Mangla Dam Area

Address: Mangla Dam, Jhelum District (Azad Kashmir), Pakistan

Admission: Entry to the dam area generally free; boating and recreational facilities may charge fees

Mangla Dam is a major earth-fill dam on the Jhelum River in Mirpur District, Azad Kashmir. It impounds a large reservoir and provides water storage for irrigation as well as hydroelectric generation capacity.

The dam structure and its reservoir form a prominent engineered landscape; the waterbody is used for local boating and fisheries and the dam crest offers wide views of the lake and surrounding hills. The facility is an important component of regional water management.

Construction of the dam was carried out in the 1960s and the project was completed in 1967. Since completion the site has played a central role in irrigation schemes, power production and regional development.

Mangla Dam sits on the Jhelum River near the city of Mirpur in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and is accessed from nearby towns and road networks in the region.

• Completion date and purpose: Construction was completed in 1967 and the dam created a large reservoir on the Jhelum River used for irrigation and power generation.

What to See#

• Dam crest: The dam crest and spillway area, which provide panoramic views across the reservoir and river valley.
• Mangla Reservoir: Mangla Lake or Mangla Reservoir, the impounded waterbody created by the dam and used for irrigation, fisheries and recreation in the area.

Mangla Dam is accessible by road from Jhelum and Mirpur; Mirpur is the nearest large town with regular road connections. From Islamabad it is a several-hour drive via the GT Road and local highways.

• If touring the dam, hire a licensed local guide and check for security requirements-some areas are restricted.
• Visit at sunrise for reflections on the reservoir and cooler temperatures; afternoons are busier with local visitors.
• Combine the dam visit with a trip to the nearby Mangla Fort for historical context.