Khanpur Dam, considered the recreational gem of the Hazara division in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, is once again in business for the much-coveted water sport of parasailing.
The activity, inoperative since the past six months, has resumed in time for enthusiasts on the lookout for late summer diversions before resuming the humdrum routine of their respective lives.
Visitors from near and far make a beeline for Khanpur Dam for the various pursuits on offer, including the breathtaking vista that one can glimpse from 300 feet high in the air while parasailing.
These activities were also halted for a long time when the coronavirus pandemic first broke out in the country, and it was welcome news for many when it was announced that the ban was finally lifted after the initial threat posed by the disease gradually subsided.
Khanpur Dam possesses abundant charm that pulls tourists not only from nearby, but also from all over the country, and many of those visiting Pakistan from abroad also endeavour to include the place in their itinerary.
Activities such as horse riding, camel riding, boating and parasailing take place at the dam, which is a popular spot for families to spend the day in different pursuits.
Youngsters and adventure seekers declare that the scenic Khanpur Dam, built on the Haro River and located on the Taxila-Haripur road at a distance of approximately 50km from federal capital Islamabad, is one of their favourite destinations in the country and that they cannot get enough of it.
The blue-green waters of the reservoir offer a cool respite from the blazing heat of summers and attract thousands of visitors over the weekend.
Many tourists on their trip to Pakistan from abroad make it a point to visit the dam at least once during their stay in the country. They are of the opinion that the place is not only a great picnic spot, but also a haven for water sports and adventures such as boating, cliff diving, jet skiing and parasailing.
Usama, a tourist from England, said that he flew from Karachi to Islamabad for the sole purpose of visiting Khanpur Dam. “I have parasailed six times in three hours so far and still want to fly up in the air to enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake and the nearby mountain range,” he said.
A family from the US, who vacationed in England before making their way to Pakistan, claimed that the Khanpur Dam is no less than any of its counterparts in Europe in terms of beauty. However, the government needs to work seriously to truly transform it into a top-notch destination, they said.
Irshad, a local citizen, told The Express Tribune that the dam is one of the few tourist locations that is open for public the entire year and is a hot favourite for recreational activities at relatively affordable prices.
He further said that unfortunately, paragliding is now banned at the spot due to security reasons in the presence of sensitive institutions nearby. On the other hand, parasailing had also been temporarily suspended for the same reason, but has been allowed to operate again on the condition that those indulging in the activity may not soar higher than 200 feet, as opposed to the previously permitted 300 feet.
Irshad insisted that while the dam receives tens of thousands of visitors in a single season, the government must step up to develop the place as per international standards. He said that the move will create unprecedented employment opportunities for the local inhabitants. Parasailing instructor Raja Tayyab told The Express Tribune that Khanpur Dam has been offering the activity for over three years now, adding that the only other place that offers parasailing is Mangla Dam.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2022.
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