Mana village near Badrinath
Mana lies about 4 km from Badrinath, on the Saraswati. That figure is a guide to the distance between the two places and not a measure to every corner of the village. Mana is often called the last village before the border. The government now speaks of border villages as the first villages, and the name Mana is unchanged.
Most visitors come for a few hours after darshan. Mana has a parking area that also serves as one of the darshan token points. The village pairs well with the trek to Vasudhara Falls and with the temple visit itself. If you book a trip, such as the Badrinath tours and Char Dham packages, check whether the itinerary includes Mana.
Badrinath and Mana tours
Guided trips that include Badrinath and the Mana valley, with live prices and availability.
Bheem Pul over the Saraswati
Bheem Pul is a bridge over the Saraswati at Mana and a main sight on the walk through the village. The name links it to Bheem of the Mahabharata. Local tradition tells the story and it is a legend, so listen to it as one.
Take care on wet stone, which is slippery, and at this height a fall is more than a bruise. Do not climb onto the rocks beside the water for a photograph.
Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa
Two caves in the village carry the names of Vyas and Ganesh. Tradition links them to the writing of the Mahabharata, which is a matter of faith and belongs to the religious account, not to dated history.
Visit the caves with respect and ask before you photograph inside. Local people live and worship here, so the village is not a museum. Take a few minutes at each place and then move on to give the next visitors room.
Permits, passes and the border
Mana village and Mana Pass are not the same place.
The village
The village of Mana is the stop that most visitors make from Badrinath. Your Yatra registration and a valid ID are the basic papers for the whole pilgrimage. See the registration page.
Inner Line Permits
Chamoli district runs an online portal for Inner Line Permits for restricted trekking areas. Having access to the portal does not by itself tell you whether a foreign traveller may receive a permit. Ask the district before you plan any trek beyond the village.
The border passes
Mana Pass, Rimkhim Pass and Niti Pass have a digital permit process with police and health clearance. Entry for foreign visitors is decided by the district, so ask the district office.
Trekking from Mana
The trek to Vasudhara Falls and the multi-day Satopanth route start from the village. The Vasudhara Falls page covers the trail, the distance and the permit for Satopanth.
Planning your Mana visit
Simple things that help on the day.
Timing
Plan Mana for the days when Badrinath is open and the road is clear. Weather and landslides can close roads at short notice. See weather and best time and the travel guide for the road to Badrinath.
Altitude
You are above 3,000 m. Walk slowly, drink water and do not rush the first day after arrival. Warm clothing is needed even in summer, because the wind and the rain can be cold.
Respect
Do not litter, and do not drink alcohol or smoke in the village. These are asked of every Yatra traveller. Photograph people only after you ask.
A short visit to Mana, step by step
How most half-day visits run.
1. Arrive and park
Leave your vehicle at the parking area and carry only what you need: water, a warm layer, your ID and your registration letter.
2. Walk through the village
Follow the lanes on foot at an easy pace. Greet people, ask before you take photographs and keep to the paths.
3. Caves and bridge
Visit Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa, then continue to Bheem Pul over the Saraswati. Allow time at each place and do not crowd the entrances.
4. Decide on the trek
If you plan to walk on to Vasudhara Falls, check the weather and the trail first. Otherwise return to Badrinath before the afternoon cloud, and plan the evening for the temple.
Mana village: frequently asked questions
How far is Mana from Badrinath?
About 4 km. Treat that as a rough distance between the two places, not as a measure to every part of the village.
Is Mana the last village in India?
It is often called that. The government now speaks of border villages as the first villages. The name Mana itself does not change.
What is Bheem Pul?
A bridge over the Saraswati at Mana. The name links it to Bheem of the Mahabharata, and the story is a legend.
Do I need a permit for Mana village?
The usual Yatra registration and a valid ID apply to the pilgrimage. Permits for the border passes and for restricted trekking areas are a different matter. Ask the district office before you plan beyond the village.
Can I walk to Vasudhara Falls from Mana?
Yes, the trek starts from the village. The distance is about 5 to 7 km, and the trail conditions change, so read the Vasudhara Falls page first.
Is Mana village the same as Mana Pass?
No. Mana village is the stop most visitors make from Badrinath. Mana Pass is a border pass with its own digital permit process, so ask the district office.