Six peaks above 7,000m, run from Skardu by our own Balti team. Permits, oxygen, insured high-altitude porters and a turnaround policy that is actually enforced.
Six peaks above 7,000m, run from Skardu by our own Balti team. Permits, oxygen, insured high-altitude porters and a turnaround policy that is actually enforced.
The Khanpur Dam Tour is a 2 days guided trip in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, topping out at 550 m. It is graded Easy — sightseeing and short walks — short day walks. 6 fixed departures are open from $75 per person, all-inclusive from Islamabad.
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.
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. 6 dates are currently open, each capped at 16 people. Every date is the same price, $75 per person. A $10 deposit reserves a place. The availability column shows how many places are left on each date.
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.
short day walksDays on footthe rest is travel
550 mhighest pointAltitude is rarely an issue.
Good to know
The highest point is 550 m, low enough that altitude is rarely an issue.
You’re ready ifyou enjoy a full day out and do not mind some hours on the road.
Give yourself a little longer ifyou would like to feel fresher. A couple of walks beforehand makes the short strolls even easier.
This might not be your trip ifyou are after long days on foot and nights in a tent. Tell us and we will point you at one.
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...
2 days
Drive to Khanpur Dam for turquoise water, the Khanpur cave, and water sports.
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)
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 is certified by the Alpine Club of Pakistan, holds Wilderness First Aid, and has between five and twenty years on high-altitude ground.
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
Four steps from here to the mountains
1Pick your dateA fixed departure above, or private dates you choose.
2Send the requestThe form on this page, or WhatsApp. Name, party size, date.
3Pay $10 per personThat holds your place. We reply within 24 hours.
4Balance 30 days beforeThen we take over: flights, hotels, permits, crew.
No card details on this page. Nothing is charged until you confirm.
More About the Khanpur Dam Tour
Booking & Payment
A deposit of $10 per person 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.
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