verification and documentation.
A valid passport (foreign nationals) or CNIC (Pakistani nationals) is mandatory for booking and travel.
Keep your original passport or CNIC with you throughout the tour for security checks and hotel check-ins.
Foreign nationals need a valid passport and the correct visa; any NOC and trekking/restricted-area permits are arranged by Karakoram Venture.
Special Information
Professional and experienced Tour Manager available from start to end of the trip.
Delicious and fresh daily meals included from Day 1 until departure.
No complimentary meals provided on flights or during transit stops.
Follow updated state travel policies carefully for a hassle-free journey.
Transportation Details
Comfortable and spacious A/C Coaches for long trips and intercity travel.
Sturdy 4x4 jeeps for mountain roads and sightseeing (up to 7 pax per vehicle).
Reliable 4x4 vehicles (Land Cruiser / Prado) for off-road and high-altitude excursions.
Arrival & Departure Guidelines
Day 1: Report at the designated airport on time as per schedule.
Final Day: Depart after successfully completing the full itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Khanpur Dam Tour cost?
$75 per person on our scheduled departures. The package page lists exactly what is included; private and custom-group pricing is available on request — just ask.
How long is the trip?
2 Days - 1 Night, start to finish.
When is the best time to go?
All Year (Best: Mar - Nov). We will help you pick the best window for your dates.
How hard is this trip? Is it family-friendly?
Easy and family-friendly — scenic driving through the valleys with short walks and plenty of stops. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; no trekking required.
What visa do I need?
A standard Pakistan tourist visa is all you need. We can send a booking letter to support your application.
What about insurance and safety?
We recommend standard travel insurance with medical cover. Our drivers and guides know these mountain roads well and travel them safely.
Who guides the trip?
Our own experienced local guides, who know these valleys and look after you start to finish.
How do I get there?
These valleys are reached by road from Islamabad. We arrange comfortable transport from your arrival point throughout the trip.
Can I do this as a private or custom trip?
Yes — every itinerary can run as a private departure and be tailored to your dates, pace and group size. Tell us what you have in mind and we will build it around you.
