Planning a trip to Mana Village in Uttarakhand? Once called the “Last Indian Village,” Mana was officially renamed the “First Indian Village” by the Indian government in 2022. Located just 3 km from Badrinath at an altitude of 3,200 m (10,500 Ft), this tiny hamlet of around 180 households sits on the edge of the Indo-Tibetan border. It is one of the most culturally rich and spiritually significant villages in Garhwal, and I would say it deserves far more than a quick add-on visit to Badrinath.
In this guide, I will cover everything you need to plan your trip to Mana Village in 2026, from how to reach, what to see, the Vasudhara Falls trek, accommodation options, itineraries, and practical tips. If you are visiting Badrinath during the Char Dham Yatra or heading to Valley of Flowers, Mana should be on your list. Let me walk you through it.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Makes Mana Village Special?
Mana is a small hamlet where the Bhotiya community (an Indo-Mongolian tribal group) has lived for centuries. About 600 people call this village home. When you walk through the narrow lanes, you will see tiny wooden houses with women knitting woolen clothes on their doorsteps, vegetable gardens in every backyard (truly sustainable living), and a few shops selling handloom items and local snacks. The pace of life here is slow, and that is exactly the point.
The village has deep mythological roots. According to Hindu tradition, this is where Maharishi Ved Vyasa dictated the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha. You can visit the Vyasa Cave (Vyasa Gufa) and Ganesha Cave (Ganesh Gufa), which are within a short walking distance from the village entrance. There is often a resident saint (Baba) in one of these caves who poses for photos with visitors.
Then there is Bheem Pul, a natural rock bridge over the Saraswati River. Legend says Bheema placed this rock so that Draupadi could cross the river during the Pandavas’ journey to heaven. Whether you believe the mythology or not, the sight of the rushing Saraswati River beneath the rock bridge is genuinely impressive. And right next to it, you will find “The Last Tea Shop of India”, where you can sip piping hot chai while enjoying the mountain breeze. Keep in mind, this tea shop has become quite famous on social media, so expect a small crowd during peak season.
In 2019, Mana was awarded the title of “Most Clean, Iconic Tourist Destination” under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural). The village is genuinely well-maintained, and the community takes pride in keeping it clean.
How Did Mana Village Become the “First Indian Village”?
For decades, Mana was known as the “Last Indian Village” because it sits just 24 km from the Indo-Tibetan border. However, during a visit in October 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India’s border villages should be seen as the country’s first villages, not the last. In April 2023, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) put up a new signboard at Mana’s entrance reading “First Indian Village.” This change in perspective is part of the government’s Vibrant Village Programme to develop border areas.
How to Reach Mana Village in 2026?
Mana Village is accessible only by road, and the route goes through Badrinath. Here is the step-by-step breakdown from Delhi.
Route from Delhi to Mana Village
- Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh: 230 km by road (5-6 hours). You can also take a train to Haridwar or fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport.
- Rishikesh to Joshimath: About 250 km via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli. This stretch takes 9-11 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions. GMOU (state transport) and UKRTC buses run daily, fare around Rs 400-600.
- Joshimath to Badrinath: 44 km, about 1.5-2 hours by road. Shared jeeps and buses available, fare Rs 80-120 per person.
- Badrinath to Mana Village: Just 3 km. You can walk (30-40 minutes), take a shared jeep (Rs 20-30), or drive your own vehicle. The road is paved all the way.
If you are already visiting the Char Dham Yatra, Mana makes for a perfect half-day or full-day excursion from Badrinath. Those coming for the Valley of Flowers trek can easily add Mana since Govindghat (the VoF base) is on the same route, just 25 km before Badrinath.
Can You Reach Mana by Bus?
Yes. During the Char Dham season (May to November), regular GMOU buses ply from Rishikesh and Haridwar to Badrinath. From Joshimath, shared jeeps to Badrinath are frequent. From Badrinath, you will need to walk or take a shared jeep the final 3 km to Mana. There is no direct bus to Mana Village.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Mana Village?
The best months to visit Mana Village are May to June and September to October. These windows give you the best combination of open roads, clear weather, and comfortable temperatures.
- May to June (Peak Season): This is when Badrinath Dham opens for the year (usually around Akshaya Tritiya in late April or early May). Wildflowers bloom along the trail to Vasudhara Falls. Expect crowds during weekends.
- July to September (Monsoon): Mana itself receives less rainfall compared to lower areas, but the roads from Rishikesh to Joshimath can be affected by landslides. If you travel during monsoon, keep buffer days in your itinerary.
- October to early November: Post-monsoon clarity gives you the best mountain views. Fewer crowds. The season ends when Badrinath temple closes (usually around Bhai Dooj in November).
- November to April: The village is covered in heavy snow and completely inaccessible. The entire road from Joshimath to Badrinath remains closed.
What Are the Key Places to Visit in and Around Mana Village?
Mana is small, but there is plenty to explore in and around the village. Here is a list of the major attractions.
1. Vyasa Cave and Ganesha Cave
These two caves are within a 5-minute walk from the village entrance. The Vyasa Cave is where Sage Vyasa is believed to have composed the Mahabharata, while the adjacent Ganesha Cave is where Lord Ganesha served as the scribe. Both caves are small but hold immense spiritual significance. No entry fee.
2. Bheem Pul (Bhim Bridge)
A natural rock arch over the Saraswati River. The legend says Bheema placed this rock for Draupadi, but geological evidence suggests it is a natural formation. Regardless, watching the turquoise Saraswati River rush beneath the bridge is stunning. This is also the starting point for the Vasudhara Falls trek.
3. The Last Tea Shop of India
Located near the caves, this tiny shop serves chai, coffee, and Maggi. The name has become iconic thanks to social media, and it is probably the most photographed tea stall in Uttarakhand. A cup of tea costs around Rs 20-30. Enjoy the view of the Saraswati River valley while you sip your chai.
4. Vasudhara Falls (6 km Trek from Mana)
This is the highlight for trekking enthusiasts. Vasudhara Falls is a stunning waterfall about 6 km from Mana Village, and the trek takes approximately 3-4 hours one way. The trail starts from Bheem Pul and follows the Alaknanda River valley through meadows and wildflowers (especially beautiful in June). The falls drop from about 122 m (400 Ft), and the water spreads out like a spray rather than a single stream. During the flowering season, colorful alpine flowers dot the entire route.
The trek is of moderate difficulty. You do not need a guide, but carry water, snacks, and a rain jacket. There is no entry fee. Plan to start early (by 7-8 AM) so you can return before afternoon clouds roll in. The round trip from Mana takes about 5-6 hours at a comfortable pace.
5. Satopanth Lake Trek (Advanced, 3-4 Days)
For serious trekkers, the Satopanth Lake trek starts from Mana and goes through Vasudhara, Lakshmi Van, and Chakratheertha before reaching the glacial lake at around 4,600 m (15,092 Ft). You get views of Chaukhamba, Satopanth, and Neelkanth peaks. This is a difficult trek. You will need a local guide, camping gear, and all food provisions since there are no facilities on this trail. Hire a local porter from Mana Village, which helps the community earn during their short tourist season.
What Is the Best Itinerary for Mana Village?
I am suggesting itineraries starting from Joshimath, since most travelers would have already reached there either for Badrinath, Valley of Flowers, or Auli.
1-Day Itinerary (Mana + Vasudhara Falls)
- Early morning: Drive from Joshimath/Govindghat to Badrinath (44 km, 1.5 hrs)
- Continue to Mana Village (3 km, 10 min drive or 30 min walk)
- Trek to Vasudhara Falls (6 km one way, 3-4 hrs round trip)
- Return to Mana, explore Vyasa Cave, Ganesha Cave, Bheem Pul
- Tea at “The Last Tea Shop”
- Visit Badrinath Temple on the way back
- Return to Joshimath/Govindghat by evening
4-Day Itinerary (Mana + Satopanth Lake Trek)
- Day 1: Joshimath/Govindghat to Mana. Trek to Vasudhara Falls or Lakshmi Van (4-6 km). Camp.
- Day 2: Lakshmi Van to Chakratheertha (10 km). Camp.
- Day 3: Chakratheertha to Satopanth Lake and back (10 km round trip, difficult, includes glacial walking). Camp at Chakratheertha.
- Day 4: Chakratheertha to Vasudhara to Mana. Visit Badrinath Temple. Drive to Joshimath/Govindghat.
Going on a trek? Then check out our guide on Must-Have Things to Carry on Hiking or Trekking Trips before you pack.
Where to Stay Near Mana Village?
Mana Village itself does not have any hotels or guesthouses. Your best options are in Badrinath (3 km away) and Joshimath (44 km away).
Accommodation in Badrinath
- Budget: Dharamshalas and pilgrim accommodations run by charitable trusts. Very basic rooms with or without hot water. Rs 300-800 per night.
- Mid-range: Small hotels along the main road. Rs 1,000-2,500 per night with hot water and basic amenities.
- GMVN (Government): GMVN Tourist Rest House in Badrinath offers decent rooms. Rs 1,500-3,000 per night depending on season.
- Hot water tip: Badrinath has a natural hot water spring (Tapt Kund) adjacent to the temple with separate bathing areas for men and women. In case your hotel does not provide hot water, this is your backup.
Accommodation in Joshimath
Joshimath has a wider range of hotels, from Rs 500 budget rooms to Rs 3,000+ mid-range options. If you are combining Mana with Auli (13 km from Joshimath), it makes sense to base yourself here for a few days. Keep in mind, Joshimath was in the news in January 2023 due to land subsidence. As of 2026, the affected areas are cordoned off but the town is open for tourism and pilgrim traffic as usual.
What Is the Char Dham Registration Process for 2026?
Since Mana is accessed through Badrinath, you will need to complete the Char Dham Yatra registration. As of 2026, biometric registration is mandatory for all pilgrims and tourists visiting the Char Dham shrines (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri). The registration is free of charge.
- Online: Register through the official “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store) or the website registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Offline: Biometric registration counters at key entry points (Rishikesh, Haridwar, Sonprayag, Govindghat)
- Documents needed: Aadhaar card or any government-issued photo ID
- Medical fitness: A medical certificate may be required for pilgrims above 50 years or those with health conditions
No separate permit is required to visit Mana Village. However, if you want to go beyond Mana towards Mana Pass (on the Indo-Tibetan border), you need special permission from the SDM office in Joshimath. For the Vasudhara Falls trek and Satopanth Lake trek, no additional permits are needed. For a complete guide, check our Char Dham Yatra guide.
How to Support the Local Community in Mana?
Most tourists who visit Mana do it as a quick add-on to Badrinath, spending barely 30-60 minutes. But this village, inhabited by a few hundred families who survive on a short 5-6 month tourist season, deserves more than a hurried photo at the signboard.
Here is how you can help. Buy the woolen clothes and handloom items that the local women knit. I saw numerous ladies knitting away on their doorsteps, and these handmade items are their primary income source. Do not bargain aggressively. Have a cup of tea or snacks at the local shops. Hire a local porter if you are trekking to Vasudhara or Satopanth. Every small purchase makes a real difference when the village has only 5-6 months of income to sustain the entire year.
If you travel with the DwD Community, you already know our approach to responsible travel in the Himalayas. Carry stationery for the village school, medicines for the dispensary, or woolens for the villagers. These small acts go a long way.
What About Mobile Connectivity and Practical Tips?
Here are some practical things to keep in mind before visiting Mana Village.
- Mobile network: BSNL has the best coverage in this region. Jio and Airtel work in Joshimath and Badrinath town, but signal drops once you enter Mana Village. Beyond Mana (on the Vasudhara trek), there is zero connectivity. Carry an offline map.
- ATM: The nearest reliable ATMs are in Joshimath. Badrinath may have one ATM but it runs out of cash frequently. Carry enough cash.
- Medical: The nearest hospital is in Joshimath (District Hospital). Badrinath has a small medical dispensary. For anything serious, Joshimath or Chamoli is your option.
- Fuel: The last petrol pump before Badrinath is at Joshimath. Fill up there.
- Altitude: Mana is at 10,500 Ft. If you are coming directly from the plains, acclimatize in Joshimath (6,150 Ft) for at least one night before heading up. Mild AMS symptoms (headache, breathlessness) are possible.
- Water: Carry a reusable water bottle and refill at natural streams along the way. It will keep you hydrated and help save the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Every tiny step counts 🙂
How Much Does a Trip to Mana Village Cost?
Here is a rough budget breakdown for a trip from Delhi to Mana Village (per person, assuming a group of 2-4 people).
| Expense | Budget (Rs) | Mid-Range (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Rishikesh (bus/train) | 300-500 | 500-1,500 |
| Rishikesh to Joshimath (bus) | 400-600 | 1,500-2,500 (taxi share) |
| Joshimath to Badrinath (shared jeep) | 80-120 | 300-500 (private) |
| Accommodation per night | 300-800 | 1,500-3,000 |
| Food per day | 300-500 | 500-1,000 |
| Miscellaneous (tea, entry, shopping) | 200-300 | 500-1,000 |
For a 4-5 day trip from Delhi (including 2 nights in Joshimath/Badrinath), expect to spend around Rs 4,000-6,000 per person on a budget and Rs 10,000-15,000 per person for mid-range, excluding the Delhi-Rishikesh transport. If you are driving your own vehicle, add fuel costs (approximately Rs 3,000-4,000 for a round trip from Delhi in a petrol car).
How to Club Mana Village with Other Trips?
Mana Village works best as part of a larger Garhwal itinerary. Here are some combinations that make logistical sense.
- Badrinath + Mana + Vasudhara Falls: 2-3 days from Joshimath. The most common combination.
- Valley of Flowers + Hemkund Sahib + Badrinath + Mana: 7-8 days from Rishikesh. The Valley of Flowers trek base at Govindghat is on the same road.
- Char Dham Circuit + Mana: If you are doing the full Char Dham (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath), add half a day for Mana during your Badrinath visit.
- Auli + Badrinath + Mana: Auli is 16 km from Joshimath and makes a great 1-day add-on for skiing (winter) or meadow views (summer).
- Gaumukh Trek + Mana: For serious trekkers, combine the Gaumukh trek (from Gangotri) with Badrinath and Mana for a 10-12 day Garhwal expedition.
For a complete Garhwal region itinerary, refer to our Garhwal itinerary guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mana Village the last village or first village of India?
As of 2022, Mana has been officially renamed from “Last Indian Village” to “First Indian Village” by the Indian government. The BRO installed a new signboard in April 2023. The change reflects the government’s perspective that border villages are India’s first line, not the last.
Do I need a permit to visit Mana Village?
No special permit is needed for Mana Village, Vasudhara Falls trek, or Satopanth Lake trek. However, you must complete the Char Dham Yatra registration (free) since the route passes through Badrinath. If you want to go beyond Mana towards Mana Pass (border area), you need permission from the SDM, Joshimath.
Can I stay overnight in Mana Village?
There are no hotels in Mana Village. Your best options are Badrinath (3 km away, Rs 300-3,000/night) or Joshimath (44 km away, wider options). Homestays in Mana may be possible if you ask locals directly, but nothing is guaranteed.
How long does the Vasudhara Falls trek take?
The trek from Mana to Vasudhara Falls is about 6 km one way. At a comfortable pace, the round trip takes 5-6 hours including time at the falls. The trail is of moderate difficulty with some uphill sections. Start early in the morning for the best experience.
Is Mana Village safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Mana Village is safe for solo travelers. The village is small, the locals are welcoming, and the trail to Vasudhara Falls is well-marked. However, for the Satopanth Lake trek, do not go solo. That trail is remote and difficult, and you should hire a local guide and porter from Mana.
What is the altitude of Mana Village?
Mana Village sits at an altitude of 3,200 m (10,500 Ft). Badrinath is at a similar altitude of about 3,133 m (10,279 Ft). If you are coming directly from the plains, spend at least one night at Joshimath (6,150 Ft) to acclimatize before heading up.
When does Mana Village open and close for tourists?
Mana Village follows the same season as Badrinath Dham. It typically opens in late April or early May (around Akshaya Tritiya) and closes in November (around Bhai Dooj). The exact dates vary each year. In 2026, the Badrinath temple opening date is expected in late April.
Last Updated: March 2026
I hope this guide helps you plan a meaningful trip to Mana Village. This tiny hamlet deserves more than a quick selfie at the signboard. Walk through the lanes, talk to the locals, buy some handloom, trek to Vasudhara Falls, and take in the beauty of this corner of Garhwal. If you have been to Mana or have any questions about planning your trip, feel free to share them in the comments section below. You can also connect with fellow travelers in our DwD Community for real-time advice and travel partner matching.
If you found this article useful, please share it with your friends and family who are planning a trip to Badrinath, Mana, or the Garhwal Himalayas. Happy travels 🙂 …
