Discover Badrinath Mana Village: The Last Village of India

Badrinath Mana Village  is the last Indian village on the border between India and Tibet/China in the Himalayas. It’s located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The Uttarakhand government has named Mana as a “Tourism Village,” making it a popular spot for visitors.

Just 3 kilometers from Badrinath, Mana is one of the top tourist attractions near the town. It sits on the banks of the Saraswati River at an elevation of about 3,219 meters. Surrounded by majestic Himalayan hills, Mana offers stunning views and a serene environment.

Highlights of Badrinath Mana Village

• Mana is the Last Village: It’s the final village on the borders of Uttarakhand, close to the Indo-Tibetan border.
• Tourism Village: The Uttarakhand government has named Mana as a “Tourism Village.”
• Local Delicacies: Don’t miss trying Mana’s special kidney beans and potatoes.
• Saraswati River’s Origin: You can see where the Saraswati River begins.
• Clean and Iconic: Mana won an award for being one of the cleanest and most iconic tourist spots in 2019 under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

What to Know Badrinath Mana Village

Badrinath Mana Village is just 3 kilometers from Badrinath and sits at an altitude of 3,219 meters above sea level. It has clear skies and fresh air. This charming village is located on the banks of the Saraswati River and is home to the Bhotias, a Mongol tribe.

You can spend a whole day exploring Mana’s beautifully carved cottages. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and visit the stunning Vasundhara Falls. Check out the origin of the Saraswati River, where it flows into the Alaknanda River to create the Keshav Prayag. Don’t miss the sturdy Bheem Pul and the annual fair at the Mata Murti temple. You can also enjoy a warm cup of tea at the last Indian tea stall.

Badrinath Mana Village is not just about its mythological significance; it’s also a paradise for trekkers. The village’s beautiful scenery and diverse plant life make it a trekker’s dream.

Best Time to Visit

Badrinath Mana Village is best visited from May to early November. The region is closed from November to April due to heavy snowfall.

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Mythology Facts About Mana

Badrinath Mana Village is steeped in Hindu mythology and is closely linked to the Mahabharata. It’s believed that the Pandavas, the five heroic brothers from the epic, traveled through Mana on their way to heaven. There’s also a famous stone bridge called ‘Bheem Pul’ near the Saraswati River. According to legend, this massive rock was created by Bheem, one of the Pandavas, to help them cross the river.

Attractions in Badrinath Mana Village

• • Neelkanth Peak: Known as the ‘Queen of Garhwal,’ Neelkanth Peak stands about 6,597 meters above sea level. From this peak, you can see the holy Badrinath temple and numerous Brahmakamal flowers. It’s located just above the Badrinath temple.
  • Tapt Kund: Tapt Kund is a natural hot spring believed to be the home of Lord Agni, the fire god. Many people visit this place throughout the year, as it’s thought to have healing properties and can help with skin diseases.
  • Mata Murti Temple: This temple is dedicated to Mata Murti, the mother of Lord Narayan. Legend says that Mata Murti asked Lord Vishnu to be born as her son, and he granted her wish by coming into the world as twins, Nar and Narayan. The temple hosts an annual fair in August.
  • Vasudhara Falls: Located 9 kilometers from Badrinath, Vasudhara Falls is a stunning waterfall. It’s believed that the Pandavas stayed here during their exile. The view of the Vasudhara river valley from this spot is breathtaking.
  • Trekking: Mana is a fantastic place for trekking. You can explore several trails, including routes from Mana to Vasudhara, Mana Pass, Satopanth, and Charanpaduka.
  • Vyas Gufa: This cave is said to be where Ved Vyas, the sage who composed the four Vedas, lived. The roof of the cave looks like the pages of his holy books. There’s also a small shrine inside dedicated to him, and the cave is around 5,000 years old.
  • Ganesha Gufa: In this cave, Lord Ganesha is believed to have dictated the Mahabharata to Ved Vyas.
  • Bheem Pul: It is a fascinating rock formation near the Saraswati River. According to legend, Bheem, one of the Pandavas, created this huge rock to act as a bridge. He placed it across the river so that Draupadi could cross safely during their journey to heaven. The rock, which serves as a natural bridge, is a remarkable piece of history and mythology.

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Treks from Mana Village

Badrinath Mana Village  a charming village in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, sits at an altitude of 3,200 meters and is just 3 km from Badrinath. It’s an excellent starting point for some memorable treks. Here are a few popular routes:

• Mana to Vasudhara: This trek takes about two hours and offers stunning views of the Vasudhara river valley. The waterfall is located 9 km from Badrinath temple and is believed to have been a temporary resting spot for the Pandavas during their exile. The trail is beautiful and scenic.
• Mana to Satopanth: Starting from Mana, this trek leads you to Satopanth Tal, a high-altitude lake situated at 4,600 meters (15,100 feet) above sea level. The trek is challenging, so sturdy shoes are necessary. The lake is an important destination and offers spectacular views.
• Mana to Mana Pass: This trek takes you to the Mana Pass, a mountain pass on the border between India and Tibet. The pass is the source of the Saraswati River and offers incredible views of the Chaukhamba mountain peak. Note that the Mana Pass requires special permission to trek as it is primarily used by the Army and ITBP for border supplies. On the trek, you’ll also see the beautiful Deotal Lake.

These treks from Badrinath Mana Village provide breathtaking views and a chance to explore the natural beauty and spiritual significance of the region.

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 Activities to Enjoy

• • • • • Trekking and hiking are the most enjoyable activities in Badrinath Mana Village. Mana is the trek station or base camp to many trekking destinations such as Lake Satopanth, Swargarohini Glacier (the way to heaven), Mana Pass, Vasudhara Falls, and Charan Paduka.
        • There is an old tea shop in Mana famously known as The Last Tea Shop. Tea lovers can enjoy the tasty hot tea and green tea from here. Mana is famous for potatoes and Rajma. Don’t forget to give a taste to the famous rajma curry of Mana village.
        • Mana is also a good place to shop for woolen clothes such as shawls, mufflers, caps, sweaters, etc. The sheep wool is used to weave these warm clothes.