🏞️ About Dhap Dam and Sundarijal

Dhap Dam is a beautiful man-made reservoir located in the Shivapuri National Park area, at an approximate elevation of 2,067 meters (6,781 feet) above sea level. Its coordinates are approximately 27.805765°N 85.4534783°E, northeast of Kathmandu. Surrounded by forests and flowing rivers, the dam serves as a peaceful destination for day hikes and picnics, especially during monsoon when the water level rises.

Dhap Dam (Nepali: धाप बाँध) is a significant concrete-faced rockfill dam located in Bagmati Province, Nepal, specifically in the northeastern part of Kathmandu Valley. Standing 24 meters high and spanning 175 meters wide, it boasts a total storage capacity of 850,000 cubic meters of water.

sole purpose of the Dhap Dam is to  improve water quality and ensure water security for the Bagmati River basin. It collects monsoon rainwater and releases it during the dry season, maintaining a continuous flow in the Bagmati River. 

Recently, we went on a  day hike to Dhap Dam, nestled within the beautiful Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. When we visited on June 21st, the water level of the dam was not particularly high. However, it definitely rises significantly during the monsoon season as it's designed to harvest rainwater.

Want to see what the journey was like? We’ve captured the full experience in our latest video.

🚶 Hiking to Dhap Dam via Sundarijal: The Trail Experience

We started our hike from Sundarijal, which is the popular entry point to the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park. Here's a step-by-step outline of the trail:

1. Vehicle to Sundarijal Bus Park:

   • From Chabahil or RNAC, shared vehicles are available.

   • Cost: Rs. 35 per person (Rs. 245 total for 7 people).

   • Only buy water at the Buspark that will be enough to cover approx 3 KM of hike. Food/snacks are better at the next stop.

2. Start of the Trail:

   • Steep paved path (~45° incline).

   • After 200m, you’ll reach the entry counter.

   • Entry fee: Rs. 100 per person.

3. Bag Check at Army Camp:

   • No cigarettes, fire items, or speakers allowed.

   • Bags will be searched.

4. Sundarijal Temple Area:

   • A peaceful temple by the river. Great for photos.

5. Trail Split Point:

   • After 2–3 km walk, you’ll see the Dhap Dam trail mark.

   • 18 km for vehicles and 8 km hike.

   • On hike first 700 meters is a steep stair climb—challenging part.

6. Rest Point / Food Stop:

   • After the stairs, the trail flattens with a beautiful 360 view of Kathmandu Valley.

   • A few shops here. Get everything necessary from this point.

   • Suggestion: carry at least 2L water per person.

7. Final Stretch:

   • Walk along an unpaved trail, beside a river through dense forest.

   • Eventually, you reach Dhap Dam.

8. Condition of Dam:

   • As of 21st June, the water level was low but expected to rise in monsoon.

💸 Total Cost for Hike

Item	Cost (NPR)
Vehicle (to and from)	70
Entry Ticket	100
Water and Food (estimated)	330
Total Estimated Cost	~500

🧗‍♂️ Hike Difficulty Level: Is Dhap Dam Easy or Hard?

I considered to be easy to moderate, depending on your fitness level. If you're a beginner, this is a great hike to start with. And if you're someone who hikes regularly, you'll likely find it quite easy.

Compared to my last hike to Latarambeshwor Mahadev, which has steeper and more demanding sections, Dhap Dam is much easier and more beginner-friendly.

🔹 For Beginners:

• The hike is doable, but the initial 700-meter stair climb can be challenging.

• With short breaks, even first-time hikers can complete it comfortably.

• Total duration may take around 7 hours (up & down).

🔹 For Regular Hikers:

• The trail is quite simple and straightforward.

• Aside from the stair section, most of the path is flat or slightly inclined.

• You can complete the hike in about 5 hours or less.

⏱️ Time Required

• Beginner hikers: 7 hours (round trip)

• Regular hikers: 5 hours max

Time varies based on rest breaks and exploration at the dam.

📝 Final Tips

• Carry essentials: water, light snacks, a cap, and sunscreen.

• Avoid carrying restricted items.

• Take your time and enjoy the nature.

• Best visited in monsoon season [July August] or early winter.

Photos From Sundarijal Dhap Dam Hike