how to visit tarbela dam

Tarbela Dam Reservoir,10 Reasons to Visit, Pakistan

Tarbela Dam is the largest dam, in Pakistan water storage wise and is part of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

Table of Contents

Dam distance from Islamabad

Tarbela Dam is just two hours’ drive from Islamabad

Being so close to Islamabad, the dam location is convenient for families looking for a one-day recreational visit and also those who are interested in seeing the dams of Pakistan.

The educational value of This Dam

Kids can also see the powerhouse turbine, with prior WAPDA approval, which makes it educational too.

Tarbela Dam Facts

• This is the largest earth-filled dam in the world
• Tarbela generates 3500MW for Pakistanis and is scheduled to add another 1400 MWs by early 2019.
• Other dams worth visiting near Rawalpindi are Khanpur dam and Mangla dam.

Clear blue water in the reservoir

During winter months, as the spillways are closed, silt in the reservoir settles down and what we get is crystal clear blue water where we can see fish swimming about.

Boating in the Dam

Boating on the water is a pleasant experience.

Permission to Visit Tarbela Dam

• Permission from WAPDA is needed to visit the reservoir (Public Relations Officer (PRO),
• Tel: 0995-660562) or
• Member (Power) WAPDA House,
• Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Lahore
• (Tel: 042-9202226, 9202211 Fax: 042-9202485).

This makes the site wonderful for tourists seeking peace.

Spill-ways of Tarbela Dam water shower

When the spillways open in summers, it feels like an open-air shower for tourists watching the spectacle from the park close by.

Best Viewpoints 

The tourist vantage spots, parks, and picnic areas are clean, pollution-free, and accessible easily. Visitors get to see the dam from a beautiful angle.

You can also see the new power plant being built on old drain tunnels.

  Fishing in Tarbela Dam

• Only the official contractor can fish in the main Dam reservoir lake
• Down-stream to the spillways is where to get tasty fish along the banks.

Hotels and restaurants at the Dam

Tourists don’t have to worry about food and lodging as Tarbela town is well established. It has many good-quality eateries.

Powerhouse and Tarbela Dam Wall

Special permission from WAPDA is required to visit the  Dam powerhouse,  by emailing them on their website.

If you are lucky you will receive permission to visit.

Powerhouse is the best place of this  Dam.

Every Pakistani must-visit Tarbela Dam at least once to see the Dam that generates the largest amount of electricity for the whole country.

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11 Comments

I’ve visited 3/4 times in 2014 then i was gone to USA İ come in 2023 and wanna visit again My cousin register my car license number that Time but they are not living there now how I’ll visit again please let me know

Please call the following number for permission. Permission from WAPDA is needed to visit the reservoir (Public Relations Officer (PRO), Tel: 0995-660562) or Member (Power) WAPDA House, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Lahore (Tel: 042-9202226, 9202211 Fax: 042-9202485).

AoA Can you please tell how can I get permission to visit Tarbela Dam with family? What to do and whom to contact?

dear mr Abdul rehaman, you can contact the following numbers to get permission. (Public Relations Officer (PRO), Tel: 0995-660562) or Member (Power) WAPDA House, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Lahore (Tel: 042-9202226, 9202211 Fax: 042-9202485. we have written these number in our blog too. i hope it works for you. because we got permission by using one of these numbers.

Look the photography , the clear blue water the , small green mountains surrounding it. Amazing! No doubt the experience you get from travelling stays with you. Hoping to join the tourism club soon:)

Excellent…!

looks like a nice place. worth visiting.

Wonderful photography

Excellent work .very good contribution towrads tourism .pakistan is very beautiful country .

Excellent piece Welldone

Thanks for putting such an effort to explore beautiful Pakistan

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Tarbela Dam, Pakistan – One of the World’s Largest Embankment Dams

Home » Tourism » Tarbela Dam, Pakistan – One of the World’s Largest Embankment Dams

In This Post: More About the Largest Dam in Pakistan Tarbela Dam and Hydropower in Pakistan Location of Tarbela Dam in KPK Tourism Near Tarbela Dam, Pakistan

Latest Updates on Tarbela Dam

Update: (Sept. 02, 2021):   Sharing the good news officially on his Twitter account, Prime Minister Imran Khan calls the filling of the Tarbela dam a “good omen for agriculture and hydel generation”.

The premier also appreciated the progress made by the teams working at the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) and the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), which has resulted in improved water regulations in the region. 

The following Tweet was shared on Imran Khan’s official Twitter handle:

Alhamdulillah, Tarbela Dam filled to its max level yesterday despite unfavourable weather conditions this year. This is a good omen for agriculture & hydel generation. Appreciate the team at WAPDA/IRSA for improved water regulation. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) September 2, 2021

PM Imran Khan also recently attended the groundbreaking event for the Tarbela-5 expansion project, which aims at protecting the dam against silting. The ongoing project will uplift the power generation capacity of the dam by 1,530 MW, providing 1.34 billion units of power to the national grid.

For more details on the Tarbela dam, continue reading this blog.

The infrastructure of electric power generation in Pakistan greatly relies on hydroelectricity. According to Pakistan’s Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) , the country has the potential of producing 60,000 megawatts of hydroelectric power. The best thing about hydropower is that it is a clean and environmental-friendly source of energy because it is fueled by water. When it comes to hydropower in Pakistan, the name of Tarbela Dam surfaces as it is the country’s largest dam producing hydroelectricity.

Keeping in view the significance of this gigantic man-made reservoir in the country, we decided to come up with a detailed post on it. So, in this blog, we are going to talk about everything you need to know about the very famous Tarbela Dam in Pakistan, discussing the dam’s location, features, and the best routes to get to it.

Let’s begin!

More About Tarbela Dam – the Largest Dam in Pakistan

Constructed in 1976, Tarbela Dam is not only one of the most popular dams in Pakistan but also the country’s biggest man-made reservoir. With a height of around 470 feet (143 metres), it is also listed among the largest earth-filled dams in the world. The water body formed due to this artificial embankment is known as Tarbela Lake. The surface area of Tarbela lake is around 250 square kilometres. This dam stores water flowing from the tributaries of the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas rivers.

The current water storage capacity of the reservoir is around 6,800,000 acre-feet. Since it is the largest dam in Pakistan, the main spillway of the reservoir can discharge up to 18,406 cubic metres per second, which is a very large body of water. Altogether, there are two spillways in the structure of the dam, which help maintain the level of water in the dam.

The main objective of this man-made reservoir in Pakistan is to supply water to irrigation systems found in many different villages and towns in the surrounding areas. As much as five large tunnels have been built on this dam to regulate the flow of water when it is being discharged. 

You would be surprised to know that around 70% of the water is released through the spillway of the dam for irrigation and other purposes and only the remaining 30% of it is used for the generation of hydroelectricity. Still, it is the largest hydropower station in Pakistan.

Quick Fact: Wondering what is an earth-filled dam? Commonly known as an earthen dam or a terrain dam, an earth-filled dam is basically an artificial embankment that holds the flow of water. It is built with the formation of a mound-like surface made with a special combination of raw materials like sand, clay, rock, and soil.

Tarbela Dam and Hydropower in Pakistan

As of now, the power generation capacity of this dam in Pakistan is 4,888 megawatts as it hosts the largest hydropower station in Pakistan. The main powerhouse on the dam houses has been equipped with 14 generators that produce large amounts of electricity with the help of fast-flowing water from the three out of five tunnels of the dam. These three tunnels are equipped with massive-scale water turbines for electric power generation. 

With further infrastructure development on the reservoir, the power generation capacity of this hydropower project in Pakistan can be increased up to a maximum of 6,298 megawatts. As per a report published on the official website of the World Bank, the work of installation of additional power plants on the remaining two tunnels of the dam is underway. 

It is being expected that these installations will significantly boost the total power generation capacity of the largest hydropower station in Pakistan, taking it up to 6298 megawatts. This figure is almost 20% of the total capacity of all the installed power generation and distribution systems in the country. 

Moreover, to meet the growing demand for electricity through hydropower and to increase the country’s water storage capacity, some mega projects are underway. Here is a list of the under-construction dams in Pakistan for your reference.

Location of Tarbela Dam, Pakistan

Tarbela Dam is located in the districts of Swabi and Haripur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is just 30 kilometres away from the city of Swabi. Tarbela Lake boasts some of the most scenic views in the country. The area is surrounded by high mountains, most of which are covered in lush green vegetation.

If you’re travelling from the city of Swabi, the best route to get to Tarbela Dam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is via Swabi-Topi road. Tarbela Dam is also linked with the city of Abbottabad in KPK via National Highway-35. The distance between these two destinations is around a hundred kilometres. 

Moreover, the dam is also just a two-hour drive from Islamabad from the route of the National Highway 5 (N-5) and Grand Truck Road. This is why it is also a very popular picnic spot among the dwellers of the capital city. 

So, what can you expect from your trip to Tarbela Dam in Pakistan? We’ll learn more about the tourist attractions near the country’s largest man-made reservoir further in this piece.

Tourism Near Tarbela Dam in KPK

As discussed the dam is managed and controlled by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). It also keeps a close check on the tourism activities in the area. At a time only a specific number of tourists are allowed to visit the dam. If you want to take a trip to Tarbela Dam in KPK, you may need to take permission from the Public Relations Office (PRO) of WAPDA, which can be contacted at 0995-660562.

The availability of multiple vantage points in the area adds to the significance of this dam in terms of tourism in Pakistan. Visitors here get a chance to gaze at the beauty of this reservoir and surrounding natural views from different angles with the help of these vantage spots. They are actually well-maintained greenbelts with walkways that amplify the beauty of this place.

Due to the regular tourist activities in the region, you will also find a few popular restaurants in the area serving seafood. Their seafood menu is mostly based on the fresh catches from nearby lakes and rivers. Upon your trip to the KPK, you can also visit Khanpur Dam, which is another very beautiful tourist destination in the region. Take help from our travel guide to visiting Khanpur Dam in KPK to make your trip even more enjoyable.

Here we wrap our detailed blog post on the very famous Tarbela Dam in Pakistan. We hope you have enjoyed reading this piece and liked the information we shared in it. If you have been to this dam in KPK, we would like to hear about your experience. So, feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected] .

If you are a fan of tourism in Pakistan, then we have listed some of our blogs that you may find interesting. Have a look!

• Most Famous Deserts of Pakistan
• Amazing National Parks in Pakistan
• Exploring the Most Beautiful Lakes in Pakistan
• Highest Mountain Peaks in Pakistan
• Famous Hill stations in Pakistan
• Longest and Most Famous River in Pakistan

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Tarbela Dam: Harnessing the Power of the Mighty Indus River

Tarbela Dam is a symbol of Pakistan’s engineering and technological capabilities, serving as a major source of hydroelectric power and irrigation for the country. The dam has played a crucial role in the development of the region and has become a popular destination for tourists seeking to witness its majesty and learn about its history and significance.

Location of Tarbela Dam

Tarbela Dam, situated on the  Indus River  in  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  province, Pakistan, stands as an engineering marvel and a symbol of the country’s progress and self-sufficiency. 

Constructed in the early 1970s, the dam serves as a multi-purpose project, providing numerous benefits to the nation, including irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply for domestic and industrial use..

Tarbela Dam is a massive concrete gravity dam located on the  Indus River  in  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  province of  Pakistan . The dam is one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world and is considered to be a major source of hydroelectric power and irrigation for the country. It is situated about 50 kilometers northwest of  Islamabad , the capital city of Pakistan.

History and Construction of Tarbela Dam

The idea for the Tarbela Dam was conceived as early as the 1950s when Pakistan recognized the pressing need for water management and hydropower generation to address the country’s growing demands.

The construction of Tarbela Dam began in 1968 and was completed in 1976. The project was a joint collaboration between the Governments of Pakistan and the United States, with funding from the  World Bank . The dam was built to harness the potential of the  Indus River , which is one of the longest rivers in the world, and provides water for agriculture, industry, and urban areas.

Total Height & Length of Tarbela Dam

Tarbela Dam has a height of 143 meters and a length of 2,743 meters, with a total storage capacity of 13.7 billion cubic meters of water. The dam’s reservoir is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, covering an area of 250 square kilometers. The dam has a power generation capacity of 4,888 MW, making it one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world.

The Tarbela Dam project has been of great significance to Pakistan’s economy, providing essential water resources for irrigation and hydroelectric power for the country’s growing energy needs. The dam’s reservoir has helped to control flooding in the downstream areas of the Indus River, reducing the impact of natural disasters in the region.

Tarbela Dam has also become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to witness the majesty of this engineering marvel. Visitors can take a tour of the dam’s facilities, including the power station, and learn about the history and significance of the project.

Tarbela Dam Capacity

The total storage capacity of Tarbela Dam is 13.7 billion cubic meters (BCM) of water, with a surface area of 250 square kilometers when the reservoir is full. This makes it one of the largest reservoirs in the world in terms of water storage capacity.

Importance and Benefits

Hydroelectric Power Generation : One of the most significant advantages of the Tarbela Dam is its capacity to generate electricity. With an installed capacity of over 3,400 megawatts, the Tarbela Hydroelectric Power Station is the largest power-producing facility in  Pakistan . The dam plays a vital role in meeting the nation’s energy demands, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, and promoting sustainable and cleaner energy options.

Irrigation and Agriculture : The Indus River, which flows through the fertile plains of Pakistan, is the lifeline for agriculture in the region. The dam’s reservoir stores water during the monsoon season and releases it during the dry periods, providing a consistent water supply for irrigation. This has significantly improved agricultural productivity and boosted the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

Flood Control : Pakistan is prone to devastating floods during the monsoon season, leading to loss of lives and widespread destruction. The Tarbela Dam’s reservoir acts as a buffer, allowing controlled water releases during heavy rains, mitigating the impact of floods downstream. This has saved countless lives and reduced property damage.

Domestic and Industrial Water Supply : Tarbela Lake serves as a crucial water supply source for nearby towns and cities. The stored water is treated and distributed for domestic use, supporting a growing population’s needs and various industries in the region.

Tarbela Dam River

Tarbela Dam is located on the Indus River, one of the longest rivers in the world. The dam is situated in  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  province of Pakistan, about 50 kilometers northwest of  Islamabad , the capital city of Pakistan.

Environmental and Social Impact

While the Tarbela Dam brought numerous benefits to Pakistan, it also had some environmental and social implications. The dam’s construction resulted in the displacement of several villages, leading to the relocation of thousands of people. Although efforts were made to provide compensation and rehabilitation, some challenges related to resettlement persisted.

On the environmental front, the dam’s reservoir altered the river’s natural flow, affecting aquatic ecosystems and fisheries downstream. Additionally, sediment accumulation in the reservoir has been an ongoing concern, requiring regular maintenance to sustain the dam’s efficiency.

The Tarbela Dam is undoubtedly one of Pakistan’s most significant engineering achievements, reshaping the landscape of the country and improving the lives of millions of people. Its contributions to agriculture, energy production, flood control, and water supply have been transformative for the nation’s development. 

However, it’s essential to continue exploring sustainable solutions to address the environmental challenges associated with the dam’s construction and operation. As Pakistan continues to evolve, the Tarbela Dam will remain a testament to human ingenuity and the potential of harnessing natural resources for the greater good.

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Tarbela Dam

Tarbela Dam is a terrain dam along the River Indus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Located mainly in the Haripur and in some regions of the province of Swabi, the dam is approximately thirty km from Swabi, one-hundred and twenty-five kilometers east of Peshawar, and one-hundred and five kilometers north-west of Islamabad.

It is the world’s largest terrain dam. In 1976 the dam’s construction was completed and was intended to reserve water from River Indus for irrigation, hydroelectric power production, and flood control. The dam is at a height of one-hundred and forty-three meters above the river-bed.

The reservoir of the dam, Tarbela Lake, has a surface area of almost two-hundred and fifty km 2 . This article carries every detail about the dam, including Tarbela Dam Location.

Table of Contents

Tarbela Dam Location

This proposal is at a narrower site in the valley of the River Indus , named after Tarbela town. The Tarbela Dam is situated in the Haripur and Swabi districts of KPK. Tarbela Lake was built as a reservoir. The main wall of the dam, made of rock and earth filling, extends 8.999 feet from the island to the right of the river, standing 486 feet high.

Auxiliary Dams

There is a pair of cemented auxiliary dams spanning the river. The two spillways of the dam are on auxiliary dams instead of the main dam. The discharge capacity of the primary spillway is 18,406 m 3 meters/second and the capacity of the auxiliary spillway is 850,000 cubic feet per second. Annually seventy percent of the discharged water at Tarbela flows over the spillways.

Construction of Tunnels

Five wide tunnels were built as part of the gatehouse work of the Tarbela Dam. Hydroelectricity is produced by turbines in tunnel one through tunnel three, while tunnels four and five were constructed for irrigation purposes. These two tunnels are to be turned into hydroelectric tunnels to enhance the electricity generation capacity of Tarbela.

Power Generation by Generators

On the right end of the main dam, the MA hydropower plant consists of fourteen generators supplied with water from one, two & three-outlet tunnels. On tunnel one, four 175 Megawatt generators, on tunnel two, six 175 Megawatt generators, on tunnel three, four 432-Megawatt generators are present and are producing a total of 3478 Megawatt.

Tarbela Reservoir

The length of the Tarbela Reservoir is 80.5 km and has a surface area of two-hundred and fifty km 2 . Initially, this reservoir stored 14.3 km 3  water, having a current storage capacity of 12.0 km 3 , but this capacity has been decreased to 8.4 km 3  due to silting over thirty-five years of functioning.

The reservoir’s peak height is 472.44 m above Mean Sea Level (MSL) and the minimum operational height is 424.28 m above MSL.

Tarbela Dam History

Following the signing of the 1960 IWT (Indus Water Treaty) between Pakistan and India, the Tarbela dam was built as Indus Basin Project’s part. The objective of this project was the compensation of water supplies lost from Eastern rivers (Beas, Sutlej , and Ravi) that were given to India according to terms of the IWT.

The dam’s primary purpose was to provide irrigation water by storing the flood during the monsoon season and ultimately releasing the collected water during periods of low flow in winter. By the mid-1970s, a total of 3,478 Megawatts power generating capacity was added to the 3-subsequent hydroelectric project expansions completed in 1992.

Tarbela Dam Construction

The Tarbela Dam’s construction was completed in three phases to fulfill the diversion needs of the river. Italian company Webuild Spa took the construction project.

In 1st phase, the River Indus was permitted to flow through its natural channel, whereas construction started on the right bank. At the right bank, a four-hundred and fifty-seven-meter-long and two-hundred- and twelve-meter broad diversion channel was excavated.  Phase one construction lasted about 2.5 years.

The main upstream blanket and embankment dam was built across the Indus River’s main valley as a part of the 2nd construction stage. During that time, the Indus River water remained diverted via the diversion channel. By the completion of the construction in the 2nd stage, tunnels had been constructed for diversion. 2nd stage construction has taken three years to completion.

During the 3rd construction phase, work was carried out on dam construction and closing of the diversion channel in that section. The remaining part of the main dam and upstream blanket was also constructed as part of the 3rd stage work that was completed in 1976.

Displacement and Resettlement

The reservoir area of the dam is around 260 km² and approximately 33,000 hectares of land have been obtained for construction.  The large dam reservoir flooded 135 villages, resulting in the displacement of a populace of around 96,000 individuals, the majority of those moved to the townships around the Tarbela Reservoir or to the nearby higher valleys.

Compensation Paid to Affected Individuals

For constructed and land property purchased under the 1984 Land Acquisition Act a compensation of 469.65 million Rupees was issued to the affected persons. Owing to the lack of a national strategic plan, the resettlement issues of the individuals impacted by the Tarbela project were resolved on an ad hoc system.

Issues Faced by Affected People

Several such individuals were not resettled in even 2011 or granted land to compensate their losses by the Pakistani Government in compliance with the contractual commitments with the World Bank.

Areas Inhabited by Displaced Individuals

Some displaced individuals were settled at Kangra Colony and Khalabat Township and a vast majority of displaced persons were settled at New Jagal, Hamlet, Chohar Colony, Makhan Colony, Sakhi Abad, Julian Near Khanpur, Farooqia, Dharaik, Pathankot Bahtar, Utmananad, Dana Colony, Sultanpur, Sadry Jadeed, Hund in Sawabi, Islamkot, Nazarabad, Pak Keya, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh.

These villages are inhabited by the internally displaced families of the Tarbela Dam. A lot of people scattered across other cities of Pakistan. These individuals still enjoy their culture of Gatka, Chail Katwa Gosht, and Mukha.

Lifespan of Dam

As the Indus River’s source is the meltwater from the glaciers of the Himalayas, the river holds an enormous quantity of sediment, Live storage space of the Tarbela reservoir decreased from 33.5% to 6.434 MAF (Million Acre Feet) relative to its initial capacity of 9.679 Million Acre Feet due to sedimentation in the last 38 years.

The functional life of the reservoir and dam was anticipated to be nearly fifty years. Sedimentation however was much lower than expected, and the useful lifetime of the dam is now predicted to be about eighty-five years, to around 2060.

Pakistan is preparing to construct many large dams including ‘Diamer-Bhasha Dam.’ Upon construction of the Diamer-Bhasha dam, sediment levels in Tarbela would be reduced by 69 percent.

Tarbela Dam Benefits

Besides serving the primary function of the dam, that is the supply of irrigation water, the Tarbela Power Plant has produced 341,139 billion kilowatt-hours of hydro-electric power since its inception. A record annual production of 16,463 billion kilowatt-hours was reported from 1998 to 1999.

The expansion-IV of the Tarbela Dam was proposed in June 2012, & PC-One was designed for this project.

Financial Aid for Tarbela-IV

Richard Olson the U.S. Ambassador provided aid for this project’s construction during his trip to Pakistan in 2013. In 2013, WAPDA signed a contract of 26,053 billion rupees with the Chinese company ‘Sinohydro’ & German company Voith Hydro to carry out civil works on 1,410 Megawatt Tarbela-IV Expansion. Construction began in Feb 2014 and got completed in Feb 2018.

The project was built on the Tarbela Dam’s tunnel Number. 4.  It is comprised of 3-turbine generators, each with 470 Megawatts capacity. This system is supposed to supply 3.84 billion units of electricity each year to the National Grid.

Project’s Annual Benefits

The project’s annual benefits were expected at approximately 30.7 billion Rupees. Annually about seventy percent of the water flowing through Tarbela Dam is discharged over the overflow channels, while just a small portion of the remaining thirty percent is being used for the generation of hydropower.

The WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority) reports that the 3rd and last unit at1,410-Megawatt Tarbela fourth Extension Hydroelectric Project has been synced with the national grid.

The Tarbela Dam was constructed with 5-initial tunnels, with the 1st three involved in the generation of hydropower, and the other two for irrigation purposes. The 4th phase extension plan is using the 1st of the 2-irrigation tunnels, whereas the 5th phase extension would use the 2nd irrigation tunnel.

WAPDA sought EOI (expressions of interest) in the Tarbela-5 Expansion Project in Aug 2014 and was granted final approval for development in Sep 2015.

Increase in Power Generation

Construction hasn’t started yet and would take approximately 3.5 years to complete. The project would also need the placement of 3-turbines having a capacity of four-hundred and seventy Megawatts each in the 5th tunnel of Tarbela previously allocated for agricultural usage.

On completion, the power generation capacity of Dam would be increased to 6.298 Megawatts. Tunnel five’s hydropower project has two main components: power evacuation and power generation facilities.

Project’s Main Tasks

The important works included in this project are the construction of the new power station and the modification of tunnel 5 to generate approximately 1,800GWh power on annual basis, a new five-hundred kV dual-circuit, and a fifty-kilometer transmission line from Tarbela-Islamabad Grid Station for the evacuation of power, and a new five-hundred kV Islamabad-West Grid Station.

The World Bank asserted in Nov 2015 that it would fund at least 326 million dollars of the estimated 796 million dollars cost of the project, which includes 126 million dollars of funding diverted from 840 million dollars 4th phase extension plan after the cost of the project had been revised downwards.

Funding by World Bank

In Sep 2016, the World Bank issued additional funding of 390 million dollars for the 5th Tarbela Dam’s hydropower expansion project, which would support the increase in the power generation potential by the addition of 1,410 MW to the current tunnel-5.

Funding by IBRD & AIIB

The project would be funded by IBRD (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development), with a varying spread and a twenty-year maturity, along with a 6-year grace time.

This would be the 1st World Bank-funded initiative in South-Asia to be financed jointly with AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) to provide 300 million dollars and the Pakistani Government would provide $133.5 million. The projects’ total cost would be 823.5 million dollars.

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https://www.facebook.com/TarbelaDamPakistan/

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Tarbela Dam Project, Haripur District

Project type, project commenced, operational since, project cost at completion, owner and operator.

Satellite image of Tarbela Dam, the world's largest fill-type dam.

The upstream water of the Indus River is stocked at the Tarbela Dam reservoir during the months of June, July and August. Image courtesy of Kogo.

The primary purpose of the Tarbela Dam Project was to regulate flows of the Indus River through canals. Image courtesy of Adnan Ahmad.

Tarbela Dam is located in Pakistan and is the world’s largest fill-type dam. It is built over the River Indus near the small town of Tarbela in the Haripur District of the country. It is also the second largest dam in the world in terms of reservoir capacity, which is 11.62 million acre-feet (14.3 billion cubic metres).

Construction on the primary elements of the project was started in 1968 and initial operations of the dam started in 1978. The project was fully completed in 1984, at a cost of $1.49bn.

The project was executed by Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) on behalf of the Government of Pakistan. Construction was carried out under a single civil works contract.

Major financial contributions for the project came from the World Bank in the form of a bank loan and two International Development Association (IDA) credits. The bank loan was approved in 1968 and the two IDA credits were approved by 1978. The loan and credits were fully paid out by September 1981.

Pakistan is currently constructing the Diamer-Bhasha dam on the River Indus, which will increase the life of the Tarbela dam by 35 years. The new dam project is partly financed by the US.

Purpose and need for Pakistan’s dam project

Pakistan was entirely dependent on unregulated flows of the Indus River and her tributaries even after 20 years of her independence. The agricultural yield was on a lower side due to deficiency of water during the critical growing season. The main reason behind this problem was the seasonal variations in the river flow. Additionally, there were no storage reservoirs to conserve surplus flows.

In order to strengthen the irrigation system, the Pakistani Government, with assistance from the World Bank, embarked on the Indus Basin Project, which comprised of two large dams. The first dam built under this water control project was the Mangla Dam on the Jhelum River, while the other was Tarbela on the Indus River.

The primary purpose of the Tarbela Dam Project was to regulate the flows of the Indus River for irrigation use. Other objectives were to achieve substantial generation of hydroelectric power and flood control by conserving snow melt and monsoon flows of the Indus River.

Components of the world’s largest fill-type dam

The Tarbela Dam Project involved the construction of an earth and rock-fill dam on the River Indus and a power plant. Maximum height of the main embankment from the lowest foundation point is 470ft and length is 9,000ft at its crest. The dam required 138 million cubic yards of fill.

The main embankment is flanked by two auxiliary embankments on the left bank. The maximum height of one of the auxiliary embankments is 345ft, while that of the other is 220ft. The lengths at crest are 2,340ft and 960ft respectively.

The two auxiliary embankments carry two spillways, the service spillway and the auxiliary spillway. The service spillway is fitted with seven gates and has a discharge capacity of 650,000cusec. The auxiliary spillway with its nine gates can discharge 850,000cusec.

The valley wall on the right bank, at the upstream end, was cut through to build a group of four tunnels. Three of these tunnels were intended for hydro-power generation, while the fourth tunnel is used for irrigation releases. A fifth tunnel was constructed on the left bank of the river. It became operational in 1976 and is basically used for irrigation purposes.

Catchment area of the Tarbela Dam reservoir in Haripur District

Catchment area of the reservoir created by the dam is 169,600 square kilometres. The reservoir, with a maximum depth of more than 450ft, can impound up to 11.62 million acre foot (MAF) of water at the maximum lake elevation of 1,550ft. Net usable capacity of the reservoir is 9.68MAF.

The water is stocked during the months of June, July and August, when the river flow is at its maximum.

Tarbela hydropower plant near the River Indus

The Tarbela hydro power plant is constructed on the right side of the main embankment. It is installed with 14 power generating units and the water is fed from outlet tunnels one, two and three. The plant has a total installed capacity of 3,478MW.

Four generators of 175MW each on tunnel one were put into production in 1977. There are six 175MW generators on tunnel two, four of which were commissioned in 1982 and the remaining two in 1985. Four generators of 432MW each were installed in tunnel four in 1992.

Key players involved

The project was built by Tarbela Dam Joint Venture, which was led by Italian contractor Impregilo. The joint venture was a consortium of three Italian and three French heavy civil engineering contractors. Five German and two Swiss companies joined the consortium in 1969.

Members of the joint venture led by Impregilo included Costruzioni generali Farsura, Impresa Astaldi Estero, Compagnie de Constructions Internationales, Compagnie Francaise d’Entreprises, Societe de Construction de Batignolles, Hochtief, Philipp Holzmann, Strabag Bau, Ed Zueblin, C. Baresel, Conrad Zschokke and Losinger.

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Tarbela Dam The Biggest Lake Of Pakistan

Tarbela Dam is the biggest lake in Pakistan. It is located near Swabi of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. This beautiful lake gets its main source of water from the river Indus. The Tarbela Dam is the second largest dam in the world in terms of storing the water. It is the main source of electricity production in Pakistan. Besides, the Tarbela dam is a great attraction for tourism in Pakistan from all over the globe. There are a lot of outdoor activities that Tarbela management offers. This includes fishing, boating, paragliding, and many more. I would be covering all of the activities in detail continue reading the post if you do not want to miss this amazing information.

Ghazi Brotha Canal

The Ghazi Brotha canal originates from the Tarbela dam. It is one of the biggest canals in Pakistan. In addition, there are many hotels that are available near the bank of the canal. This place is best for families to spend quality time. Moreover, there are proper sitting arrangements near the bank of the canal. The Abaseen restaurant has a beautiful view of the Ghazi Brotha. They have parking spaces and they charge 20 Pkr for car parking. They serve different food items and fresh fish from the river Indus. For people who have seen Rawal dam Islamabad, they should not miss the beauty of Tarbela.

Stay At Tarbela Lake

If you want to spend a day or two, you will have to book your room from the Wapda rest houses or the Tarbela SSG headquarters. They will not allow you to visit the main area of the dam until you have a pass from the Wapda management. If you have anyone in the Wapda or Army then it will be very easy for you to book a room over there. Click here to make a booking online for staying at Tarbela Dam Wapda rest houses. The contact number for tourist advisor is  Tel: (0995-660562) / (Tel: 042-9202226, 9202211 Fax: 042-9202485). Otherwise, you can avail of other options. There are many hotels available.

Tarbela Dam The Largest Reservoir Of Pakistan

This lake has a length of 97 kilometers. This covers a large part of district Swabi and district Haripur of KPK. The depth of the Tarbela Dam is approximately 137 meters. It has a total area of 260 square kilometers. The gross capacity is of 11.62 MAF.

Names Of The Workers Who Lost Their Lives During The Construction of Tarbela Dam

This is the picture showing the names of the people who lost their lives during the construction of Tarbela Dam. They really deserve our respect as they sacrificed their lives for beloved Pakistan. One thing to make sure that please do not pollute natural places. In addition, do not throw garbage or any other material that could spoil the natural beauty of the beautiful nature. I would love to hear your experiences about this place in the comments section below.

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TARBELA DAM PROJECT

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• Fund the modernization of three generators by replacing old windings.
• Install digital governors, which is a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, and supply essential spare parts.
• Provide capacity building to plant operators.

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Travel My Pakistan

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Tarbela  is one of the 44 union councils, administrative subdivision, of Haripur District in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  province of Pakistan.

The name of this town is due to the Tarbela Dam located here.

Khalabat township is divided into four sectors, sectors 1 and 2 are called Tarbela union and sector 3 and 4 called  Khalabat  union council.

                                                                                                                                     Tarbela Dam

On 1st Baisakh, the Hindu inhabitants of the vicinity and of the Hazara plain assemble to bathe in the Indus river. The assembly is of a religious character, and is kept up for two days.

Tarbela Dam:

This Dam is on the Indus River in Pakistan and is the largest earth filled dam in the world and second largest by structural volume. It is located in Haripur District, Hazara Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, about 50 kilometres in the northwest of Islamabad. The dam is 485 feet (148 m) high above the riverbed. The dam forms the Tarbela Reservoir, with a surface area of approximately 250-square-kilometre (97 sq mi). The dam was completed in 1974 and was designed to store water from the  Indus River  for irrigation, flood control, and the generation of hydroelectric power.

                                                                                                                                             Tarbela Dam

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TARBELA DAM PROJECT

• Fund the modernization of three generators by replacing old windings.
• Install digital governors, which is a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, and supply essential spare parts.
• Provide capacity building to plant operators.

• Dams In Pakistan

Mangla Dam – A Beautiful Dam You Should Visit This Summer

Mangla Dam is another massive dam in Pakistan that needs to be discussed in detail, so more and more people know about this gem. It is the second-largest water reservoir in Pakistan, 147 meters in height and 3140-meter in length.

Mangla Dam, located in the Mirpur district of Azad Kashmir, has a Catchment area of 12,870 square kilometers. This dam got its name from the Mangla village that lies at the dam’s mouth.

The dam was constructed in 1967 and impounds the Jhelum River. The main purpose of Mangla Dam is to support the irrigation system of Pakistan by storing water for the Tarbela Reservoir and providing water for the canals of Lower Jhelum Canal Command.

Mangla Dam Mirpur is one of the two dams made under the Indus Basin project; the other was the Tarbela dam. Both of these were made to enhance the irrigation system of the country. 

The dam has ten floodgates, each 18 meters wide and 15 meters high. The power station at Mangla has an installed capacity of 1050 MW with ten generating units each of 100 MW and two 50 MW Francis turbine-generators for peaking purposes.

Mangla Dam is another tourist spot in Pakistan that’s worth seeing! So many water sports and fun activities can keep you and your family entertained. The site is for day visits; however, you can stay in the resorts near, depending on your choice. 

Before making a plan, learn this article till the end to know what and how to explore this picturesque site, so let’s begin with it! 

Mangla Dam Mirpur Attractions, Ticket, Timings & Location

Mangla Dam in Mirpur is a center of attraction for many as it has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment and scenic beauty. The Mangla Lake is the main attraction here which is a reservoir that provides water for the local canals. 

The place is perfect for family picnics as it has many open spaces and attractive spots to keep the little ones busy. The best time to visit Mangla Dam is during the summer, as the weather is perfect for all the outdoor activities available here. 

Mangla Dam is located in the Mirpur district of Azad Kashmir and is about a 2-hour drive from Islamabad. The entrance fee to the dam is Rs. Fifty per person and the timings are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

When Was Mangla Dam Constructed?

The construction process of the Mangla Dam started in 1961 and finally came to an end in 1967. The first impounding at the dam took place on February 21, 1967. Binnie and Partners of London designed this project, and the construction took place by Mangla Dam contractors. 

That’s when the dam became a primary water source for irrigation in the country and still plays an integral role. The total cost of the Mangla Dam construction was around USD 1.5 billion. 

Pakistan’s Second-Largest Water Reservoir

Mangla Dam is the second-largest water reservoir in Pakistan, with a capacity to hold 7.39 million acre-feet (MAF) of water. The length of the dam is 3,140 meters (10,303 ft), and the height is 147 meters (482 ft). 

This reservoir has the main barrier and an intake dam, and not to stop here, there’s the main spillway and an emergency spillway with floodgates. These floodgates ensure avoiding any catastrophe in the country as this dam is a major one. 

The power station at Mangla has an installed capacity to generate 1050 MW of electricity. That’s efficiently trying to meet the country’s increasing demand for power. 

Mangla Dam Elevation Project

Around 2005, the Mangla Dam faced a shortage in storage capacity, and an elevation plan for the Mangla Dam was launched in the following year, i.e., 2004.

By the end of 2009, the spillway, main dam, and related construction got completed with a cost of Rs. 101,384 billion. 

The elevation increased the dam’s height from 30 feet to 482 feet, eventually increasing the overall water conservation level. 

The increase in the dam’s height is expected to make the powerhouse produce an extra 12 percent of energy annually. That’s when the installed capacity of the dam increased from 1000 to 1,120 Megawatts. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Mangla Dam?

If you’re looking for a new spot to explore this summer, your first option should be Mangla Dam because it’s good beyond your imagination. First, however, you should know when to visit this spot to make the most of your tour! 

Summers are ideal for visiting the dam as the weather and the winds are perfect for keeping you cool! So you can enjoy outdoor activities compared to winter when everything’s cold. The temperature during this time of year ranges from 20-25 degrees Celsius, perfect for a splashy jump in the waters. 

Things You Should Carry Before Visiting Mangla Dam

You might not need lots of stuff on your one-day trip to Mangla Dam, but there’s always a need for basic stuff wherever you go. Here’s a list of things you should keep in mind before heading to your spot-

1.     Water Bottle – You will need lots of water to stay hydrated during your trip as you’ll spend most of the time outdoors. 

2.     Sunscreen Lotion & Caps/Hats – The sun can get pretty harsh during summers, so ensure you carry a good sunscreen lotion to protect your skin. A cap or hat will also save you from heatstrokes. 

3.     Swimming Costume & Towel – You might want to swim in Mangla Lake, so don’t forget to carry your swimming costume and towel. 

4.     Snacks & Light Meals – It’s always a good idea to keep some snacks and light meals with you, so you don’t have to depend on the local food. 

5.     First Aid Kit – You can never be too careful, so it’s always better to carry a first aid kit wherever you go. 

6.     Extra Set of Clothes – It’s always better to carry an extra pair of clothing in case your outfit doesn’t seem fit at night in such areas. 

7.     A Camera – You will certainly want to take back some memories through pictures and videos! 

8.     Comfortable Walking Shoes – Last, don’t forget to carry a comfortable pair of shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking around. 

There’s no need to carry extra luggage because you won’t have enough energy to take all this stuff and also because a one-day trip doesn’t need much!

Attractions at Mangla Dam

Mangla Dam has lots to offer in terms of attractions and activities. You’ll be spoilt for choice as the activities are enough to be covered in a day. Let’s look at some of the most important attractions at Mangla Dam. 

Mangla Lake

Mangla Lake is the main attraction, a reservoir providing water for the local canals. The lake offers plenty of water sports and activities that you can enjoy. 

Mangla Lake is such a picturesque beauty that you’ll feel the beauty touching your soul, and of course, you’ll take hundreds of pictures! 

Best Family Picnic Spot

Mangla Dam is a great spot for family picnics as there are many open spaces where you can set up your picnic blanket and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. And that’s the most common thing seen at Mangla Dam, families having their own time in peace. 

Kids Play Area

There’s also a special play area for kids to have their share of fun and frolic while the adults enjoy some time to themselves. The site is within the lake park so parents can watch their young ones. 

Panoramic Views From the Hilltop

If you’re looking for a spot to get breathtaking views of the surroundings, head to the hilltop near Mangla Dam. The views up there are mesmerizing, and you’ll be amazed by the beauty around. But, you’ll have to ride in a boat and reach the other side of the lake for this sightseeing. 

Natural Cool Breezes

As we all know, Mangla Lake is situated in quite a colder area of the country; the weather here is the most enjoyable part of the year. Therefore, on your trip to Mangla Lake, you can enjoy the cool and refreshing breeze that will soothe your senses. This natural breeze is now a signature of Mangla Lake because tourists enjoy it to the fullest. 

Power Station

Mangla Dam also has a power station with turbines, generators, and transformers providing electricity to the local areas. The power station is situated on the right bank of Mangla Lake, and you can get there by taking a boat ride from the left bank. 

It’s a must-visit sight as you’ll explore some veiled facts about how that electricity is produced which we are using in our homes. Isn’t it interesting to look beyond the curtain? 

Things To Do at Mangla Dam

Summer is for exploring new locations and discovering fun activities that you haven’t tried before. You can’t stay at home when there’s so much to see in a beautiful place like Mangla Dam. So take a look at what you can do at this dam! 

Mangla Lake has become a hub of activities, and there’s something for everyone to do here. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you’ll find your share of thrill and excitement here, and if you want to sit back and relax, there are options for that too. Let’s look at some popular things to do at Mangla Dam. 

One of the most popular things to do at Mangla Lake is boating. There are different kinds of boats available for rent that you can take out on Mangla Lake and enjoy the peaceful yet stunning views. It’s a great way to spend time in nature amidst turquoise waters.

If you’re looking for some adventure, you can go rafting in Mangla Lake. It’s a great activity with your friends and family as you’ll all be working together to row the boat. And when you finally reach the other side, the sense of achievement will be priceless! 

Are you looking to add a touch of luxury to your Mangla trip? You can go jet skiing. It’s a bit costly, but the experience is worth every penny. You can zoom around the lake on your jet ski and enjoy the views like never before. 

Mangla Lake is home to some of the rarest fish types, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. You can go fishing with your friends or family and try to catch some fish. It’s a great way to relax and bond with your loved ones. Grilling that fish on the spot and eating it right away is a delicious experience you won’t miss out on. 

Para Sailing

Parasailing is another popular activity at Mangla Lake. In this, you’ll be attached to a parachute that a motorboat will pull. And as you are sailing in the air, you’ll get some of the most stunning views of Mangla Lake and its surroundings. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you shouldn’t miss out on. 

Nearby Attractions

Mangla Dam has quite a few attractions that are worth seeing because they are unique and beautiful at the same time. In addition, there are many nearby attractions that you can visit on your trip to Mangla Dam. So let’s see what this beautiful spot has for you!

Ramkot Fort

Ramkot fort is one of the most popular nearby attractions for Mangla Lake. Thousands of people visit this sight yearly, which holds enormous importance in the country’s historic structures. 

It’s a 16th-century fort situated on a hill near Mangla Lake. Unfortunately, it’s on the other side of the lake, so you’ll have to take a boat ride of almost 10 minutes to reach this location. However, once you get there, you can hike up the hill to explore this ancient fort and take a bird’s eye view of the lake and its surroundings. 

The views from the fort are mesmerizing, and you can see Mangla Lake in all its glory from up there. 

How to Reach Mangla Dam?

Mangla Dam isn’t that far from the cities like other dams; you can easily reach it in a maximum of 3 hours, even if you’re traveling from Islamabad. The dam is in the Mirpur district of Azad Kashmir, a 2-hour journey from Islamabad. 

You can reach Mangla Dam by taking a bus or a private car from Islamabad. The journey is quite scenic as you’ll pass through some beautiful spots. 

If you’re traveling from Lahore, you can take NH5, and it will hardly take 4 hours to reach the dam from Lahore. So plan your visit ASAP, and enjoy this destination with your pals! 

Facilities at Mangla Dam

Mangla Dam is a popular tourist spot and is important in the country’s tourism, so many facilities are available there for tourists. This spot has everything from snack shops to restaurants and resorts, and you won’t have to go anywhere else for any necessity. Here are some of the facilities at Mangla Dam. 

Beautiful Hotels and Resorts

Mangla Dam has many beautiful hotels and resorts that offer a great view of the lake. These hotels are known for their hospitality, and you’re sure to have a comfortable stay there. Mangla view resort is worth mentioning!

One of the pioneers of planned resort development in Pakistan, Mangla View Resort has been serving people for decades. This resort occupies an area of 340- acres on the Mangla Dam site.

It offers residences, townhouses, villas, hotels, service departments, and retail outlets. The beautiful thing about this resort is that it has been designed to provide a stunning view of Mangla Lake from every angle.

The resort also has a golf course and all the facilities you might need while on vacation. So if you’re looking for a place to stay near Mangla Dam, this is the perfect spot!

RestaurantsMany restaurants near Mangla Dam

Restaurants near Mangla dam offer delicious food. You can find all kinds of food there, from Pakistani to Continental and Chinese. These restaurants are known for their scenic views, and you can enjoy a meal while admiring the beauty of Mangla Lake. 

Some popular restaurants near Mangla Dam are Whistling Water Restaurant, Cafe 19, and Mangla View Resort Restaurant. 

How Much Is The Distance of Mangla Dam From Islamabad?

The dam isn’t far from the capital city, and you can easily reach it within 2 hours to have a fun-filled day at this location. The distance from Islamabad to the Mangla Dam is around 110 km. You’ll not be bored throughout the journey because the way and the view are scenic enough to enjoy and have fun even during the ride. 

Once you reach Mirpur, you can enter Mangla Dam Pakistan in navigation, which will easily make you get to the exact spot. The journey from Islamabad to Mangla Dam is pleasant, and you’ll surely enjoy it!

Ticket Price of Water Rides

The ticket price for water rides at Mangla Dam is quite reasonable. You can enjoy a boat ride for as low as Rs. 200 per person. The costs for other activities, like jet skiing, parasailing, etc., are also quite affordable. The average pricing range of these activities is from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5000; you can choose as per your budget. 

If you don’t want to go alone, you can also book a tour package with a company; they’ll accommodate the rides, food, and everything within that package. 

So if you’re looking for a place to enjoy some water activities, Mangla Dam is the perfect spot for you!

Location of Mangla Dam Pakistan

Mangla Dam is located in the Mirpur district of Azad Kashmir which is around 2 hours away from Islamabad. The dam is easily accessible and you can reach there by taking a bus or private car from any major city. 

The dam is built over the Jhelum river and near Jhelum city. Mangla Dam Jhelum is one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world and is a major tourist spot in Pakistan. 

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some water activities, Mangla Dam is the one!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the oldest dam in Pakistan?

The oldest dam in Pakistan is the Warsak dam which was constructed in 1960. This dam is located on the Kabul river in Peshawar and was built by Canadian constructors. Warsak dam is important because of its historical nature and multipurpose project providing water for irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric power generation. 

Who built the Mangla Dam in Pakistan?

Pakistani engineers built the Mangla Dam with the help of Japanese technicians. The construction of this dam started in 1961 and got completed in 1967. Mangla Dam is the second-largest water reservoir in Pakistan and is a massive dam that controls a major part of the country’s irrigation and flood control system. 

How many dams Pakistan has?

According to a report by the International Commission on large dams, Pakistan is fortunate enough to have approximately 150 dams. These dams provide water for irrigation and drinking and play an important role in the country’s economy by generating hydroelectric power. 

Out of 150 dams, the Tarbela dam is the largest one, followed by the Mangla Dam. Pakistan is a blessed country regarding water resources, and these dams are proof of that!

Mangla Dam is a massive dam located in the Mirpur district of Azad Kashmir. This dam was constructed in 1967 and is the second-largest water reservoir in Pakistan. 

Mangla Dam Jhelum has been a tourist spot for years and offers a wide range of activities you can’t fit in one day! But your one-day trip to this mesmerizing location would be enough for you to make memories. 

The dam is in an ideal location, and you can easily reach there, so what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Mangla Dam for an unforgettable experience!