Complete Tehri Lake Travel Guide
Top Activities at Tehri Lake
Jet-skiing (₹500–₈₀₀/15 min): The most popular activity on Tehri Lake — the vast open water of the reservoir allows for fast jet-ski runs on an otherwise landlocked mountain lake. Multiple operators at the Tehri Lake Adventure Zone (GMVN developed).
Kayaking and canoeing (₹300–₅₀₀/hr): The calm sections of the lake are ideal for beginner kayaking. The Himalayan backdrop — the mountains reflected in the still lake surface — makes kayaking on Tehri one of the most scenic water sports experiences in Uttarakhand.
Bungee jumping and zip-line (₹1,500–₂,₅₀₀): The GMVN Tehri Lake Adventure Zone has bungee jumping over the lake (approximately 40m) and a zip-line across the reservoir bay. Operated by a professional company, these are newer facilities.
Lakeside camping (₹1,000–₂,₅₀₀/person): Camps on the Tehri Lake shore — waking up to the lake stretching to the mountains in the morning silence. Pre-booking required. Several operators offer tent + dinner + breakfast + one water activity packages.
Boat rides and sunset cruise (₹200–₅₀₀/person): Motorboat and shikara rides on the lake, including sunset boat rides as the mountains reflect pink in the water. Evening lake views are exceptional from the boat.
Tehri Dam
The Tehri Dam (260.5m height) is one of the world's tallest dams — the 5th tallest in the world at completion. Built across the Bhagirathi River in Tehri Garhwal, it generates 2,400 MW of electricity and provides drinking water for Delhi. The dam and reservoir submerged the old Tehri town (founded 1815, capital of the Tehri Kingdom) under 45m of water. New Tehri city was built on the hills above the reservoir. The dam viewpoint is accessible 4 km from New Tehri.
How to Reach Tehri Lake
| Origin | Distance | Time | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | 78 km | 2.5 hrs | Bus, taxi ₹1,200–₁,₅₀₀ |
| Dehradun | 110 km | 3 hrs | Via Chamba, taxi ₹2,000–₂,₅₀₀ |
| Mussoorie | 75 km | 2 hrs | Via Chamba, taxi ₹1,500–₂,₀₀₀ |
| Delhi | 310 km | 7–8 hrs | Via Rishikesh or Dehradun |
How to Reach Tehri Lake
78 km from Rishikesh (2.5 hrs), 110 km from Dehradun (3 hrs). The Tehri Lake Adventure Zone (GMVN) is on the Tehri Lake shore; New Tehri bus stand is the nearest public transport hub.
Budget, Hotels & Travel Tips
- Best time: October–June. Monsoon (July–September) can cause landslide-related road delays on the Rishikesh–Tehri highway. The lake is fullest in September–October after monsoon rains — the most dramatic scenery.
- Day trip from Rishikesh: Tehri Lake is easily done as a day trip from Rishikesh (78 km, 2.5 hrs each way) — water sports in the morning, lunch by the lake, return to Rishikesh in the afternoon. Add Dhanaulti (55 km from Tehri Lake via Chamba) for a loop.
- Accommodation: New Tehri has several hotels (₹800–₂,₅₀₀/night) with lake views. GMVN Tehri Lake Tourist Complex has rooms (₹1,500–₃,₀₀₀). Lakeside camping is the most atmospheric option.
FAQs
- What can I do at Tehri Lake?
- Tehri Lake's main activities: jet-skiing, kayaking, bungee jumping over the lake, zip-line, boat rides, sunset cruises and lakeside camping. The GMVN Tehri Lake Adventure Zone is the main hub for organised activities. The lake itself — 42 km long in Himalayan surroundings — is one of the most spectacular bodies of water in Uttarakhand and justifies a visit for the scenery alone even without adventure activities.
- Is Tehri Lake safe for swimming?
- Swimming in Tehri Lake is generally not permitted in the main reservoir due to boat traffic and depth. The approved swimming areas are designated by the GMVN at the adventure zone — stick to these. The lake is very deep (up to 260m in the main reservoir) and the cold mountain water can cause cold shock. Life jackets are mandatory for all water activities.