Tehri derives its name from "Trihari", a place that cleanses three types of sins namely sins born out of Mansa, Vacha and Kamana or thought, word and deed respectively. The ruins of Old Tehri lies under water today. New Tehri is a modern town spread over an altitude from 1,550 – 1,950mts above sea level overlooking the gigantic lake and the Tehri dam.

New Tehri is the district headquarters of Tehri Garhwal district situated 16kms from Old Tehri. The most important tourist attraction of Tehri is the Tehri Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric projects harnessing waters of two important rivers of the Himalayas namely Bhagirathi and Bhilangana. New Tehri is the only planned city of Uttarakhand which is developing as a popular tourist spot because of its pleasant temperature and salubrious weather. New Tehri receives snowfall during winters. Several sightseeing options have been built by the government at New Tehri.