Everything You Need to Know About The Tehri Dam

Perched at an altitude of 1525 meters in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand Tehri is a quaint hill town embraced by the mighty Himalayas. The town’s roots stretch back to the 9th century AD when it was an integral part of the princely state of Tehri Garhwal. It was once the capital of the Garwhal Kingdom. Tehri’s allure goes beyond its historical significance as it’s all about its transformation due to the colossal Tehri dam.

It was constructed from 1978 to 2006 the engineering marvel stands as one of the tallest dams globally it has given the rest of the expansive Tehri link. It has submerged the Old Town beneath the waters a dam prompted the establishment of a new Tehri on the hill. It offers panoramic views of the lake.

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Discovering Tehri, a hidden gem in the Himalayas

Tehri attracts adventurers from different parts of the world to unravel a tapestry woven with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and thrilling escapades. From awe-inspiring Tehri dam to tranquil lakes verdant landscapes and ancient temples Tehri promises a huge range of experiences. You can immerse yourself in water sports, trek Through the scenic trails, and absorb the local culture Tehri is a perfect synthesis of tranquility and adventure. If you are a nature enthusiast or a thrill seeker then you should consider visiting this place. In this travel guide, you can learn about all the landscapes that shift from historic remnants to modern engineering marvels from serene spiritual retreats to the bustling local markets.

The evolution from old to new

The transformation of Tehri is epitomized by the Tehri dam. It is a testament to human ingenuity and engineering progress. The Old Town submerged beneath the waters of the Tehri Lake whispers the tales of the bygone era. Today you can see a new Tehri which stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability. It offers you a new town and also a new perspective on the majestic landscape.

The Best Time to Visit Tehri

Located amid the majestic Himalayas, Tehri unfolds its unique landscapes and experiences throughout the year. You need to carefully choose the right season to significantly improve your tour.

Summer Season

Tehri Basks, in the pleasant ambiance during the summer months you can expect a delightful escape from the scorching heat prevalent in other regions of the country. The temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C. The season provides an ideal climate for outdoor activities. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, then you can truly indulge in water sports on the pristine lake surrounded by blooming landscapes.

Post Monsoon Season

Post monsoon just characterized by clear skies and crisp air. The months of September to November offer refreshing weather with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. The season is perfect for camping and trekking Showcase highlights the scenic best. The post-monsoon greenery coupled with the backdrop of snowcapped peaks creates a perfect landscape.

Winter Season

If you are enchanted by the winter magic, then Tehri from December to February transforms into a serene Wonderland. The temperatures can undoubtedly drop to 0°C and light snowfall might grace higher altitudes but winter adds a unique charm to the landscape. If you are seeking a tranquil retreat, then the season is your best bet.

How to Reach Tehri?

Tehri enjoys good connectivity to major cities and destinations in Uttarakhand and northern India. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is around 85 kilometers away from Tehri. You can take a taxi or a bus from there. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh connected to Delhi there are other parts of northern India. You can take a bus or a taxi from Rishikesh to Tehri and it will take around 4:00 to 5:00 hours to reach Tehri. If you are an adventurous individual, then you can go for a road trip also at Tehri as well connected by motorable roads to major destinations like Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Regular buses also run so you can check out the right mode for scenic transportation.

Things to Do in Tehri

You can embark on a Tehri escapade with a visit to the iconic Tehri dam which is one of the world’s tallest. You can experience the thrill of water sports on the expansive Tehri lake including jet skiing and paddleboarding. The serene waters against the backdrop of the towering dam create A breathtaking setting for you if you’re an adventure enthusiast.

You can navigate two of four Rapids along the Bhagirathi river. River rafting here is for both beginners and experienced rafters.
You can also enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the massive Tehri Lake with the option to boat up close to the dam wall.
As you Rev up a jet ski on Tehri Lake you can feel the wind in your hair surrounded by stunning mountain views.
You can join your friends for a laughter field adventure on a banana boat towed by a speed boat on the lake.
By paddle boarding on Tehrilake, you can test your balance and core strength. All you can do is soak in the panoramic dam and hill views
You can unleash your adventurous spirit by wakeboarding in Tehri Lake. You can glide over the water surface towed by a speedboat.

Trekking with camping amid nature

Tehri is a paradise for you if you love trekking. It offers trails leading to the hidden waterfall’s Alpine meadows and pristine landscapes some of the most prominent treks include Surkhanta Devi Temple and Nag Tibba. You can set up the camp amid the Himalayan wilderness to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.

Explore the local culture

Tehri is home to a rich cultural heritage shaped by its history and geography. The local culture revolves around Hinduism.

You can taste the simple yet flavorful cuisine of Tehri Garhwal making use of local ingredients including rajma Bhatt ki Dal and mandua. Gahat ka saag is made from wild Himalayan greens. It is a prominent side dish.
you can explore the local folk arts and crafts including wall paintings and wood carving
You can explore some musical forms including Basanti and chopati which add to the cultural richness
Tehri holds a deep association with Hindu pilgrimages including Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
You can immerse yourself in the local festivals like Nanda Devi Mela and Harela Mela. They are all marked by unique traditions and celebrations

Places to Visit Near Tehri

You can experience an engineering marvel by walking or driving across the Dobra Chanti Bridge offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the shimmering Tehri Lake below. You can capture the amazing moments at these vintage points.
You can visit Chamba town which is perched at an altitude of more than 1600 meters. It is a picturesque hill town surrounded by deodar forest apple orchards and snowcapped peaks.
Established in 2004 Tehri Wildlife Sanctuary covers more than 422 square kilometers near Tehri Dam reservoir. It provides a safe habitat for displaced flora and fauna. While you are here you can come across leopards’ jungle cats and various bird species.
Located at 10,000 feet the surrounding Devi temple offers the spiritual retreat and panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

This is all you need to know about visiting Tehri Dam.

Further Reading:

A Complete Guide to Visit Tehri Dam: India’s Highest Dam

Discovering Tehri, a hidden gem in the Himalayas

The evolution from old to new