Asia's Highest Dam · Tehri Garhwal

Tehri Dam

Asia's highest earthfill dam at 260 metres on the Bhagirathi river — the 45 km² Tehri Lake offers world-class adventure sports: jet skiing, bungee jumping (83m), zip-lining and kayaking. A marvel of engineering and a destination of breathtaking mountain scenery. Book a Tehri Garhwal package with Tour Venture India. Call +91-8057146497.

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Tehri Dam — Asia's Highest Earthfill Dam

Updated: October 2026

Tehri Dam is Asia's tallest earthfill dam at a height of 260.5 metres, built at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers in Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand. Completed in 2006 after nearly three decades of construction (started 1978), Tehri Dam forms the 45 km² Tehri Lake — India's largest man-made reservoir — which now holds approximately 3.54 billion cubic metres of water. The dam generates 1,000 MW of hydroelectric power (Phase I) and serves as a key water source for Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh.

From an engineering marvel, Tehri Dam has evolved into one of Uttarakhand's top tourist destinations. The vast blue expanse of Tehri Lake — surrounded by green Himalayan hills — is a breathtaking sight. THDC India Limited (Tehri Hydro Development Corporation) now operates a dedicated adventure sports zone on the reservoir, offering jet skiing, speed boating, bungee jumping (83m at Jumpin Heights), zip-lining over the water, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Tehri Lake is often described as the Interlaken of Uttarakhand for the variety and quality of its water adventure activities.

The old Tehri town — once a royal capital with over 100,000 residents — was submerged when the reservoir filled. A new Tehri town was built 24 km away. This poignant history, combined with the dramatic transformation of the landscape into a vast mountain lake, gives Tehri Dam an added cultural and emotional significance for visitors from the region.

Quick Facts — Tehri Dam
Dam Height: 260.5m (Asia's highest earthfill)
Location: Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
River: Bhagirathi + Bhilangana confluence
Reservoir: 45 km² (Tehri Lake)
Capacity: 3.54 billion m³
Power: 1,000 MW (Phase I)
Constructed: 1978–2006
Operated by: THDC India Limited

Tehri Dam — Visitor Guide 2026

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Entry Fee
Viewing the dam wall and surroundings is free. Adventure sports zone entry: ₹50–100/person. Individual sports priced separately. Parking: ₹50 (car), ₹20 (bike).
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Timings
Dam viewpoint: Open all hours. Adventure sports zone: 8 AM – 6 PM daily. Bungee (Jumpin Heights): 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Closed on rainy days for safety.
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From Rishikesh
75 km, 2–3 hours by road via Devprayag. Road is scenic and mountainous. Private taxi recommended. GMOU buses also available from Rishikesh ISBT.
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Photography
Photography of the dam wall itself may be restricted near THDC security zones — follow on-site signage. Tehri Lake and adventure sports zone are fully open for photography and videos.
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Stay Options
New Tehri town has budget hotels and guesthouses. Dhanaulti (24 km) and Chamba (20 km) have better resort options. Advance booking essential in peak season (May–Jun, Oct–Nov).
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Important Notes
Avoid July–September (monsoon) — adventure sports suspended, roads prone to landslides. Carry government-issued photo ID. Bungee requires advance booking — call Jumpin Heights directly.

Adventure Sports at Tehri Lake — Fees & Details

Jet Skiing
Ride a jet ski on the 45 km² Tehri Lake — one of the best jet skiing experiences in India, with Himalayan peaks as backdrop.
₹500–700 / 15 minutes
Bungee Jumping
Jumpin Heights Tehri — 83m bungee jump over the Tehri Dam reservoir, one of the highest bungee jumps in India. Advance booking essential.
₹3,500 per jump
Zip-lining
Zip-line over the Tehri Lake — a thrilling ride over the water with stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding hills.
₹800–1,200 per ride
Speed Boating
Speed boat rides across the calm Tehri Lake — a thrilling rush across the largest mountain reservoir in India, ideal for families and groups.
₹400–600 per ride
Kayaking & SUP
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the serene Tehri Lake — perfect for those wanting a slower-paced water experience amidst Himalayan scenery.
₹300–500 per hour
Banana Boat Ride
Fun group activity for families and friends — banana boat towed at speed across Tehri Lake. Great for children and first-time water adventurers.
₹200–300 / person
Adventure Sports Season

All adventure sports at Tehri Lake operate October to June. During monsoon (July–September), activities are suspended due to safety reasons — water levels rise significantly and weather is unpredictable. Always check weather conditions before visiting during shoulder months (June, October).

Best Time to Visit Tehri Dam

🍂 Oct–Nov ★ Best Season
Post-monsoon — reservoir is full (maximum lake size), clear blue skies, and all adventure sports in full operation. Dhanaulti and Chamba are lush and green. Most scenic time to visit Tehri Dam.
🌸 Mar–Jun ★ Excellent
Pleasant weather for adventure sports. Dhanaulti has rhododendron bloom in March–April. Summer peak (May–Jun) is busiest — book accommodation in advance.
❄️ Dec–Feb (Winter)
Cold but peaceful. Dhanaulti may have snowfall. Tehri Dam lake is still beautiful. Some adventure sports may be suspended in Jan–Feb. Ideal for peace-seekers and photographers.
🌧️ Jul–Sep — Avoid
Monsoon — all adventure sports suspended. Roads to Tehri prone to landslides (via Devprayag route). Heavy rainfall makes the trip uncomfortable and risky.

How to Reach Tehri Dam

By Road from Delhi / Rishikesh
Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Tehri: 320 km, 8–9 hrs. From Rishikesh: 75 km, 2–3 hrs via Devprayag. Private taxi is most comfortable. GMOU buses also run from Rishikesh ISBT to New Tehri.
By Train
Nearest railway stations: Rishikesh (75 km) and Haridwar (95 km). Frequent trains from Delhi to Haridwar (~4–5 hrs). From either station, private taxi or state bus to Tehri (~2–3 hrs).
By Air
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (~100 km, 3 hrs). Flights from Delhi (1 hr). From airport, hire private cab directly to Tehri. Tour Venture India arranges airport pickups from Dehradun, Delhi, and Haridwar.
Quick Answer

Tehri Dam is Asia's highest earthfill dam at 260m, located in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. It creates the 45 km² Tehri Lake — India's largest man-made reservoir — where you can enjoy jet skiing, bungee jumping (83m), zip-lining, kayaking and more. Viewing the dam is free; adventure sports have individual fees (₹300–3,500). Best visited October–June. Reach from Rishikesh: 75 km, 2–3 hrs.

Frequently Asked Questions — Tehri Dam

What is special about Tehri Dam?

Tehri Dam is Asia's highest earthfill dam at 260.5 metres, built on the Bhagirathi river in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. It creates the 45 km² Tehri Lake — India's largest man-made reservoir. The dam generates 1,000 MW of hydroelectric power and is a hub for adventure sports including jet skiing, bungee jumping (83m), zip-lining, and kayaking.

What adventure sports are available at Tehri Dam?

Tehri Lake offers: jet skiing (₹500–700/15 min), speed boating (₹400–600), bungee jumping at Jumpin Heights (83m, ₹3,500), zip-lining over the lake (₹800–1,200), kayaking (₹300–500/hr), SUP and banana boat rides. All sports operate October–June; suspended during monsoon (July–September).

Is there an entry fee for Tehri Dam?

Viewing the Tehri Dam wall and surrounding area is free. The Tehri Lake adventure sports zone charges a small entry fee of ₹50–100 per person. Individual adventure sports (jet skiing, bungee, zip-line etc.) are priced separately. Parking: ₹50 (car), ₹20 (bike).

What is the best time to visit Tehri Dam?

Best time: October to November (reservoir full, clear skies, all sports running) and March to June (pleasant weather, adventure sports season). Avoid July–September (monsoon — sports suspended, landslide risk). December–February is cold but peaceful and scenic.

How to reach Tehri Dam from Delhi?

Delhi to Tehri Dam: ~320 km, 8–9 hours via NH58 and NH94. Route: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Tehri. From Rishikesh it is only 75 km (2–3 hrs). Tour Venture India arranges private taxis from Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Haridwar. Call +91-8057146497.

Can Tour Venture India arrange a Tehri Dam tour package?

Yes — Tour Venture India offers Tehri Garhwal tour packages from ₹5,999/person (2N/3D) including private transport, hotel, and adventure sports at Tehri Lake. Combined packages with Dhanaulti, Rishikesh, and Mussoorie are also available. WhatsApp +91-8057146497 for a free quote.