• By: NP Traveller
• Mar 17, 2025
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Tehri: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Uttarakhand’s Scenic Gem

“The Mountains are calling, and I must go”, this was attributed by famous naturalist John Muir and it seems to be all worth it when it is about the heart of Indian Himalayas.‘Tehri’ is located in Uttarakhand & time and again it has proved itself as a scenic gem. for the travelers, offering a variety for the people to explore. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned one, this guide will strike the right chord to make it an indelible experience.

Immerse in the culture of Tehri

Once you have reached Tehri, the spirit of Garhwali culture will captivate your soul. The architecture of Tehri villages is also a reflection of the region’s cultural heritage,  which is adorned with stone and wood-built homes designed to withstand the harsh mountain winters. When you will have an encounter with the local people, their warmth and friendliness will make your visit feel like a homecoming. The Garhwali language is primarily spoken by the people of Tehri, though Hindi is widely understood. The culture is rich with folktales, songs, and legends that are passed down orally from generation to generation.

Connect with the Natives

The best way to experience the region’s natural beauty and rich culture is by connecting with the locals and village hosts. Whether you’re trekking the mountain or exploring the region’s heritage by staying with the local families you will be able to establish an intimate connection with the heart of the Himalayas. By choosing a village host, you also support the community and contribute to sustainable tourism In all major towns of Tehri Garhwal, namely  New Tehri, Chamba, and Dhanaulti, there are local tourism information centers that can help visitors find village-based tourism options and native culture can be best known by its food, so don’t forget to try the authentic Garhwali dishes such as Bhang ki chutney, Gulgula, daal pakora etc, that will bind you to the roots of this picturesque district.

Major Attractions in Tehri

1. Tehri Dam: A Marvel Embankment

One cannot truly say they’ve experienced Tehri without seeing the Tehri Dam, it’s like you have missed out on the essence of the region and its true marvel. Tehri Dam is one of the highest in the world and is a multipurpose rock and earth-fill dam on the Bhagirathi waterway close to Tehri in Uttarakhand, Be ready to witness jaw-dropping expanse of water, nestled within the green hills. While visiting this don’t forget to miss the ropeway ride at Tipri Madan. Boating is also done at the Koti Colony area and you can also check out the 500-year-old Dewasari Mahadev Mandir nearby. One thing you cannot afford to forget is that photography is strictly prohibited at the dam site.

2. Tehri Lake: A Man-Made Wonder

    One of the iconic spots in Tehri is Tehri Lake, a vast reservoir created by Tehri Dam itself. This artificial lake is not only a sight to behold but what you can also try there is thrilling water sports activities like kayaking, sailing, and boating. Yes, you can absolutely capture the view in mind and with your camera lens. If you want to see the panoramic views of the dam and the lake below then just head to the Tehri dam, where sunrise or sunset is breathtaking.

3. Nag Tibba: The Serpent Peak

For all the adventure enthusiasts, here is your goal right in front of you-Nag Tibba which offers a perfect 3-day trek on an exciting nature trail in Tehri. The area is full of dense forest and natural beauty. Thatyur is the base camp for visiting the place, it is 16 Km away from Chamba-Mussoorie road which branches off Suwakholi. The trek starts via Dewalsari,  where one can stay in the forest rest house. From Dewalsari Nagtibba is 14 km away, situated at an altitude of 3048 meters above sea level where it has a temple on the top and the entire Bandarpoonch ranges of the Great Indian Himalayas is your reward at the summit of the trek. The word ‘tibba’ means hill or peak and the first part of the name suggests Nag, so it is the serpent’s peak, where nag devta is offered prayers by the locals for the protection of their animals.

4.Surkanda Devi Temple: A Shakti Peeth

The Surkanda peak is famous for its temple of Surkanda Devi, one of the Shakti incarnations. To reach the temple one has to leave the Mussoorie-Chamba road at Kaddukhal and climb a steep ascent of about 2.5 km on foot which is surrounded by dense forest.  commands a beautiful view of Dehradun, Rishikesh, Chandrabadni, Pratap Nagar, and Chakrata townships along with a splendid sunrise view of the 360-degree Himalayan peaks. You will find flowers of various kinds and indigenous herbs grown in abundance here. The Ganga Dussehra festival is celebrated here every year between May and June and attracts a lot of pilgrims.

5. Chamba: The Gateway to Adventure

It is a small town near Tehri perfect for those who are in quest of peace and scenic beauty. This town is located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River and offers mind-blowing views of the adjacent mountain. It’s a great base for exploring nearby areas or embarking on short treks. The town is known for its traditional handicrafts which you can pick up from local markets probably as a souvenir.

6. Kanatal:Hidden Gem

It gets its name from the now dried-up but once abundantly surplus lake of this region. It’s an excellent escape in the lap of Mother Nature. January and February are the months that you will witness heavy snowfall here. Zip-lining and water sports are some of the options that you can go for while quenching the adventurer thirst in you. The Kaudai Jungle is also a treat for wildlife lovers and is known for its unforgettable sunset 

Conclusion

Tehri is a blend of unique natural beauty, and spiritual adventure. It has something to offer to every traveler but just make sure you pack accordingly as it can be cooler than lower altitudes especially in the evening even during the summer days

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Reaching your destination -Tehri can be drenched via air, train, or bus depending upon your preference, comfort, and budget. Here’s a breakdown-

1. By Air: Several flights operate from Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi and Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Once you have reached Dehradun, you can hire a private vehicle to Tehri which will take 2.5 to 3 hours, alternatively, you can take a bus as well.

2. By Train: There are several express trains from Delhi(New Delhi Railway Station to Haridwar)and from there hire a private vehicle to reach Tehri.
3. By Bus: There are direct Uttarakhand State Road Transport Corporation(UKSRTC) buses that run from Delhi Kashmiri Gate to Tehri and you can also take a bus from Delhi to Chamba or Dehradun and then take a local bus or taxi for Tehri.
4. Local Transport – In Tehri local transport options are somewhat limited due to its relatively hilly terrains where walking or hiring  Tour Services can be used as an option by the travelers.

Accommodation

• Standard/Budget Hotels- Hotel Tehri View near Tehri Lake
• Deluxe Property Hotels- Kailash Residency near Chamba
• Luxury Hotels- The Himalayan Village Resort

Places to eat

Most of the restaurants in Tehri are all-rounder and serve the best authentic Garhwali Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian options. Some of the must-try places are:

• GMVN Tourist Complex Restaurant – Phannu and Kachmauli(a Garhwali mutton dish). For vegan options, you have dal and roti with sabzi with locally sourced vegetables and ingredients.
• Bhajan Ghar- It is typically for vegetarians, best for budget travelers looking for a simple meal yet authentic.
• Local Garhwali Street Food is something that you should try without saying such as Aloo ke Gutke, Samosa, and Chana Chaat.