Daily Times

For all those too weary of winter already, I can only advise you to start making a list of places you would want to visit during summer especially for water adventure enthusiasts.

And as you make your list, do not forget about the most happening spot, recommended by guides?

Khanpur Dam is located on the Haro River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Khanpur Dam supplies water to Islamabad and Rawalpindi and was constructed in 1983. It carries 11,000 acre-feet of water and is 40 kilometre away from Islamabad.

Let me narrate my trip to the famous damn. It was a summer day and sun rays knocked at the window, compelling us to gear up for the adventure ahead.

A slight breeze intended that the weather was favourable, so we all got ready in no time.

It was a bright Saturday morning and the upbeat tracks in playlists complimented the journey to Khanpur Dam, where lush green mountains awaited us to make our journey a memorable one.

As soon as the journey came to an end and we reached our destination, we could see a refreshing view of the lake which helped us forget all our stresses and tensions. The light blue sky sheltered the Margalla Hills and the water as an owner protecting its beauty in veil. The pictures seen online could not justify the real beauty of the place.

Local vendors had set up their small dhabas, from where the aroma of freshly cooked pakorras and hot tea’s steam mesmerised us. At the shore, there stood motor boats and neon-coloured scooters which awoke excitement within us. The motor boat ride cost Rs 500 only which took us to the cliff. At a distance, there was a small island. The motor boats accompanied us to the area of cliff diving, which was a life changing experience. While on boats, the wind blew onto our faces and the waves of the crystal clear water added to our excitement. The breath-taking view made us realise that nature is incomparable. On reaching the island, we took pictures of the varying colours of nature and of our reflection in the crystal clear water, where taking selfies was quite an experience.

On reaching the island, we were shown the place where we were supposed to slip into our life jackets and get ready for cliff diving. This was the major attraction of the dam. There were two cliffs, one 15 feet high and the other 30 feet high. People there were in mobs ready to plunge into the water and shouting out words of encouragement to those taking the leap.

Time went by fast and the sun setting between the hills spreading its colours on water like wings silently was amazing. The motor boats stood nearby, to take us back to the changing resorts after we were done.

It was amazing that how an inexpensive adventure had been a life changing experience and a nostalgic memory.

What a blessing Khanpur Dam is for the local tourists to enjoy the moments, making their weekends special.

The writer can be reached at afzaraheel.96@gmail.com

Published in Daily Times, January 27^th 2019.