About New Tehri
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh railway station, about 74 km away
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, about 79 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: New Tehri Bus Stand, about 67 m away
New Tehri, situated above the famous vast and sparkling Tehri Lake and dam, is a lively blend of peace and adventure, and one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. The massive Tehri Dam, one of the tallest in Asia, is one of the main tourist attractions. It has stunning views of the Himalayas and a world-class water sports playground with jet skiing, kayaking, speed boating, and even floating huts that drift on the reservoir.
As the early morning mist lifts, walk along narrow paths by the water to see emerald-blue waters framed by pine-covered hills. Adventurers can hike to the nearby temples of Chandrabadani and Surkanda Devi, which are 2,277 m and 2,757 m high, respectively. The views from these temples are amazing. For a strange thrill, walk across Dobra–Chanti, India's longest motorable suspension bridge, and then explore the quiet beauty of Chamba's apple orchards. Or, if you're feeling brave, hike to Khatling Glacier and alpine meadows like Panwali Kantha.
Modern New Tehri is a well-planned town with guesthouses by the river and cafes with views of the mountains. The Tehri Lake Festival, which happens every year, adds a cultural touch with folk music, art stalls, yoga workshops, and food from the Garhwali region. New Tehri feels like a hidden gem in the Himalayas, whether you want to get your heart racing or relax at night.
New Tehri Highlights
• Visit New Tehri, the town famous for the sprawling Himalayan views and the engineering marvel that is the Tehri dam.
• Indulge in adventure sports as New Tehri serves as a hub with several water sports options.
• Embark on further treks like the Nag Tibba trek and others from the Tehri Lakeside Base Camp.
• Traverse the Dobra-Chanti, India's longest motorable single-lane suspension bridge.
How To Reach New Tehri
By car/taxi: New Tehri is about 102 km away from the Dehradun city centre via NH34. It will take you about 3 hours to get there.
Best Time To Visit New Tehri
Peak Season (March to June):
- Weather Insights: Clear skies, mild days 10 to 25 °C, nights cooler at 5 to 15 °C
- Things to Do: Explore the local culture, visit the Tehri dam
Moderate Season (September to November):
- Weather Insights: Crisp, clear air, daytime highs of 10 to 20 °C, nights around 2 to 8 °C
- Things to do: Indulge in adventure sports
Low Season (July to September):
- Weather Insights: Heavy rain, poor visibility, with temperatures ranging from 4 to 17 °C
- Things to do: Enjoy lush greenery, nature photography
New Tehri Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Follow the safety protocols while boating and wear a life jacket while riding on a boat.
- Check the weather forecast beforehand, as some activities may be restricted during rain.
- Follow safety protocols, ensure your safety, and the safety of people around you.
- Don't throw your trash in the water; collect it and dispose of it in designated bins.
- Carry your water bottle and sunscreen, as it might get hot.
- Respect the ecosystem and don't harm the environment in any way.
- Don’t take pictures or videos without prior permission from the authority.
Indulge in Lake Water‑Sports
Rising 260 m high, Tehri Dam is India’s tallest embankment dam, generating 1,000 MW and forming a 42 km² reservoir . Tehri Lake hosts thrilling jet‑skiing, kayaking, banana‑boat, parasailing, and floating‑hut stays.
Cross the Dobra–Chanti Suspension Bridge
This 440-meter-long, single-lane suspension bridge goes over Tehri Lake and gives you great views of the dam and reservoir. Not only does it connect Pratapnagar and Thauldhar, but it also serves as a beautiful walking path. Crossing it gives you amazing views, great for people who love to take pictures.
Embark on Surkanda Devi Temple Trek
Start at Kaddukhal and climb 1.5 km to Surkanda Devi Temple, which is 2,756 m high and one of India's 51 Shakti Pithas. The paved forest path goes through rhododendron and deodar trees and ends with stunning views of the Himalayas. It's a pilgrimage that is both spiritually and visually stunning.
Tourism Board Alliances
New Tehri FAQs
What is New Tehri?
New Tehri is a purpose-built hilltown (1,550–1,950 m elevation) and district headquarters in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Created to relocate residents submerged by the Tehri Dam reservoir, it overlooks a 52 km² lake and blends modern infrastructure with Himalayan charm.
What is the best time to visit New Tehri?
The best months are March to June and October to November, when the weather is mild (10-25 °C), the water sports are open, and the skies are clear. In the winter (December to February), it sometimes snows. In the monsoon (July to September), it rains a lot, which can cause landslides.
What activities are available at New Tehri?
Tehri Lake offers jet‑skiing, speed‑boating, kayaking, banana‑boats, parasailing, and floating‑hut stays. Nearby treks lead to Surkanda Devi (~2 km), Chandrabadni, and high‑altitude trails like Khatling Glacier and Panwali Kantha for wildlife and wildflowers.
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