Kulekhani Dam, Dam in Makwanpur District, Nepal

Kulekhani Dam is a rock-fill dam on the Kulekhani River in Makwanpur District, Nepal. It forms the Indra Sarobar reservoir and supplies water to a series of underground hydropower stations.

Construction of the dam began in 1977 with support from international funds, and the first power station started operating in 1982. A second station followed in 1986, and a third was completed in 2019 after delays.

The reservoir is known locally as Indra Sarobar, a name that links the water to religious tradition. People from nearby villages come to the shore for daily activities and to enjoy the open views.

The dam is reached by a road that winds through hills and forests, and the area around the reservoir offers spots to stop and take in the view. Visitors should be prepared for basic facilities and check local conditions before setting out.

Water from the reservoir travels through a long tunnel to a power station located in a different river basin. This means the dam and its reservoir sit in one drainage area while the electricity is generated in another.