Tehri Garhwal

Myths & legends lend it great spiritual significance

The Hindu mythology and legends have showered Tehri Garhwal with spiritual significance. It is here that River Ganga arrives in its real form at Devprayag, where River Bhagirathi and River Alaknanda merge. One can also see many temples dotted across the place.

Tehri Garhwal derives its name from the word a Triharia which indicates a place where three kinds of sins can be cleared that are results of Mansa, Vacha and Kamana i.e. thought, word and deed respectively. New Tehri, the headquarters of the district is one of the only planned towns of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 1550-1950m above sea level, it overlooks the massive lake and the equally impressive dam also serves as the major attraction of the area. The Old Tehri that was once heavily inhabited today lies under water in ruins. Visiting this place is an experience worth remembering.

Tourist attractions

Tehri Dam: One of Asia’s largest and highest dams, Tehri Dam offers a sight that is both astounding and magnificent. It serves as the world’s biggest hydro electrical project drawing water from two great rivers of the Himalayas – Bhagirathi and Bhilangana. Tehri Dam is responsible for supplying water for irrigation and daily chores along with the generation of 1,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity. Apart from serving the village nearby, Tehri Dam also fulfils the purpose of being a great tourist destination in Garhwal. People throng the place to witness the scenic beauty of the hilly area alongside which they get to indulge themselves in activities like jet skiing, water zorbing, and rafting.

Located in the foothills of the Central Himalayan seismic gap, Tehri Dam is considered one of the world’s largest hydroelectric projects. Though its construction has undergone different hurdles, the dam now stands proudly in the Tehri Garhwal region. The place offering a sight of the massive dam with stagnant water and high mountains on all side is easily reachable via well-maintained roads. An example of mindful engineering and architecture, the dam becomes a must visit for anyone seeking adventure in the laps of beauty.

Adventure Sports

Dam Paragliding: This involves a pilot steering a foot-launched fixed-wing aircraft which is made up of nylon cloth. The pilot is harnessed to the aerodynamically-shaped parachutes which glide and soar in the sky at the will of the pilot.

The bird-like feeling is something one will always remember.

Jet Skiing: is one of the water sports that are being offered to the tourists and visitors at Tehri Dam. Thrill seekers can speed through the waters of Tehri Lake at high speed with a jet ski. No wonder jet skiing is one of the most loved water sports at Tehri Lake.

Banana Boat Ride: (also known as Hotdog Ride) is another highlight of Tehri Lake. The yellow colored inflatable boats are dragged across the water in a zigzag fashion by a speeding motorboat. The best part – the participants sitting atop the inflatable boat are made to go overboard and into the waters of Tehri Lake.

Trekking: With countless trekking trails and spots in the region interspersed with streams and rivers and some breathtaking views, Tehri Garhwal tends to be quite a favorite for trekking.

Popular spots include Nagtibba, Khatling Glacier, Sem-Mukhem, Pawanli Kantha, Sahastratal, Masartal and more.

Chamba: Situated 18 km from Tehri Garhwal, Chamba is one of the major tourist attractions among travelers. Apart from offering the panoramic views of Himalayas, it also provides an amazing view of the holy River Bhagirathi.

Perched at the height of 1676m above the sea level, Chamba is a place to relax while bounded by pines and deodars all around.

Devprayag: Marked by the confluence point of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, Devprayag is a religious hub and is quite popular among tourists coming for pilgrimage or seeking some solitude close to nature.

Situated amidst rolling Himalayan ranges, Devprayag is a popular pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Dotted with ancient temples and idols amidst the lush green surroundings, this place is a very beautiful and serene place. It derives much of its religious significance from the dynamic and vibrant natural elements that surround it such as the rivers. Dasharathachal Peak, Chandrabadani temple and Raghunathji temple are among some of the popular attractions here.

Rock climbing: New Tehri, being the headquarters of the district, is probably the only planned town in Uttarakhand. It is located at a height of 1550 to 1950 m above sea level. Back in the old days, the old Tehri was massively populated. It has experienced many treks and trails and offers a breathtaking view. It is a preferred location by the mountain trekkers and is adventurers. It so happens that rock climbing is usually carried out in an artificial environment. But, here at Tehri, the trek lovers get to experience the entire activity and be a part of the natural environment where it is carried out.

Being surrounded by streams and ancient remains of a city which was once populated, Tehri is the perfect place for rock climbing. Every year people flock here from all over the country to experience what the buzz is all about and return satisfied with what the place has to offer. 

Khatling Glacier: is a hidden gem nestled between a group of mesmerizing snow capped mountain peaks in the Tehri District. Khatling Glacier is at an elevation of 15,000 feet and is considered sacred by a lot of people. The glacier is surrounded with variegated a moraines which looks as if the place is circumscribed with walls of gravel and mud. This place is covered with shining white snow which makes the place look like heaven. The various tall mountain peaks visible from this place proffers picturesque beauty. The valleys and lakes that come on the way up to this glacier is nothing short of perfection and are replete with verdant trees and meadows.

How to Reach

Tehri Garhwal surprisingly is well connected to the rest of India. Regular bus services ply to and fro the city of Tehri Garhwal,’ the buses being operated both by private and government owners, especially the Uttarakhand State Road Transport Corporation in particular. There is no direct flight or rail connectivity. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun, which is around 130 km away from Tehri Garhwal. The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, around 115 km away.