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📍 Dharchula, Uttarakhand
🏛️ Sightseeing Attraction

Chirkila Dam

Chirkila Dam is a monumental hydroelectric concrete gravity dam constructed across the roaring Dhauliganga River, located roughly 20 km north of Dharchula ...

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About Attraction

About Chirkila Dam

Chirkila Dam is a monumental hydroelectric concrete gravity dam constructed across the roaring Dhauliganga River, located roughly 20 km north of Dharchula in the border district of Pithoragarh. Operating as part of the 280 MW Dhauliganga Power Station managed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), this colossal engineering feat is situated in a dramatic mountain canyon.

Chirkila Dam in Dharchula, Uttarakhand

The dam creates an expansive turquoise water reservoir spanning over 1 km, framed against sheer granite gorges and dense pine forests. Travelers and pilgrims touring eastern Uttarakhand along the Kailash Mansarovar and Adi Kailash yatra routes pause at designated roadside viewpoints to marvel at the sheer scale of the dam structure and the turquoise reservoir waters.

Truth is, viewing water plunging through the spillway gates during monsoon is an electrifying sight. The roadside public viewpoints remain accessible daily during daylight hours with free viewing access.

How to Reach Chirkila Dam

  • By Air: Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is situated roughly 330 km southwest, connected with flights from Delhi and Dehradun. Taxis take roughly 10 hours via Pithoragarh.
  • By Train: Tanakpur Railway Station (TPU) is situated 240 km south, while Kathgodam (KGM) is 300 km away, connected to major north Indian cities.
  • By Road: Situated along the Dharchula Tawaghat road roughly 20 km north of Dharchula town, easily accessible by private cabs, 4x4 jeeps, and shared taxis in about 45 minutes.

Best Time to Visit Chirkila Dam

The best months to visit Chirkila Dam are from October to May when mountain roads are clear and reservoir waters are vivid turquoise.

  • Winter & Spring (October to April): Pleasant sunny days with daytime temperatures between 12°C and 22°C, offering brilliant clear water views.
  • Yatra Season (May to June / September to October): Ideal time to combine a dam visit with Adi Kailash and Om Parvat pilgrimages.
  • Monsoon (July to August): Dam spillway gates open to release massive floodwaters, though road travel requires caution.
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Hotels Near Chirkila Dam

Hotel Yash ★ Hotel

Hotel Yash

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📸 Photo Gallery

Chirkila Dam & Dharchula Photo Gallery

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Explore high-resolution photographs of iconic landmarks, temples, and scenic spots in Dharchula .

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions about Chirkila Dam

Essential visitor information regarding timings, entry tickets, location, nearby attractions, and travel guide in Dharchula.

Chirkila Dam is constructed across the Dhauliganga River (a major glacial tributary of the Kali River) near Dharchula.

The Dhauliganga Power Station operated by NHPC generates 280 Megawatts of clean hydroelectric power through its underground powerhouse.

Chirkila Dam is located approximately 20 km north of Dharchula along the Tawaghat road and takes about 45 minutes by taxi or jeep.

Due to high security protocols, entry onto the dam wall is restricted to authorized NHPC personnel; tourists view the reservoir and spillways from designated roadside viewpoints.

No, viewing Chirkila Dam and its reservoir from public highway observation points is completely free for all travelers.

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