Tehri Dam

Tehri Dam/Lake is an artificial reservoir that was built over the River Bhagirathi. Located at an elevation of 1700 m / 5500 ft and with a height of over 260 m, it is regarded as the highest dam in India. The dam conserves water for irrigation purposes of the surrounding villages, supplies water to neighboring towns, and is the primary source for the power generation at Tehri Hydro Development Corporation, that supplies power to almost 9 different states in the region.

New Tehri Dam / Lake

Tehri Dam



The dam was constructed in the erstwhile Old Tehri village, which was located at the confluence of the two rivers Bhagirathi and Bhilangna. As many as 100000 people were relocated from the village to construct this dam. There were multiple unsuccessful protests by the locals for the construction of the dam. However, as of today, the whole Old Tehri village is completely submerged in the lake that is formed by the conservation of water by this reservoir. The dam site is now called New Tehri.

New Tehri Dam / Lake

As you reach closer to New Tehri, you can see water that is spread across several kilometers. The clear water against the backdrop of high Garhwal mountains provide a spectacular sight. The last 4-5 km journey near the Tehri Dam is the most amazing part of the journey as you see the calm lake waters surrounded by green hills!

New Tehri Dam / Lake



The unrelenting beauty of the mountains and the tranquility and calmness of the lake is soothing to the eyes and the mind. It is a relaxing moment to sit at the banks of the lake and watch the sun disappear behind one of the mountains, changing the color of  the green mountains into orange, and see its reflection in the clear water!

New Tehri Dam / Lake

The tourism department of Uttarakhand Government is fast developing Tehri Lake as a great water sports destination. Visitors to Tehri Lake can now enjoy a motor boat ride, and can opt to go either in a bigger group, or in a private boat. Pedal boats are also available if you want to pedal across the beautiful lake. You can also enjoy your ride on a Jet Ski or you can opt for kayaking on the silent and calm waters.

New Tehri Dam / Lake

Boat House at Tehri Lake

New Tehri Dam / Lake

People waiting for their turn for boating at Tehri Lake



 

New Tehri Dam / Lake

 

New Tehri Dam / Lake

 

New Tehri Dam / Lake

 

New Tehri Dam / Lake

The place around the Tehri Lake Boat House is also very scenic. Each direction you look at, the surroundings pleases you with a different kind of beauty.



New Tehri Dam / Lake

New Tehri Dam / Lake

About 2 km from Tehri Dam towards Chamba, you get a deviation that will take you to THDC. If you drive up that road for few meters, you can get a glimpse of the Tehri Dam from a height. The panoramic view consists of the Tehri Lake, the dam itself, and the downstream of River Bhagirathi which flows in the valleys surrounded by huge mountains!

New Tehri Dam / Lake

New Tehri Dam / Lake

Tehri Dam/Lake is located at a distance of 110 km from Dehradun and 80 km from Mussoorie. The drive from Mussoorie to Tehri Dam goes through some the most spectacular views of the Garhwal mountains. You can take stops at Dhanolti, Kanatal and Chamba to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Chamba, Uttarakhand

Terraced cultivation at Chamba

Chamba, Uttarakhand

View from Chamba

Chamba, Uttarakhand

Chamba Town



Kanatal, Uttarakhand

Sunset at Kanatal

Kanatal, Uttarakhand

Mountains at Kanatal

Kanatal, Uttarakhand

Kanatal

Location

Where to stay?

  • Mussoorie
  • Dehradun
  • Rishikesh
  • Haridwar

Distance Chart

From Distance (in km)
Mussoorie 80
Dehradun 110
Haridwar 110
Chandigarh 285
Delhi 310
Shimla 345