New Tehri is a town in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state. New Tehri is a cutting-edge town spread over a height from 1550-1950 mt above sea level that offers a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas.

The most significant attraction of Tehri is the Tehri Dam, it is one of the world’s largest Hydroelectric projects and gives 1000 MW power. The Dam is built between two famous rivers Bhagirathi and Bhilangana.

History and Legends

The city of Old Tehri is located at the confluence of two sacred rivers Bhagirathi and Bhilanga at the Tehri Dam site.

The term Tehri derived from Trihari means to mean a place that washes the three types of sins: sins born of Mansa, Vacha and Karmana or thought, word and deed, respectively, while Garh means fort in the Hindi language.

There is a myth that says that Lord Brahma of the Holy Trinity responsible for Creation meditated in this same place and formed the model of the Universe. Muni Ki Reti and Tapovan are a reminder of the ancient Rishis who meditated for the well-being of each being.

Before 888 AD, the region was divided into 52 garhs that were ruled by independent kings. These garhs were brought to a province by Kanakpal, the prince of Malwa.

Kanakpal, on his visit to Badrinath, had met the most powerful king Bhanu Pratap, who later married his only daughter to the prince and gave him his kingdom.

Kanakpal Singh and his descendants gradually conquered all the garhs and ruled the entire Kingdom of Garhwal for the next 915 years, until 1803.

New Tehri is situated at 110 Km from Dehradun, and about 300 km from Delhi. Tehri Garhwal is where the rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda join, also the spot of river Ganga’s appearance in her real form at Devprayag.

Also Read: Munsiyari Uttarakhand India an Offbeat destination

Char Dham Yatra and Tehri Garhwal

Tehri is accessed if you travel from Uttarkashi to reach Kedarnath during your Char Dham Yatra.

People who visit the place for religious purposes can visit the various temples and shrines that can be seen around New Tehri. Tehri is surrounded by neighboring districts such as Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, Rudraprayag and Dehradun.

There are many festivals and fairs held in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand, such as the Chandrabadani fair, the Kunjapuri fair, the Lakhwar Mela fair and the Surkhanda Devi fair.

There are many places to see near the city of Tehri, such as Chandravadni Devi Mandir, Koonjapuri Devi Mandir, Khait Parvat, Surkanda Devi Mandir, Dhanaulti, Chamba, etc.

Weather

Summer Season: April is the starting month of summer in Tehri until the end of June. The maximum temperature is 38 degree Celsius to least 25 degree Celsius. Summer is moderate warm in Tehri.

Winter Season: October is the starting month of Winters until the end of January. The maximum temperature is 15 degree Celsius to least 0 degrees. Winters in tehri are cold and you want to carry woolen garments throughout the winter. snowfall is received in winter.

Monsoon Season: The storm month in Tehri is July and August. During these months you will experience excessive rainfall.

Also Read: Chopta – A Detailed Travel Guide & Itinerary

Best Time to Visit Tehri Garhwal

Tehri Garhwal has a moderately satisfactory temperature consistently and can be visited at any time. If you to want to see the snow-covered city of Tehri Garhwal, then visit during the winters. Summers are anyway are pleasant and revitalizing.

How to Reach Tehri Garhwal

By AIR

Jolly Grant Airport is the closest Airport to Tehri and located at a distance of 74 km from Tehri. The Airport is well linked with Delhi, Mumbai. Cabs are easily available to tehri from Jolly Grant Airport.

By Rail

Rishikesh is the closest railway station to Tehri Garhwal. Trains from Haridwar and Delhi are routinely available. Tehri is all around connected by motorable road with Rishikesh. Cabs and buses are easily available from Rishikesh to Tehri.

By Road

Private buses, Government buses are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri gate (Delhi) to Tehri. Tehri is all around connected by motorable road with major destinations of Uttarakhand and northern state of India. Buses and cabs are easily available from major cities of Uttarakhand.

The distance from Delhi to Tehri Garhwal is around 350 km(9 hrs journey). If you are traveling by your car, this is the most common route is mentioned below:

Delhi – Muzaffarnagar(136 km) – Roorkee(190 km) – Haridwar(220 km) – Rishikesh(238 km)- Narendranagar(257 km) – Chamba, Uttrakhand(300 km) – Tehri club and resort(310 km) – New Tehri

Tehri Garhwal Tourist Places

Tehri Garhwal is one of the most beautiful regions in the entire region in Uttarakhand, India.

Tehri region is well suitable for both young age old age in tourism. The region has both sorts of places like religious places and adventurous places.

Tehri dam

History

The plan to contract the Tehri dam was presented in 1961 and construction began in 1978, but was postponed due to financial and social constraints.

The construction of the Tehri dam was opposed by prominent environmental activists, as it was considered to have a negative impact on the environment and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

With the financial and technical assistance of the USSR and after overcoming several political and ecological obstacles, the dam was finally completed in 2006.

The highest dam in India and one of the highest in the world, Tehri Dam offers an amazing and magnificent view. It serves as the world’s largest hydroelectric project that draws water from two large Himalayan rivers: Bhagirathi and Bhilangana.

Tehri dam is responsible for supplying water for irrigation and daily tasks along with the generation of 1,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity. In addition to serving the nearby town, Tehri Dam also serves the purpose of being a great tourist destination in Garhwal.

People visit the place to witness the scenic beauty of the mountainous area next to which they can enjoy activities such as water skiing, water zorbing and rafting.

Why Visit Tehri Dam

Being one of the tallest dams in the world, tourists and visitors flocked to New Tehri to witness the engineering feat that is Tehri Dam.

The Bhagirathi River was redirected to fill the dam reservoir that became the lake Emerald green tehri.

Located in the middle of the green hills, Lake Tehri is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway from Delhi-NCR for tourists to enjoy with their family and friends in the lap of nature and enjoy boating on the lake .

In order to encourage adventure tourism in Uttarakhand, the government has planned to bring water sports with aerial sports and other activities on Tehri Lake and turn it into an adventure sports hub. Floating huts and house boats have also been introduced on Lake Tehri for accommodation purposes.

Adventure Sports in Tehri Dam Lake

The pristine waters of the Bhagirathi River serve both religious purpose and adventure. Boating is the most frequent on the list, here you get:

Water Ski – One of the best things you can enjoy in this area. There are many options in terms of rides to choose from on this lake, such as Speed Boat, regular boat, jet rides, etc. Although it is a bit expensive but still a good experience.

– One of the best things you can enjoy in this area. There are many options in terms of rides to choose from on this lake, such as Speed Boat, regular boat, jet rides, etc. Although it is a bit expensive but still a good experience. Water Zorbing – Hidden in a transparent ball, left on the surface of the water, you have the opportunity to walk around the lake with an area of 44 sq km.

– Hidden in a transparent ball, left on the surface of the water, you have the opportunity to walk around the lake with an area of 44 sq km. Live in a houseboat – Based on the concept of Kashmir Shikaras, here you will find houseboats with facilities like those of a small guest house.

– Based on the concept of Kashmir Shikaras, here you will find houseboats with facilities like those of a small guest house. Parasailing – While being suspended high up in the air, one can enjoy the majestic view of the longest lake in India and the beautiful scenes around the lake including Tehri Dam.This type of watersports is also called sky gliding.

– While being suspended high up in the air, one can enjoy the majestic view of the longest lake in India and the beautiful scenes around the lake including Tehri Dam.This type of watersports is also called sky gliding. Banana Boat Ride – A yellow boat (usually) similar to the shape of a banana is used for banana rides on Lake Tehri. This boat is connected to a speedboat that drives you through Lake Tehri. With the banana ride, you can enjoy the turns, flips and twist of the banana boat. This is a very adventurous activity and loved by children and adults.

– A yellow boat (usually) similar to the shape of a banana is used for banana rides on Lake Tehri. This boat is connected to a speedboat that drives you through Lake Tehri. With the banana ride, you can enjoy the turns, flips and twist of the banana boat. This is a very adventurous activity and loved by children and adults. Kayaking – Kayaking is like going backpacking on an offbeaten path, except that this time your adventure is at lake. This sport offers the best opportunity for sports lovers to get closer to nature. While canoeing quietly presents a unique combination of exploration.

Flying board – The FlyBoard is a water sports device, connected and powered by a personal boat, which allows propulsion underwater and in the air. Individuals are connected to the board through wakeboard boots, under which, water pressure provides thrust, and users can fly. A certified coach controls the power and height and you control the entire movement.

– The FlyBoard is a water sports device, connected and powered by a personal boat, which allows propulsion underwater and in the air. Individuals are connected to the board through wakeboard boots, under which, water pressure provides thrust, and users can fly. A certified coach controls the power and height and you control the entire movement. Rafting – Rafting is the most popular adventure sport in Uttarakhand. The fast-moving rivers offer a thrilling experience for white water rafters. These rivers flow through deep forests, rocky terrain, mountains and, sometimes, even along snowy slopes. The stretches along the Alaknanda, Dhauliganga and Kali rivers have several challenging rapids. You can opt for a simple half-day tour or a four to five day rafting experience. Be sure to have the services of an experienced guide.

Also Read: Bahu – An unexplored destination in Himachal Pradesh

Surkanda Devi Temple

At a distance of approximately 8 km from Dhanaulti, and 2 km trek from the village, Kaddu Khal is the Temple of Surkanda, that makes trekkers heaven. While climbing is hard, it’s worth the view and serenity.

Mythology

One of the most persistent mythologies about the origin of worship on the site is associated with the legend of Sati, who was the wife of the god Shiva and the daughter of the king-god Daksha.

Daksha was not happy with her daughter’s husband’s choice, and when he made a great Vedic sacrifice for all deities, he did not invite Shiva and Sati. Furious, Sati threw himself into the fire, knowing that this would make the sacrifice impure.

As she was the almighty mother goddess, Sati left her body at that time to be reborn as goddess Parvati.

Meanwhile, Shiva was afflicted with pain and anger over the loss of his wife. He put Sati’s body on his shoulder and began his tandava across the heaven, and promised not to stop until the body was completely rotten.

The other gods, fearful of their annihilation, implored Vishnu to pacify Shiva. Therefore, wherever Shiva wandered while dancing, Vishnu followed him. He sent his Sudarshana chakra to destroy Sati’s body.

Pieces of her body fell until Shiva ran out of a body to carry. Seeing this, Shiva sat down to do Maha tapasya (great penance).

According to various myths and traditions, there are 51 pieces of Sati’s body scattered throughout the Indian subcontinent. These places are called shakti peethas and are dedicated to several powerful goddesses.

When Shiva was passing through this place on his way back to Kailash with Sati’s body, her head fell to the place where the modern temple of Surkanda Devi is located and because the temple is named after Sirkhanda, which over time It is now called surkanda.

Chandrabadani Devi Temple

The Chandrabadni Temple is located in the New Tehri (the Chandrabadni Temple is located on the top of Chandrakoot Mountain. A small trek from Tehri road will lead you to this temple).

The Chandrabadni Temple is one of the Shakti Peeths and the sacred shrine of the Goddess Sati.

A place of belief and devotion, the Chandrabadni Temple is located at a height of 2277 meters (7470 ft) on the Chandrabadni mountain, also known as the Chandrakoot mountain in history. Devotees from far away places come here to worship the Goddess Sati and receive blessings.

Since the Chandrabadni Temple is at such a great height, it offers 360-degree panoramic and panoramic views of the lush hills of Garhwal and the Himalayan peaks such as Surkanda, Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Visitors can also take a tour of the Tehri or New Tehri dam, located at a distance of 60 km from the Chandrabadni temple.

Raghunathji Temple

It is one of the oldest temples of Lord Rama, located in India, since it is over 10,000 years old.

The temple is formed by huge rocks located slightly above the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers (Devprayag).

The special aarti of the temple is sung on special occasions and even a non-believer of God rhymes to its tone. The temple is visited by many devotees throughout the year.

Rama’s sanctuary was destroyed by an earthquake in 1803, but was later repaired by Daulat Rao Scindia.

According to myths and legends, when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after his victory over Lanka, he did penance here. The temple also houses the Annapurna Devi temple, the Hanuman temple, the Shankaracharya temple and the Garud temple.

Budha Kedar

Buddha Kedar Trek is a pilgrimage site dedicated to “Lord Shiva” in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.

The Shivlinga present there is the biggest in northern India. It is located at the confluence of Dharam Ganga and BAL Ganga. Kedar Buddha, which is about 60 km by road from New Tehri, is well known for the Kedar Buddha Temple.

Buddha Kedar, in addition to being famous for its temple, is also a paradise for birdwatchers. Here you can see a wide variety of colorful mountain birds in their natural environment.

Trekking through the wooded hills is also a success among a lot of adventurous tourists.

Mythology

When the Pandavas were searching for Lord Shiva after the battle of Kurukshetra during the Mahabharata era, they saw the sage balkhily in Bhrigu Parvat. The sage told them to visit the confluence and meet an old man who was meditating there.

When the Pandavas arrived there, the old man disappeared and a Shivlinga appeared. The Pandavas embraced Shivlinga as said by the sage, to get rid of their sins.

Sem Mukhem Nagraja Temple

The Sem Mukhem Nagraja is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna (also known as Nagraja) and is located in Tehri Garhwal of Uttarakhand.

The Sem Mukhem Nagraja or the temple of the king of snakes is one of the famous Nagatirthas or snake pilgrimage sites throughout the Indian subcontinent. Perched at an altitude of 2903 meters above sea level. It is 7 km uphill trek from Khamba Khal in Tehri.

Khatling Sahasratal Glacier Trek

Overview:

Altitude – 4572 meter (15000 ft)

Base camp – Ghuttu in Tehri Garhwal

District – Tehri

Division – Garhwal

Grade – Tough

Total Trekking – 120 km

Duration – 15 to 16 days

Best Season – May, June, September, October

The Khatling Glacier is located in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The Khatling Glacier is a very important glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas due to the source of the Bhilangna River.

Around the glacier, there are thick snow-capped of the Himalayan peaks that are known as the Jogin group (Altitude: 6466 m), Sphetic Pristwar (6905 m), Barte Kauter (6579 m) Kirti Stambh (6902 m) and Meru.

This trek passes through small hamlets and villages of Garhwal and dense forests of Kharsao, which makes your trek more adventurous. You will be speechless after seeing the wide grassy meadows across your route.

After reaching the Bhilangna Valley, you can easily find several suitable places for your camp. Trekkers must arrange tents and other essential camping items must be organized well in advance from Rishikesh, Tehri or Dehradun.

Flora and fauna

Due to the intense cold, you cannot see many animals. Goats that live at high altitudes can be seen wandering around. The beautiful and colorful Munal bird can be seen in pairs. Yaks can also be seen resting in the meadows.

Places to Visit

Masar Taal

This fresh and clear lake is located at an altitude of 3680 meters (12073 ft) and at a distance of 5 km from the Khatling glacier.

Masar Taal is surrounded by vast green meadows and is a great place to relax and spend quiet moments. From here, the scenic beauty of this landscape is visible at its best and will leave you amazed.

The clear blue water of the lake is ideal to take a dip and rejuvenate your body.

Sahasratal

The Sahasratal is a well kept secret of the place located in the middle of thick and dense forests. The beautiful lake is located at a height of 4570 meters and extends over 1.5 km.

The Sahasratal Taal is surrounded by lush green forest with blooming flowers. The beauty of this place is simply fascinating.

You can sit along this lake while immersing your feet in the cold water and spend some peaceful moments.

Bhilangana River

The Bhilangana River is a beautiful river that originates from the Khatling Glacier.

The myth says that the Bhilangana was a charming and beautiful woman who once tried to tempt Lord Shiva. She couldn’t get his attention. Then she was cursed by Lord Shiva that she will flow in liquid form.

That is why the river is named after her. The river is considered sacred among the locals. This river is a spectacle to see as the water bubbles from the white ice making it look flawless.

The locals even have their own fables for the origin of the river. Make sure to interact with them and listen to their interesting stories.

Vasuki Taal

Vasuki Taal is another pious lake that is on the way to the Khatling glacier. This lake is full of clear and cold bubbling water.

The lake is so clean that people drink water directly from here to quench their thirst. The lake is surrounded by the picturesque scenic beauty that magnifies its beauty. This place is ideal for sitting around and relaxing.

Bhilangana Valley

While visiting the Bhilangana Valley, you will feel as if you are in the lap of nature. This valley is full of endless green meadows and lush green trees that are full of colorful blooming flowers.

Many animals can be seen vaguely wandering or grazing in the meadows. The picturesque beauty of this place makes it important that you spend time relaxing and taking its beauty.

From here you can see the snow-capped mountain peaks that make the whole place look magical.

How to reach Khatling Glacier Trek

The travelers must reach Ghuttu from where the trek to the Khatling glaciers starts. Ghuttu can easily be reached on a motorable trip from Dehradun, Tehri, Mussoorie and Rishikesh.

On reaching Ghuttu, one has to trek about 45 km and cross small villages surrounded by thick forests of Kharsao and lush green meadows.

Khatling Glacier Trek Itinerary from Base Camp

Day 1: Ghuttu to Reeh – 10 km

Day 2: Reeh to Gangi – 10 km

Day 3: Gangi to Kalyani – 5 km

Day 4: Kalyani to Bhelbagi – 5 km

Day 5: Bhelbagi to Khatling – 7 km

Village Hopping

Village hopping is another fascinating thing that you can do in and around tehri as the place is surrounded by some breathtaking naturally blessed hamlets. There are some secret trails leading to quaint villages that I know

Budogi Village

Out of the ordinary, there is the picturesque hamlet of Budogi village. The trail starts from the Sursingdhar temple.

Note that there are two temples in Sursingdhar. One is on top of a hill, called the Suri Devi Temple and the other is at the head of the road, called the Sursing Devta Temple.

Starting from the village of Kanda, arrive at the Sursing Devta temple on the way. Continue walking along the road for half a kilometer, until a narrow path to the left appears, leading to a hill.

Continue following the same path to the pine forest. It is always advisable to ask the villagers about the route. Along the way, you will cross many plum and pear farms. The people of the town of Budogi are really welcoming!

It is a great idea to sit and have tea before returning.

Bhatkem Village

Every other step is a viewpoint on this short walk. A narrow path adjacent to the Sursing Devta temple (at the head of the road) marks the beginning of this short walk.

The path changes from a walk through the pine forest to a wide gallery of mountain waterfalls. A single path leads to the town of Bhatkem.

It is one of those villages where time has stopped, rather, slower. There are more farms, more traditional Pahadi homes than concrete, and more humanity. The villagers are very friendly and big fans of heartly conversations.

The village path leads to the Kalinka temple, the highest point of the village. A side road over the temple, which leads to the pine forest, is the way back to the village of Kanda.

Accomodation in Tehri

The place I stay on traveling matters to me as much as the destination. I don’t pick the housing dependent on how extravagant or whether it provides high end toiletries. A captivating character, charming environment and cozy corners that permit tranquil isolation are what makes me book the accommodation.

JJ Foods and Jyoti Homestays

This place is complete value for money. Very clean, impeccable hospitality. The owner is very friendly, welcoming and humble. The rooms are clean, a major gallery with a spectacular view of mountains and rivers.

About the restaurant It is the best place in town located among beautiful trees and mountain perspective on New Tehri. I found food so delicious that I can’t describe in words so I recommend a constant visit to this place, not to forget staff is well mannered who are servicing with smile on. What else you can ask for.

You can connect with Mr. Vijay Tiwari using the below contact details:

01376 232240, 7055599993

Address – Old Tehri baurari road, near ITI college.