Kanatal & Tehri Lake Weekend Escape
Lake thrills by day, cedar silence by night — Uttarakhand's perfect weekend reset.
About This Tour
Escape the summer heat and city noise with one of Uttarakhand's most rewarding short breaks — the Kanatal and Tehri Lake Weekend. This carefully curated 2-night, 3-day journey from Haridwar combines the adrenaline of Asia's one of the largest reservoir lakes with the tranquil highland village life of Kanatal, sitting at roughly 8,500 feet above sea level.
Your adventure begins at the iconic Tehri Dam — a colossal engineering marvel that holds back the mighty Bhagirathi River, creating a shimmering blue reservoir that stretches for kilometres. But Tehri Lake is far more than a dam project: today it is one of Uttarakhand's fastest-growing adventure tourism hubs. On Day 1, you'll hit the water with a session of jet skiing and kayaking, with options for speed boating and a jaw-dropping zip line that soars right over the lake's surface. As the sun dips behind the Garhwal ridges, you'll settle into a lakeside camp or resort where the lights of the surrounding hills reflect off the still water — an unforgettable overnight experience.
Day 2 takes you up into the quieter world of Kanatal — a compact village nestled among dense cedar and rhododendron forests along the Mussoorie–Chamba road. Far less commercialised than its neighbours, Kanatal is beloved by those who want genuine Himalayan calm. You'll explore the forest trails around the village, breathe in the scent of deodar, and then make the ascent to Surkanda Devi Temple. Perched at roughly 9,995 feet, this ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga rewards trekkers with sweeping panoramas of the Shivalik range, the Tehri reservoir glinting far below, and — on clear mornings — distant snow-capped peaks. The evening is spent at a locally run homestay, sharing meals cooked on a wood-fire stove and swapping stories with your hosts.
On the final morning, Day 3 brings a leisurely walk through the apple orchards that dot Kanatal's slopes. Depending on the season you may catch blossoms in spring or ripe fruit in early autumn — either way it's a gentle, scenic farewell to the hills before the drive back to Haridwar or Dehradun.
This package is ideal for couples looking for a romantic hill getaway, families wanting a safe and varied itinerary, and friend groups who want equal parts adventure and relaxation — all within a comfortable 5–6 hour drive from Delhi.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
What's Included
✓ Included
✗ Not Included
Package Pricing
All prices in Indian Rupees (INR) · International visitors see converted price above
| Group Size | Standard | Deluxe | Super deluxe | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Pax (Sedan) | ₹9,000 | ₹12,000 | ₹15,000 | — |
| 4 Pax (Sedan) | ₹7,500 | ₹10,000 | ₹12,500 | — |
| 6 Pax (Tempo Traveller) | ₹6,500 | ₹8,500 | ₹11,000 | — |
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What Travelers Say
Kanatal & Tehri Lake: The Complete Travel Guide
Tucked between the famous hill stations of Mussoorie and Chamba, Kanatal is Uttarakhand's best-kept secret — a quiet village at 8,500 feet that has managed to retain its authentic character even as neighbouring destinations have grown crowded. Paired with the adventure playground of Tehri Lake, this combination makes for one of the most balanced and satisfying weekend getaways accessible from Delhi-NCR, Dehradun, and Haridwar.
Tehri Lake: From Dam to Destination
The Tehri Dam, completed in 2006, is one of the tallest dams in Asia and the tallest rock-fill dam in the world. The reservoir it created — Tehri Lake — stretches over 52 square kilometres and sits at an elevation of 830 metres. What was once an engineering project has transformed into one of Uttarakhand's most exciting adventure tourism spots. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and private operators have developed the lake's banks into a watersports hub offering jet skiing, speed boating, kayaking, parasailing, and zip-lining over the water. The views from the lake — ringed by forested ridges with snow peaks visible on clear days — are genuinely spectacular. Sunrise and sunset here are especially memorable, with the golden light playing across the blue water and the hills mirroring in the still surface.
Kanatal: Himalayan Calm at Altitude
From Tehri, the road climbs to Kanatal along a winding route through Chamba. Kanatal sits on a ridge and is surrounded by thick forests of deodar cedar, oak, and rhododendron. The village has just a handful of homestays and small resorts, which keeps it refreshingly uncrowded even during peak season. Apple and stone fruit orchards line the slopes, and walking trails weave through the forest to viewpoints where the entire Garhwal Himalaya spreads before you on a clear morning. At night, the lack of light pollution means star-gazing here is extraordinary.
Surkanda Devi Temple
No visit to Kanatal is complete without the ascent to Surkanda Devi Temple. The shrine, dedicated to Goddess Sati (an incarnation of Durga), sits at nearly 10,000 feet and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas — ancient pilgrimage sites of great religious significance. The 2.5 km trail from the roadhead at Kaddukhal is moderate in difficulty and passes through forest glades before emerging on the open ridge where the temple stands. The 360-degree panoramic view encompasses the Tehri reservoir, the Shivalik ranges, and on exceptionally clear winter days, distant peaks including Gangotri and Kedarnath range.
How to Reach Kanatal and Tehri
The starting point for this tour is Haridwar. From Haridwar, the drive to Tehri Dam takes approximately 4.5 hours via Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Chamba. Devprayag is famous as the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers — the point where the Ganga is officially formed — and is worth a brief stop on the way. From Tehri, Kanatal is a further 45-minute drive. There is no direct train or bus to Kanatal; a private vehicle or self-drive is the most convenient option, which is why our package includes dedicated private transport throughout.
Season-by-Season Guide
Spring (March–May) is peak season for this route — the apple orchards blossom, rhododendrons paint the forests red and pink, and the weather is pleasantly cool (10–22°C). Summer (June) is warm but still comfortable at Kanatal's altitude. Monsoon (July–September) brings lush greenery but also landslide risk; while Tehri Lake water sports are often suspended during heavy rain, mild monsoon days can be magical. Autumn (October–November) offers crystal-clear skies, crisp air, and the best mountain views of the year. Winter (December–February) brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall at Kanatal, which transforms it into a different kind of beauty — bring warm layers and check road conditions before departure.
Tips for Your Visit
Carry light layers even in summer — evenings at Kanatal can be cold. Mobile network coverage is limited in Kanatal; download offline maps beforehand. If you plan to do the Surkanda Devi trek, wear comfortable walking shoes. Always carry cash as ATMs are scarce beyond Chamba. Respect local customs at the temple and homestay — remove footwear before entering shrines and ask permission before photographing residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
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