Pandoh Dam Manali Entry Fee
- No Entry Fee
Pandoh Dam Manali Phone
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Pandoh Dam Manali Address: Uba, Himachal Pradesh, 175004, India
Taming the feisty flow of the mountain river Beas, Pandoh Dam falls en route to Manali on the road from Shimla. It is an embankment dam in the Mandi district and is one of the popular tourist spots in Kullu. This magnificent dam was constructed in 1977 to supply hydroelectricity for the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The man-made reservoir collects the water from the river to create a picturesque view near the dam.
The Pandoh dam is well-appreciated for its serene and scenic natural charm. It also provides several adventurous activities like water rafting and bird watching. The opening of gates to release water from the dam is itself an amazing sight to watch.
On your vacation to Manali, you can visit this dam located 10 kilometers away from the hill station. It is a treat for the eyes due to the greenery. Surrounded by the mountain ranges, it offers scenic views of sunrise and sunset. The project is great for storing water for future use and generating electricity through a renewable source. The place may seem a little noisy owing to the sound of the gushing waters as they move with great force.
Located on NH21, Pandoh Dam is both a full-day tourist spot and a quick stopover. Usually, tourists flock to the dam for a refreshing picnic, however, travelers may also take a short 10-minute break at the dam during their trip to Manali. The fascinating vistas of the valley and the river act like a balm for the soul. It gives you the first sneak peek into the snow-clad mountains, soon to follow you throughout your Manali tour.
History of Pandoh Dam
CWC and the Himachal Pradesh State Government jointly planned and designed the Pandoh Dam in 1967. Later the state government took over its completion. It was completed in 1977 under the Beas Project.
The Pandoh Dam diverts the water from River Beas to the southwest through a 38 km long system of tunnels and channels. Before the water is discharged into the Sutlej River, it is used for hydropower generation at the Dehar Power House.
The primary goal of Pandoh Dam was to generate hydroelectricity. It also aimed at water management for Punjab, Haryana, and the hilly regions of the Himachal. The dam also aided the increased inflow to Gobind Sagar, thereby increasing power generation capacity at the Bhakra Dam.
Things to do at Pandoh Dam
The Pandoh Dam is an ideal place for unwinding in the lap of nature. Escape from the bustle of the city and visit this serene place away from the crowded tourist spots. You can simply sit and relax at the dam or cherish various activities in and around the dam. The popular things to do at Pandoh Dam are:
- Witness the charming beauty and greenery spread all around the area.
- Indulge in bird watching.
- Go for a walk in the park.
- Trek in the rugged terrains.
- Click great pictures by the man-made lakeside.
- Try white water rafting in the lower bed of the river.
- Enjoy a sunbath on a fine morning or an afternoon.
- Breathe in the peace and tranquillity of the area surrounded by pine forests.
- Book an overnight stay at the PWD guest house.
- Enjoy a picnic with your family or friends in the middle of the picturesque landscape.
Apart from these thrilling activities, you can also drop by the nearby places around the Pandoh Dam. Some of these places are:
1. Prashar Lake: It is a serene and pristine lake located at a height of 2730 meters, and surrounded by thick cedar forests and Dhauladhar ranges. On the bank, you can witness a century-old pagoda-style temple dedicated to the sage Prashar. You can also explore a floating island in the middle of the lake.
2. Rewalsar Lake: Famous for trekking, Rewalsar Lake is a square-shaped lake, located at an altitude of 1360 meters. It is famous as the Lotus Lake or Tso-Pema. There are various Hindu temples of Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, and Sage Lomas near the lake. Monasteries and Gurudwaras also attract devotees and tourists to Rewalsar.
3. Solang Valley: It is a heaven for adventure enthusiasts. Along with spending time amidst the snow-capped mountain peaks and valleys, you can opt for thrilling activities. Paragliding, skiing, zorbing, parachuting, horse riding, and driving mini-open jeeps are some of the popular activities to try in Solang Valley. It is one of the most vibrant and enjoyable places in Manali.
4. Manikaran Sahib: Situated along the banks of River Parvati, Manikaran Sahib is a famous Gurudwara with three hot springs. Besides being a prominent pilgrimage site for the Hindus and the Sikhs, it is renowned for its scenic grandeur.
Entry Fee and Timings of Pandoh Dam
There is no entry fee for Pandoh Dam. Photography is not allowed at the dam, seek permission before clicking any pictures. It is open throughout the day on all days of the week but the best time to visit is from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
How to reach Pandoh Dam
Pandoh Dam falls on the national highway. It is frequented by tourists all year round owing to its easy accessibility. The dam is just a few kilometers away from the Pandoh-Janjehli Road and a 6 km drive from the Pandoh district of Himachal Pradesh.
By Air: You can also reach Manali by air as the nearest airport is Bhuntar located just 50 kilometers away from the hill town. Board a bus or book a cab from the airport to reach Manali in an hour.
By Rail: If you are planning to reach Pandoh Dam by train, then you can take a train to Kiratpur Sahib station, which is 235 kilometers from the hill station. From the railway station, you can take a bus to reach Manali within 3.5 hours or book a taxi that takes 6.5 hours to reach the hill station.
By Road: The Pandoh Dam is on the highway on the route from Shimla to Manali. You can take the state or private bus services for Manali or rent a private taxi to the Pandoh dam. You can also directly drive to the dam from nearby cities.
Local Transport: Once in Manali, you can reach the Pandoh Dam by hiring a private taxi or cab from top car rental companies in Manali. It is a quick and convenient way to visit the dam. You can also travel by local or private buses, which are safe and get you right to your destination.
Interesting Facts about the Pandoh Dam
Following are some interesting things to know about the Pandoh Dam in Manali:
- The chaste beauty of the Pandoh Dam is worth-mentioning.
- Pandoh dam has a capacity of 990 MW.
- The system diverts 256 cumecs of water from the Beas to the Sutlej River.
- Punjab Government initiated the first plan in 1957 which was later approved in 1963.
- Bhakra Beas Management Board takes care of the dam.
- You can indulge in various adventures and water sports at Pandoh Lake.
- You can visit the Pandoh dam at any time of the year.
- Watching the exotic migratory species taking refuge in the reservoir is an enchanting experience.
Things to Keep in Mind while visiting the Pandoh Dam
- Boating and swimming near the Pandoh Dam are banned by the government.
- No eateries are available in the area, so it is recommended to carry your own food and water.
- Watch out for pickpockets waiting to steal from the careless tourists.
- Avoid visiting the dam during monsoons due to heavy and unpredictable rainfall.
Enjoy a great trip to the beautiful hill station of Manali by booking a Manali tour package with us. At Manali Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, we offer these packages at pocket friendly prices for you to have a great time exploring the popular tourist attractions of Manali. To know more about our offerings, please fill the Contact Us form.
