Mana is a village of slate-roofed stone houses about three kilometres beyond Badrinath, at around 3,200 metres, home to Bhotia families who move down the valley in winter. For decades it was signposted as the “last Indian village” before the Mana Pass and Tibet; it is now officially promoted as the “first Indian village”.
A paved path through the village leads to a cluster of places tied to the Mahabharata, with women knitting woollens for sale along the way.
What to see and do at Mana Village
Bhim Pul and the Saraswati
A huge natural slab of rock spans the gorge where the Saraswati river bursts out of the mountain — said to have been placed there by Bhima so that Draupadi could cross. The river joins the Alaknanda a short way below, at Keshav Prayag.
Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa
Two small cave shrines above the village, where the sage Vyasa is said to have composed the Mahabharata with Ganesha as his scribe.
Walk towards Vasudhara Falls
A trail continues up the valley for about five to six kilometres to a tall waterfall. It is a half-day walk at altitude — only for those with time and energy left.
Tea at the “last shop”
Several stalls each cheerfully claim to be India’s last tea shop. Buying a cup, and perhaps a hand-knitted cap, puts a little money into the village.
How to get to Mana Village
- From Badrinath: three kilometres by road to the car park, then on foot through the village.
- On foot within Mana: allow one to two hours for Bhim Pul and the caves.
Practical tips
- Mana is close to a sensitive border. Carry identification and respect any restrictions on going further up the valley.
- Ask before photographing villagers.
- The village is occupied only in the warmer months, in step with the Badrinath season.
Best treks & tours for Mana Village
These packages are the easiest way to see Mana Village with a guide, transport and lodging sorted:
Guided pilgrimage tour from US$830 From Delhi: Chardham Yatra with Transport and Tour Guide
The full Char Dham circuit of Uttarakhand in ten days. The Badrinath leg uses the same highway as the Valley of Flowers trek, passing Joshimath and Govindghat, so it suits pilgrims who would like to see where the trail to Hemkund Sahib and the valley begins. No reviews yet.
- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath
- Transport and a tour guide throughout
- Passes Joshimath and Govindghat on the Badrinath road
Pilgrimage package from US$239 From Delhi: Char Dham Yatra Package with Accommodation
A budget-priced Char Dham package from Delhi. GetYourGuide lists it at six days, which is extremely quick for four mountain shrines — ask the operator exactly how the days run and how the Kedarnath trek is handled before committing. No reviews yet.
- The four temples of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath
- Accommodation included
- The lowest listed price of the Char Dham options
Village stay & treks from US$244 Urgam Valley: An Offbeat Himalayan Tour with Yoga & Treks
Five slow days in the Urgam Valley, a terraced side valley a short drive below Joshimath. It is the opposite of the crowded pilgrim trail: village homes, gentle walks and yoga. A good add-on before or after the Valley of Flowers if you have a week or more in Chamoli. No reviews yet.
- A quiet side valley off the Badrinath road below Joshimath
- Village life, yoga and easy treks
- Home of the Kalpeshwar temple, one of the Panch Kedar
