Dhap Dam

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Dhap Dam is an artificial lake that is inside the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. This man-made dam is in the northeast part of Kathmandu Valley. This dam site borders with Sindhupalchowk and Nuwakot districts. Likewise, the dam is in the Gokarneshwor Municipality of Kathmandu District in Nepal. This artificial dam was constructed to clean the holy Bagmati River flowing through the heart of Kathmandu Valley.

The official name for the project is Bagmati River Basin Improvement Project (BRBIP). Moreover, Nepal Government constructed the dam. Dhap Dam is a concrete-faced rockfill dam that lies on the hiking trail from Sundarijal to Chisapani. The depth of the water at the dam is 24 m and the width of the dam is 175 m. Meanwhile, Dhap Dam can hold a total of 850,000 m3 of water. Every visitor visiting the dam side gets impressed with the structure and beauty of the dam side.

As the dam lies in the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Nepal Army maintains and looks after it. Hence, the dam is well-maintained and kept clean in the area. The surrounding areas of the dam side seem very clean as well there is a parking facility for visitors as well. Likewise, there are paths near the dam side to enjoy the view of the place. Meanwhile, visitors can not enter or swim in the water for safety purposes. Dham Dam is a refreshing place inside the National Park. Visitors can enjoy the view of the mountains and enjoy the natural beauty of the dam. The construction of the dam began in the year 2015. Although the opening of the dam was scheduled for 2021, the storage of water in the dam was started at the end of 2022.

Why is Dhap Dam Constructed?

Dhap Dam is a man-made lake at the top of Kathmandu Valley. The Bagmati River is a holy river that originates from Baghdwar, Sundarijal. The Bagmati River flows through the heart of Kathmandu Valley. In the past days, the river used to be very clean as the water of Bagmati River was used for cleaning and drinking purposes as well. But as the growing population of the Kathmandu Valley, the waste from different places in the valley started to dump in the river illegally. Sewage from different factories and houses mixes in the Bagmati River. The river became polluted gradually and as of 2023, it is so polluted that the color of the river seems black and very stinking.

So, in the year 2014, Nepal Government thought of the idea of building a dam somewhere on top of Kathmandu Valley. The dam should store rainwater during summer or rainy seasons and release the water to the Bagmati River during winter seasons. The water should be able to clean the pollution of the Bagmati River to make the river clean, pure, and beautiful to see. For this purpose, the Dhap Dam was constructed for cleaning the holy Bagmati River.

The Need for Cleaning the Bagmati River

Pollution in the Bagmati River

The Bagmati River is a holy river among the Hindus. Moreover, this holy river, the Bagmati River flows through the heart of Kathmandu Valley. However, over the years, the river has become polluted due to human activities such as dumping of waste and sewage into the water. The pollution of water has affected the water quality. There is no sign of aquatic life in the liver. According to ancient people, the Bagmati River used to be very clean and full of aquatic life in the river. In the present day, even the water is not suitable for irrigation.

The Need for a Solution

After the huge pollution in the Bagmati River, the Government has started many campaigns for making the river clean. There are Bagmati Cleaning Campaigns every week in different parts of the river. But the campaigns do not seem to be effective. So, the construction of Dhap Dam for storing the rainwater and leaving it in the Bagmati River for cleaning is one of the major campaigns.

Dhap Dam: A Solution to the Pollution

Construction and Working of the Dhap Dam

The Dhap Dam construction began in the year 2015. The construction of the dam was completed by the end of the year 2022. The project is proposed to release 0.4 m3/s of water in the winter season. After releasing the water from the dam, the water mixes in the Bagmati River. The large flow of the river is expected to clean the wastes and pollution from the Bagmati River.

Impact of the Dhap Dam

The main impact of the dam can be seen in purifying the polluted Bagmati River. The clean water released from the dam is expected to use for irrigation purposes as well. Eventually, the construction of the dam helps in beautifying the environment.

Dhap Dam Hike

The Dhap Dam is getting popular among content creators on the internet. Hence, it is popular among hikers, visitors, and nature lovers. The famous hiking route to Dhap Dam is Sundarijal-Mulkharka Village-Haibung-Dhap Dam. Likewise, this hiking trail offers the hikers to experience green hills, dense green forests, and rich natural resources. Similarly, visitors can have a panoramic view of the mountains and a landscape view of the Kathmandu Valley from the hiking trail. It is the most popular destination for anyone planning to hike near Kathmandu Valley. Hiking inside the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park passes through the dense green forests. The construction of this dam has added more beauty to the National Park.

Visitors can experience rural life, and birds and may encounter wildlife if lucky. Likewise, hiking to Dhap Dam offers you a jungle walk that is the main attraction of the hike. The hiking trail to the Dhap Dam passes through the Mulkharka Village. Moreover, Mulkharka Village is home to Tamang Community. This village offers the hikers to experience the typical rural or village life. You can see a beautiful view of the Kathmandu Valley from this village area.

Detail information on the Sundarijal-Mulkharka Village-Haibung-Dhap Dam hiking route

The hiking trail from Sundarijal to Dhap Dam is a 3-4 hour hike depending upon the pace of the walk. Similarly, the hiking trail to Dhap Dam starts from Sundarijal. The hiking trail passes through Dhap Dam Junction which is 3 km before the dam.

Kathmandu to Sundarijal

To reach Sundarijal, you need to take a public vehicle from Chabahil, Kathmandu. Besides, you can book a taxi from anywhere in Kathmandu and reach Sundarijal. Sundarijal is at a distance of 11 km from Chabahil Kathmandu. It may take about an hour to reach Sundarijal from Chabahil.

Sundarijal to Mulkharka Village

You need to get a ticket at the entrance of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park at Sundarijal. The price of the ticket is NPR 100 per person. Your hiking starts from here. Dhap Dam is at a distance of 18 km from Sundarijal. After hiking for about 3 km from Sundarijal you will reach Mulkharka Village. It may take about 1 hour to reach Mulkharka Village from Sundarijal.

Mulkharka Village to Haibung

At Mulkharka, you will find two roads. One road towards the left takes you to Chisapani and the other road towards the right takes you to Haibung. Meanwhile, you need to take the right-side road towards Haibung to reach Dhap Dam. It may take about 2 hours to reach Haibung from Mulkharka Village.

Haibung to Dhap Dam

It may take about 20-30 minutes to hike from Haibung to reach Dhap Dam. The tiredness of hiking for 3-4 hours is eventually erased by the mesmerizing view of the Dhap Dam.

Dhap Dam Ride

If you are planning for a ride to Dhap Dam, the ride takes about 2 hours from Chabahil, Kathmandu. Dhap Dam lies at a distance of approximately 12 km from Sundarijal and 22 km from Chabahil, Kathmandu.

Chabahil to Sundarijal

Sundarijal is at a distance of 10 km from Chabahil, Kathmandu. It may take about 30-40 minutes to reach Sundarijal from Chabahil.

Sundarijal to Dhap Dam

It is off-road from Sundarijal to Dhap Dam. You need to get a ticket at the counter before entering the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park premises. The ticket costs NPR 100 per person and NPR 150 per motorbike. Dhap Dam is at a distance of 12 km from Sundarijal. It may take about an hour to reach the destination from Sundarijal on a motorbike. If you enjoy offroad riding, then this place is the destination near Kathmandu Valley. The road is adventurous and remains slippery during the summer or rainy seasons.

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Highlights and Attractions of the Place

You can find an artificial lake at the destination. The view of the dam from one end is beautiful. Likewise, on sunny days the reflection of the trees in the water is amazing to see. At the dam premises, the experience of cool air flowing through your ear seems magical.

Adventurous Roads

While going to Dhap Dam, the biking road is off-road which is adventurous. The slippery rod during the monsoon season is more adventurous and dangerous as well. Similarly, the hiking trail to the dam is also adventurous and slippery during rainy seasons.

Explore the Beautiful Nature

Whether you are visiting Dhap Dam on a motorbike or hike, the road or hiking trail to the dam passes through the thick natural forest. You can truly experience the natural beauty of the place. Likewise, the trip to the dam brings calmness to your mind.

Mesmerizing Views

The view of mountain ranges in the north on the way while traveling to the Dhap Dam is amazing. Similarly, the landscape view of the Kathmandu Valley from the way towards the dam is magical. Also, you can enjoy the walk inside green forests, and watching beautiful green hills.

Experience Village Life

There lies a village called Mulkharka Village on the way toward the dam. Meanwhile, the village is home to the Tamang community of people. You can experience typical village life here.

Bird Watching and Wildlife

As Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is home to different birds and animals. On the way towards the dam, you can watch different kinds of birds singing and playing. The mesmerizing sound of the birds singing is magical to your ears. You may also encounter wild animals if you are lucky enough.

Entry fees to enter Dhap Dam

You need to get a ticket at the entrance of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. The ticket pricing is as below:

Category	Entry Fees(NPR)
Nepali Citizen(Per Person)	100
SAARC Citizen(Per Person)	600
Foreign Citizen(Per Person)	1000
Motorbike(Per Bike)	150

Google Map of Dhap Dam

Conclusion

Overall, the Dhap Dam in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park will play a vital role in making the Bagmati River clean and pure. Also, it is a popular destination for hiking and trekking, and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The visitors can see the dam, the surrounding forests, hills, and rivers. Similarly, going there also provides opportunities for bird watching, wildlife spotting, and camping in the National Park.