Tehri Dam is one of Asia’s largest rock and earth-fill dams, set on the Bhagirathi River. Surrounded by lake views and the Himalayan foothills, it’s the centerpiece of New Tehri—a serene, scenic getaway perfect for boating and mountain air. Traveling from Mussoorie to Tehri Dam is a beautiful drive through the Garhwal hills.
Distance and Travel Time
- By road: About 85–105 km (based on exact starting and ending points).
- Estimated time: Typically 3.5 to 5 hours by car or taxi, depending on stops and traffic.
- No trains or flights connect these points; travel is 100% by road.
Route Details
1. By Private Car or Taxi (Recommended for Comfort)
- Route:
Mussoorie → Dehradun (via downhill mountain road, 34 km, 1.5–2 hr)
Dehradun → New Tehri/Tehri Dam ( NH307, Chakrata Road, 50–70 km, 2–3 hr) - The drive features winding, well-maintained mountain roads, valleys, pine forests, and scenic views of the Bhagirathi River and Tehri Lake.
Why Choose?
- Door-to-door convenience: No transfers, flexible schedules, ideal for families/groups.
- Flexible photo stops: Pause for tea, snacks, or lakeside viewpoints.
- Fare estimate: ₹2,000–₹4,000 (one way), may vary by operator, vehicle, and season.
Tips:
- Start early to enjoy cool weather and clear roads.
- Refuel in Dehradun—fuel stations are less frequent closer to Tehri.
- In monsoon (July–September), check for road/weather updates due to landslide risks.
2. By Bus and Shared Jeep (Economical)
- Mussoorie to Dehradun: Frequent local buses/shared taxis (~2 hr).
- Dehradun to New Tehri: State-run UTC buses and shared jeeps available from Dehradun ISBT; journey takes 3–4 hours.
- Final leg: Get down at New Tehri bus station; the dam is 7–12 km away. Local taxis/jeeps connect the town to the actual dam site.
Notes:
- Buses can be crowded in season (especially summer, Yatra period).
- Consider an overnight stay at New Tehri for full relaxation and local sightseeing.
3. By Self-Drive
- Follow the same route as above.
- Be comfortable with mountain driving—there are winding and sometimes narrow sections, especially from Dhanaulti/Chamba side (an alternate scenic route: Mussoorie–Dhanaulti–Chamba–Tehri Dam is also possible, with similar travel times and even more beautiful mountain views).
What to See En Route and at Tehri Dam
- Mussoorie: Colonial hill station, viewpoints, bakeries.
- Dehradun: Bakeries, markets, Forest Research Institute.
- Chamba: Quiet hill town, stunning valley views.
- Tehri Lake/Dam:
- Boating, jet skiing, banana boat rides, kayaking.
- Walk or drive to the top of the dam for panoramic vistas.
- Nearby viewpoints and lakeside cafés.
- Visit New Tehri market for snacks and souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit
- March–June: Pleasant, green, ideal for sightseeing.
- September–November: Post-monsoon, lush, low crowd.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Beautiful but much colder (carry warm woolens).
Essential Packing & Tips
- Warm jacket (weather can change fast).
- Waterproofs in monsoon.
- Good shoes for lakeside or short hikes.
- Water, snacks, essential medication.
- Power bank, camera, cash for local stalls (digital payment acceptance can be uncertain).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I visit Tehri Dam and return to Mussoorie the same day?
A: Yes, but for a relaxed day with boating and views, an early start is advised. Many stay overnight at New Tehri for a lakeside sunset/morning.
Q: Is the route safe for self-driving?
A: Yes for those experienced in hill driving; go slow on bends, stay alert for fog in monsoon/winter.
Q: Are buses direct from Mussoorie to Tehri Dam?
A: No; transfer at Dehradun. Get a bus/shared jeep to New Tehri, and a local taxi to the actual dam/lake area.
Q: What is there to do at the dam?
A: Boating, water sports, photography, lake walks, café visits, and dam viewpoint tours.
Q: Do I need a permit to visit the dam?
A: For basic tourism, no; security entry may require simple ID. Check locally if you wish for in-depth dam tours (engineering visits may need prior permission).
Quick Reference Table
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie → Dehradun | ~34 km | 1.5–2 hr |
| Dehradun → Tehri Dam | 50–70 km | 2–3 hr |
| Total | 85–105 km | 3.5–5 hr |
Traveling from Mussoorie to Tehri Dam is a stunning Himalayan escape, combining pine hill roads, panoramic valleys, and the massive blue-green expanse of Tehri Lake. For comfort and speed, opt for a taxi or car; for savings and adventure, the bus and jeep option is entirely feasible. With its boating, quiet air, and lake vistas, Tehri Dam is the perfect counterpoint to Mussoorie’s colonial-era bustle.
