Tehri Lake
Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India • 30.38°N, 78.48°E
📖 About Tehri Lake
- ✦Asia's highest man-made reservoir at 260.5 metres dam height, created in 2006
- ✦Jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, and India's highest bungee jump at 83 metres
- ✦Three-season destination - closed only during monsoon peak July through August
- ✦Limited ATMs near the lake - carry cash from Rishikesh or Tehri town
The reservoir formed by Asia's tallest dam stretches 42 km upstream from the dam wall at New Tehri, submerging the old town of Tehri completely under 85 metres of water. The lake holds 4 billion cubic metres and sits at 703 metres elevation, which means moderate year-round temperatures - May peaks at 29.5°C (85.1°F), January drops to -3.9°C (25°F) at night. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board runs water sports facilities at multiple points along the shore, including jet skiing, kayaking, banana boat rides, and parasailing from September through June.
The dam construction began in 1978 and displaced 100,000 people from the original Tehri town, now completely underwater along with several villages. The new town of Tehri sits 7 km from the dam on higher ground. The lake supports three main activity zones - the GMVN campsite at Koti Colony, the Tehri Water Sports Centre near the dam, and the quieter beaches around Narendra Nagar 22 km away. Fishing is banned to protect water quality as this reservoir supplies hydroelectric power to Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
The lake suits families wanting calm water activities and groups seeking adventure sports, especially the 83-metre bungee platform operated near the dam wall. Mobile connectivity drops significantly beyond New Tehri town, and the nearest reliable ATMs are 7 km away in Tehri town or 35 km back towards Rishikesh on NH-34.
🎯 Things to Do in Tehri Lake
The main water sports centre operates from the GMVN campsite at Koti Colony, 4 km before the dam wall on the lake's eastern shore. Jet ski rides start at Rs 800 for 10 minutes, kayaking at Rs 500 per hour, with all equipment and life jackets provided - timings run 9 AM to 5 PM except during monsoon (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Weekend crowds from Delhi can mean 30-minute waits in peak season March through May, weekdays stay quieter.
India's highest bungee platform stands above the lake near the dam approach road, operated by Jumping Heights from their Rishikesh base. Jumps cost Rs 3,550 and require advance booking through their website - walk-ins rarely get slots on weekends (confirm locally — rates vary by season). The platform opened in 2020 and operates 10 AM to 4 PM daily except monsoon months and maintenance Tuesdays.
Motorboat tours leave from the GMVN jetty covering the reservoir's middle section where temple spires of the old town sometimes break the surface in low water months of April and May. Shared boats run Rs 200 per person for a 1-hour circuit, private charters Rs 2,000 for up to 8 people (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Water levels fluctuate 10-15 metres seasonally, so temple visibility changes - best chances in late April and early May before monsoon refills the reservoir.
GMVN runs a lakeside camp with tents and cottages at Koti Colony, 4 km from New Tehri on the reservoir's quieter eastern bank. Tent accommodation starts at Rs 1,200 per night, cottages from Rs 2,500, both include morning tea and access to the beach (confirm locally — rates vary by season). The campsite has basic dining with limited menu options - carry snacks if you eat outside typical meal hours of 8 AM, 1 PM, and 8 PM.
Quieter shoreline stretches appear around Narendra Nagar town, 22 km northwest of the dam via the Chamba road - locals swim here but no commercial water sports operate. The road down to the water is steep and unpaved in sections, requiring careful driving or a short 500-metre walk from where you park. Weekdays you might have the beach to yourself, but bring all food and water as no stalls operate here reliably.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -3.9 | 16.5 | 47 | 51% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -3.0 | 18.8 | 45 | 52% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | 0.3 | 22.8 | 56 | 54% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | 4.9 | 26.3 | 42 | 48% |
| May | 🌤️ | 8.5 | 29.5 | 68 | 49% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | 11.7 | 30.0 | 123 | 61% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 14.9 | 26.3 | 341 | 86% |
| Aug | 🌧️ | 14.8 | 23.9 | 301 | 90% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | 12.2 | 23.6 | 162 | 83% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | 6.4 | 21.8 | 25 | 65% |
| Nov | 🌤️ | 3.3 | 19.3 | 6 | 51% |
| Dec | 🌤️ | -1.6 | 17.7 | 12 | 43% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Tehri Garhwal region, not exclusively Tehri Lake. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Tehri Lake
💡 Visitor Tips
March through May sees highs from 22.8°C (73°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F), so pack light cotton clothes, but carry a fleece for December through February when night temperatures drop to -3.9°C (25°F) to -1.6°C (28.8°F) despite daytime highs around 17°C (62.6°F).
Water sports need advance booking only for weekends and public holidays - call GMVN Tehri at their office number found on uttarakhandtourism.gov.in a week ahead. Bungee jumps require 2-3 days advance booking online through Jumping Heights, especially March through June.
The Rishikesh-Tehri road has sharp curves but good tarmac - hatchbacks manage fine, though SUVs feel more comfortable. Local shared taxis run from Rishikesh to New Tehri for Rs 150 per person, taking 3 hours with stops.
The last ATM before the lake sits in Tehri town centre, 7 km from the main water sports area. UPI works at GMVN facilities and the few dhabas near the dam, but cash remains essential for private boat operators and roadside vendors who accept only notes.
Most accommodation clusters in New Tehri town with budget lodges from Rs 600-1,000 and GMVN's lakeside camp cottages from Rs 2,500-4,000 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Narendra Nagar 22 km away has more upscale resorts starting Rs 5,000.
📍 More Places in Tehri Garhwal
🗺️ Nearby Places
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Tehri Lake covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Tehri Lake is located in Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 703 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.