It is an ideal place for day trip/picnic boating angling and watching migratory birds during winter. dam is located on the Haro River near Potowar Plateau and the village of Khanpur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, about 25 miles (40 km) from Islamabad.
Khanpur dam one of the most beautiful dams is constructed over River Haro which originates from Abottabad. It is situated near the town of Khanpur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province around 48 km (25 miles) from the federal capital Islamabad, on Taxila Haripur Road.
Khanpur Lake is 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 believed to have cost Rs. 1,352 million.
Every year a spring carnival is arranged at the Khanpur dam. This Khanpur Dam Festival attracts many tourists from Pakistan and from around the world and it has many colourful and attractive events to show off.
Other attractions at the Khanpur Dam Festival includes Hot-air balloon rides, magic shows, puppet shows, air gliding, para-jumping, horse riding, camel riding, joy land for kids, para-boat, motorize gliding, and a small zoo attraction which is specially placed to augment the festivities.
