About Mana, Uttarakhand
Opening time- 24 hours
Prime days and hours- Weekends
Suggested Duration- 1 day
Tickets- Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station- Rishikesh Railway Station, about 300 km
Nearest Bus Stand- Badrinath Bus Stand, about 4 km
Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport, about 319 km
Mana Village, situated at an average height of 3,200 meters in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, is known as the last Indian village before the Indo-Tibetan border. Surrounded by the snowy Himalayas and located just 3 kilometres away from Badrinath, it is a peaceful place where nature and old traditions are found together.
It is believed that Sage Vyasa wrote the epic Mahabharata here in a cave, and Lord Ganesha helped him by writing it down in a nearby cave. Along with this beautiful experience, you can also visit the Bheem Pul, a huge natural rock bridge made by Bheem for Draupadi to cross the Saraswati River.
There are several other popular attractions to visit near Mana Village, including the holy Badrinath Temple, the beautiful Vasudhara Falls, peaceful Satopanth Lake, and the stunning Neelkanth Peak. If you enjoy trekking or mountain views, Mana Pass and the surrounding trails are perfect for you. It’s also home to the popular “Last Tea Shop of India,” where travellers halt for sipping chai and snapping pictures.
Mana is a colourful village with small stone houses, wooden windows, and friendly people who embrace traditional clothing and a humble way of living. Whether you're on a religious journey or looking for peace away from the city, Mana village offers a special experience that stays in your heart.
Mana, Uttarakhand Highlights
• Visit Mana, perched at 3219 metres above sea level, is the last village of India on the Uttarakhand Indo-Tibetan border.
• Trek along scenic trails like the Vasundhara Falls Trek or the Swargarohini Trek, also known as the gateway to heaven, adding to a memorable experience.
• Engage in the vibrant festivals and traditional rituals, such as Saraswati Pushkaram and Basant Panchami.
• Pay respects at the Badrinath Temple, one of the four sites in India’s Char Dham Pilgrimage, which is 3 km away from Mana village.
• Explore the popular attractions in the village like Neelkanth Peak, Tapt Kund, Vyas Gufa, and Satopanth Lake.
How To Reach Mana, Uttarakhand
By car- You can reach the Mana village via Joshimath through NH 51, which is about a 47 km drive, taking approximately 2 hours to reach.
Best Time To Visit Mana, Uttarakhand
Peak Season- (April to August)
- Weather insights- Pleasant and moderate climate with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C.
- Things to do- Go on treks, visit the famous attractions.
Moderate Season- (September to November)
- Weather insights- Inadequate rains with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 17°C.
- Things to do- Participate in the rituals, Shop for local souvenirs.
Low Season- (December to March)
- Weather insights- Chilly days with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 0°C.
- Things to do- Attend the annual festival of Basant Panchami.
Mana, Uttarakhand Other Essential Information
Know before you go-
- It is advisable to check the weather conditions and road status before planning your trip.
- Be cautious if travelling in the monsoon and winter seasons, when certain routes may be affected by landslides or snowfall.
- Carry sufficient water, snacks, and necessary medications, especially if you are travelling by road or trekking to Mana Village, as facilities may be limited in remote areas.
- Plan your accommodation priorly, as options may be limited in Mana Village due to its remote location and limited infrastructure.
Trek through the scenic trails
Mana is a true haven paradise for adventure seekers and trek lovers, offering a mix of natural beauty and scenic views. Start with the Vasudhara Falls Trek, a peaceful walk that leads to a stunning, misty waterfall. For a more challenging route, take on the Satopanth Lake Trek, which guides you through high-altitude landscapes to a sacred glacial lake, linked to the holy trinity Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. If you seek thrills, explore the Mana Pass Trek, one of the highest motorable routes in India, offering snow-covered paths and thrilling views of the Indo-Tibetan border.
Visit Badrinath Temple
Located just 3 km from Mana Village, the Badrinath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India and part of the Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple holds immense spiritual value and draws thousands of devotees every year from across the country. Apart from religious importance, the area around Badrinath offers stunning natural beauty, fresh mountain air, and a peaceful vibe.
Discover the famous attractions
Mana Village is surrounded by fascinating mythological attractions and natural waterfalls in Uttarakhand. One of the most popular spots is Bheem Pul, a giant natural stone bridge built over the Saraswati River. According to local legends, it was placed there by Bheem, one of the Pandavas, to help Draupadi cross the river. Just a short walk from here are the sacred caves of Vyasa Gufa and Ganesh Gufa. It is believed that Sage Vyasa stayed in Vyasa Gufa and composed the Mahabharata, while Lord Ganesh wrote it down in the nearby cave. Adding to this mythological richness is the Saraswati River, which flows with immense force and beauty. The river is considered holy, and the locals worship it with deep respect.
Explore and Shop Local Handicrafts
Mana Village offers a unique shopping experience rooted in tradition. The locals, mainly from the Bhotia tribe, are skilled artisans known for their handwoven woollen items like shawls, stoles, caps, socks, and carpets, made from sheep and yak wool. You’ll also find local markets or small stalls run by villagers near the temple route and inside the village. Many women sell their handmade crafts outside their homes, where you can buy knitted mufflers, embroidered bags, wooden artifacts, keychains, and other souvenirs.
Join the Local Festivals and Traditions
Mana celebrates festivals with a deep sense of spirituality, tradition, and community. Important occasions like Saraswati Pushkaram, held once every 12 years on the banks of the Saraswati River, and Basant Panchami, marking the arrival of spring and worship of Goddess Saraswati, are celebrated with joy and devotion. During festivals, the village comes alive with folk music, traditional dance, colourful rituals, and beautifully worn local attire. The air feels sacred yet festive, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Himalayas. Engaging in these local celebrations lets you connect closely with the people, their beliefs, and the age-old customs passed down for generations.
Tourism Board Alliances
Mana, Uttarakhand FAQs
Why is the Mana village famous?
Mana Village in Uttarakhand is famous for its rich mythological and cultural significance, its location as the last Indian village before the Indo-Tibetan border, and its association with the epic Mahabharata. The village is also known for its scenic beauty, including the Vyas Gufa, where Sage Vyasa is said to have composed the Mahabharata. Additionally, it's a starting point for treks to Vasudhara Falls and other natural wonders.
How far is the Mana village from Badrinath Temple?
Mana is about 3 kilometres from Badrinath. Mana is the last Indian village before the Tibetan border, and is a popular tourist attraction near Badrinath. You can easily walk or take a local taxi/shared vehicle for the short trip. However, Badrinath is often used as the base for visiting Mana, so many tourists travel to Badrinath first and then head to Mana.
What are the best places to visit in Mana village?
The best places to explore in Mana village are the Vyas Gufa (Sage Vyasa's cave), the Ganesh Gufa (where Ganesha is said to have scribed the Mahabharata), and the natural rock bridge known as Bheem Pul. The village also offers opportunities for trekking and hiking, including the Vasundhara Falls Trek and the Satopanth Lake Trek.
