- What: 260 m rock-fill dam on Bhagirathi River — one of Asia's tallest; 2,400 MW power output
- Tehri Lake: Reservoir for boating, jet skiing, kayaking — open 9 am–5 pm
- Entry fee: Free to enter lake area · Water sports ₹200–₹800 per activity
- How to reach: 86 km from Dehradun · 78 km from Rishikesh (2.5 hrs by cab)
- Best time: October–June · Avoid monsoon (July–September)
- Best combined with: Dhanaulti (35 km) · Kanatal (30 km) · Mussoorie (60 km)
What is Tehri Dam & Tehri Lake?
New Tehri Dam stands 260 metres tall on the Bhagirathi River — one of the highest dams in Asia and the tallest in India. The resulting reservoir, Tehri Lake, is a stunning blue expanse offering boating, jet skiing, and kayaking against a backdrop of the Garhwal Himalaya.
The Tehri Dam is a rock and earth-fill embankment dam in Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, built on the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers. With a total reservoir capacity of 4.0 billion cubic metres and a power generation capacity of 2,400 MW, it is one of India's most significant hydroelectric projects, managed by THDC India Ltd. The dam was completed in 2006 after decades of construction and protests led by environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna.
The old town of Tehri — historic capital of the Tehri Garhwal kingdom — was submerged when the reservoir filled. Today its legacy lives in the blue lake above it. Visitors come for the sheer scale of the dam structure, the adventure sports on the lake, and the panoramic views of the Garhwal hills. The dam is easily combined with a Dhanaulti or Kanatal tour — it sits 35 km from Dhanaulti and 30 km from Kanatal.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Bhagirathi River, New Tehri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand |
| Height | 260 metres (853 feet) — one of Asia's tallest |
| Dam Type | Rock and earth-fill embankment |
| Power Generation | 2,400 MW hydroelectric |
| Reservoir Capacity | 4.0 billion cubic metres |
| Completed | 2006 |
| From Dehradun | 86 km · 2.5 hours by road |
| From Rishikesh | 78 km · 2.5 hours by road |
What Can You Do at Tehri Lake?
Tehri Lake is Uttarakhand's biggest adventure water sports hub — boating, jet skiing, kayaking, banana boat rides, and speed boats are all available from the lakeside activity zone, operated by THDC and private operators.
What Are Tehri Dam Timings & Entry Fee?
The Tehri Lake water sports zone is open 9 am to 5 pm daily. There is no general entry fee for the lake area. Water sports are paid per activity (₹200–₹800). The dam viewpoint is accessible during daylight hours — direct access to the dam structure is restricted.
When is the Best Time to Visit Tehri Dam?
October to June is the best time to visit Tehri Dam and Tehri Lake — skies are clear, lake water is blue, and the surrounding hills are fully visible. Winter (November–February) brings snow on the higher peaks, creating a dramatic backdrop over the lake. Avoid monsoon (July–September) when mountain roads carry landslide risk and visibility over the lake is reduced.
How to Reach New Tehri Dam?
New Tehri is 86 km from Dehradun (2.5 hrs) and 78 km from Rishikesh (2.5 hrs). Best reached by private taxi via Devprayag. State buses also run from Rishikesh ISBT to New Tehri.
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Step 1 — Reach Rishikesh or Dehradun by Train
Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railhead (78 km from New Tehri). Dehradun is 86 km away. Both are well connected to Delhi and major cities. From the station, hire a pre-paid taxi to New Tehri.
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Step 2 — Bus Option (Budget): Rishikesh to New Tehri
GMOU state buses and shared jeeps run from Rishikesh ISBT to New Tehri bus stand (78 km, about 3 hours). Budget option but slower — not ideal for families or groups with luggage.
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Step 3 — Private Cab (Recommended)
Most comfortable option. From Dehradun: 86 km via Chamba, 2.5 hrs. From Rishikesh: 78 km via Devprayag road, 2.5 hrs. From Haridwar: 90 km, 3 hrs. Tour Venture India provides private AC cabs — call +91-8057146497.
Which Places Are Near Tehri Dam?
All within 35 km · Tehri Dam is best visited as part of a Dhanaulti or Kanatal day tour
New Tehri Dam — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the height of New Tehri Dam?
New Tehri Dam stands 260 metres (853 feet) tall, making it the highest dam in India and one of the highest in Asia. It is a rock and earth-fill embankment dam built on the Bhagirathi River in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, completed in 2006.
What water sports are available at Tehri Lake?
Tehri Lake offers boating, jet skiing, kayaking, banana boat rides, and speed boats. The activity zone is operated by THDC and private vendors at the lakeside. Charges range from ₹200 to ₹800 per activity per person. The zone is open 9 am to 5 pm.
What are the Tehri Dam timings for visitors?
The Tehri Lake water sports zone is open 9 am to 5 pm daily. The dam viewpoint is accessible during daylight hours. Direct access to the dam structure is restricted for security reasons. Timings may vary seasonally — confirm locally before visiting.
How far is New Tehri Dam from Dehradun?
New Tehri Dam is approximately 86 km from Dehradun — about 2.5 hours by road via Chamba. From Rishikesh it is 78 km (2.5 hours via Devprayag). From Haridwar it is about 90 km (3 hours). A private cab is the most comfortable option.
Is Tehri Dam worth visiting?
Yes — Tehri Dam is one of India's most impressive engineering structures. The Tehri Lake reservoir is a scenic destination with water sports, and the view of the massive 260-metre dam wall against the Garhwal hills is genuinely striking. Most visitors combine it with Dhanaulti and Kanatal in a single day.
What is the best time to visit Tehri Dam?
October to June is the best time. Winter (November–February) gives the clearest views with snow on surrounding peaks. Spring and early summer are ideal for water sports. Avoid monsoon (July–September) — mountain roads carry landslide risk and the lake is often misty.
Is there an entry fee for Tehri Dam?
There is no entry ticket for the Tehri Lake area. Water sports are charged separately — ₹200 to ₹800 per activity depending on the activity. The dam viewpoint is accessible without a fee during daylight hours.
Can Tour Venture India arrange a Tehri Dam tour?
Yes. Tour Venture India offers Tehri Dam day tours and combined packages with Dhanaulti, Kanatal, and Rishikesh. WhatsApp at +91-8057146497 for a free itinerary within 30 minutes. Private AC cabs available from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.
This guide is written by the Tour Venture India team — our experts have visited Tehri Dam and Tehri Lake and verify all information on timings, activities, and how to reach from ground experience. We update this guide whenever new information is confirmed.