Mana, Chamoli, Uttarakhand | Trekking, Food, Best Time to Visit

Mana, Chamoli Overview

The last Indian settlement on the road to Tibet, Mana is located in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. Also designated by the stately government as a 'Tourism Village', the region of Mana stands at an elevation of 10,500 feet. Bracketed by the soothing roars of nearby River Saraswati flowing through the mighty Himalayas, Mana in Uttarakhand is just 3 km from Badrinath and is also one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages in India.

Winter temperatures are as low as -17 degrees Celsius at Mana. Besides tourism being one of the big industries, locals also engage in making woollen handloom items. A concise and warm community, Mana village in Uttarakhand houses just around 558 families with a population close to just 1200 villagers.

Also famous from the Indian epic of Mahabharata, Mana in Uttarakhand is believed to be the same spot the Pandavas walked through the village before Bheem built a bridge on River Saraswati for Draupadi to cross the river. The ancient caves here connect the region to the great Indian mythology.

Trekking in Mana

Thanks to the scenic hiking trails, untouched nature, ancient temples and caves, this blissful region of Mana in Uttarakhand offers only the best, attracting leisure travellers, adventure lovers, history & mythology enthusiasts and spiritual beings. Since Mana offers several trekking locations, it is quite a popular adventure destination among solo travellers and backpackers.

Best Time to Visit Mana

Summer (April - June) are the best time to visit Mana Village as the weather is much calmer, pleasant and apt for exploration. During monsoons (July - September), the region is prone to landslides, especially during the monsoons. In the winters (October - March), the temperature drops are quite harsh as it reaches negative temperatures. Everything around Mana Village is closed due to heavy snowfall.

Local Food & Tips

Although there are many eateries and tea stalls in Mana, travellers always prefer chai at 'Last Tea Stall of India'. A sip of hot Chai while listening to amazing historical stories of this place is quite the scene here.

Places Near Mana

1. Vasundhara Fall
A scenic waterfall located around 8 km from Mana village in Uttarakhand, Vasundhara Fall is approximately a two-hour drive from the village. After which, you would have to undertake a 6 km trek to reach the waterfall. Although the trek starts easy it gets quite tedious after Saraswati Temple. A waterfall shower after a challenging trek is definitely a fulfilling task.

2. Vishnuprayag
One of the five sangams of Alaknanda river, Vishnuprayag lies at the Sangam (confluence) of Alaknanda River and Dhauliganga River. It is believed that Sage Narada meditated here when Lord Vishnu appeared before him. The octagonal-shaped temple near the confluence was built in 1889 by Ahalyabai - the Maharani of Indore.

3. Tapt Kund
Kund meaning pond, Tapt Kund is a natural hot water pond near Mana village in Uttarakhand that holds an important position during the Badrinath Yatra. Devotees are required to take a holy dip in the pond before heading to the darshan of Lord Badrinath.

4. Badrinath Temple
Badrinath Temple is an ancient temple amidst the surrounding serenity. One of the holiest shrines of Char Dham pilgrimage in India, the temple is a beautiful structure dedicated to Lord Shiva. An easy trek would suffice to reach the temple and take a peek from the mesmerising Neelkanth peak.

5. Bheem Pul
One among the many religious spots in Uttarakhand with significance to Hindu Mythology, the Bheem Pul is believed to have been built by Bheem, the mightiest brother amongst Pandavas. Bheem Pul is said to have helped Draupadi and rest of the family to cross the river when he threw a boulder over River Saraswati River.