Last Updated: October 2026. Are you looking for a truly offbeat place in Spiti Valley, one that even repeat visitors to Spiti have likely missed? Mane village, a set of twin villages called Maneyogma and Manegogma, sits quietly on a green plateau above the Spiti River at an altitude of about 3,600 meters (11,800 Ft). With a population of just 440 people across 93 households, Mane is one of the most lush and least visited villages in all of Spiti. I first stayed here in September 2014, when we camped in the fields of upper Mane with a big group from our community, and the place has stayed with me ever since. If you are the kind of traveler who wants to go beyond Kaza, Key, and Chandratal, then Mane deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Quick answer: Mane village in Spiti Valley is a pair of twin hamlets (Manegogma and Maneyogma) at roughly 3,600 m, about 33 km from Kaza and 26 km from Tabo. You leave NH-505 at a bridge over the Spiti and climb 6 km on a dirt road. There are no hotels, only homestays and camping, and the village is the starting point for the Sopona Lake trek.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Makes Mane Village Special in Spiti Valley?
Mane is considered to be Spiti’s most flourished village with a surprisingly wide range of vegetation and greenery. While most of Spiti is a cold desert with barren mountains, Mane stands out with its barley fields, patches of cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, and rows of poplar and willow around the houses. This contrast is what makes Mane so striking. On paper, it is just a collection of about 93 households spread across two sections. But in person, the village feels like a green patch tucked into the stark brown slopes of the valley, and you notice it from the highway long before you reach it.
The twin villages of Manegogma (lower Mane) and Maneyogma (upper Mane) were once a single village. A flash flood some years ago split the settlement into two. Both are connected by a motorable road, roughly 3 km apart. The total area covered by both villages is about 776 hectares as per the 2011 Census figures, which is quite large for a Spiti settlement. This twin-village layout is not a recent development either. Indian mountaineer Harish Kapadia documented passing through both Mane Kogma and Mane Yogma back in 1994, while his team was attempting an ascent of Manirang peak, describing the same green plateau rising above the barren slope that visitors still remark on today.
A quick note on the names, because they confuse almost everyone. Spellings vary (Gogma, Gongma, Kogma, Yogma, Yongma). Most sources, including the Wikipedia entry on the Mane villages, treat Maneyogma as the upper, more remote village where the Manirang trail begins. However, my own 2014 trip report has it the other way round. Hence, just ask locals for “upper Mane” or “lower Mane”.
Where Is Mane Village Located and How Far Is It from Kaza?
Quick answer: Mane is about 33 km from Kaza and 26 km from Tabo. It sits on the right (southern) bank of the Spiti River, almost opposite Dhankar Monastery. The turn-off bridge is on the Kaza-Tabo stretch of NH-505, a short distance on the Tabo side of the Attargo Bridge that leads into Pin Valley.
Mane village is located on the right bank of the Spiti River, about 33 km from Kaza and 26 km from Tabo via NH-505. The village sits on a small plateau roughly 200 meters above the river. To reach Mane, you need to turn off the main highway at a point locals call Atergu Bridge, or simply the Mane Bridge (not to be confused with Attargo Bridge of Pin Valley). Coming from Kaza, the bridge is on your right. Coming from Tabo, it is on your left, about 4 km before you reach Attargo Bridge, and just before Schichiling, the junction for Dhankar.
One correction: older versions of this guide said the bridge is “about 20 km after Kaza”. That does not add up with the 33 km total and the 6 km climb. The bridge is roughly 27 km out of Kaza, or about 20 km from Tabo.
After crossing the bridge, the road immediately starts climbing. In about 3 km, you will reach Manegogma (lower Mane). Another 3 km of driving takes you to Maneyogma (upper Mane). The road is unpaved and can be rough in parts, but any car can manage it in dry weather. During monsoon, I would suggest an SUV or at least a high ground clearance vehicle, as the road can get slippery. Keep in mind that Mane is 6 km off the main highway, so you need to plan for the detour.
About GPS coordinates: be careful here, my friend. The coordinates widely copied for Mane (31°57’33″N 78°01’57″E, including on Wikipedia) are the exact coordinates listed for Mud village in Pin Valley, a completely different place. Search for “Maneyogma” or “Mane Bridge” on Google Maps instead. Also, the two villages are just 1 km apart in a straight line, but the winding road between them runs about 3.3 km over a steel girder bridge.
The village falls under the Dhankar Gram Panchayat and has the postal code 172113. It has a primary school in Manegogma and a senior secondary school (Classes 1-12) in Maneyogma, one of the few senior secondary schools in this part of Spiti. Piped water, electricity, and telephone connections are available.
Why Does Only BSNL Network Work in Mane Village?
In case you are wondering why Jio and Airtel do not work here while BSNL does, there is a specific reason. Ahead of the 34th Kalachakra, a major Buddhist teaching event the Dalai Lama had planned for January 2017 at Dhankar Gompa just across the Spiti River, BSNL installed a base transmission tower in Manegogma to handle the expected footfall of monks and pilgrims. The Kalachakra event was eventually shifted to Bodh Gaya, but the tower stayed behind. It remains the main mobile network in the Mane villages. Hence, if you are on Jio or Airtel, carry a BSNL postpaid SIM or be ready to stay offline for your visit.
Practical Info Box
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 3,560-3,650 m (11,680-11,980 Ft) |
| Location | Right bank of the Spiti River, across from Dhankar (search “Maneyogma” on maps, not the widely copied coordinates) |
| Distance from Kaza | About 33 km (roughly 27 km on NH-505 + 6 km climb) |
| Distance from Tabo | About 26 km (roughly 20 km on NH-505 + 6 km climb) |
| Population | 440 (2011 Census), 93 households |
| Best Time to Visit | June to September |
| Mobile Network | BSNL postpaid only |
| Nearest Petrol Pump | Kaza (33 km) |
| Nearest ATM | Kaza |
| Nearest Medical Help | Primary Health Centre at Tabo, Community Health Centre at Kaza |
| Permit Required | No for Indian nationals. Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (commonly called ILP) |
| Vehicle Entry Fee | SADA fee for outside vehicles entering Spiti (Rs 200 for a car as per a Feb 2026 order, verify at the barrier) |
| Accommodation | Homestays (Rs 800-1,500/night including meals) |
How to Reach Mane Village in Spiti Valley?
Quick answer: First get to Kaza or Tabo, either via Shimla and Kinnaur (about 430 km from Shimla to Kaza, open year-round) or via Manali, the Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass (about 200 km, open roughly mid-May to mid-October). From the highway, cross the Mane Bridge and drive 6 km uphill. There is no bus to the village itself.
In order to reach Mane, you first need to make your way to Spiti Valley. There are two main routes, and we have a detailed article about how to plan your Spiti Valley itinerary for your reference. Let me briefly cover both routes here.
Route 1: Via Shimla and Kinnaur (Open Year-Round)
The easier and more commonly used route is Spiti via Shimla and Kinnaur. You start from Shimla and reach Kaza via Narkanda, Rampur, Reckong Peo, and Nako. This is a journey of about 430 km and takes at least 2 days to complete. I genuinely suggest making the most of this journey, as the Kinnaur Valley stretch is spectacular. Do not just rush through to reach Spiti. Before you set off, check the latest NH-5 road status through Kinnaur, since landslides between Reckong Peo and Pooh can hold you up for hours.
Route 2: Via Manali (Open Mid-May to Mid-October)
The second route is Spiti via Manali. This route goes through the Atal Tunnel and then over Kunzum Pass. The distance is only about 200 km from Manali to Kaza, and you can cover it in a single long day. However, the altitude gain is steep and this route is harder on the body. It remains open only from mid-May to mid-October, and the Gramphu to Batal stretch is still the roughest part of the drive. Look at the current Manali-Kaza road status before committing to this side.
By Public Transport
Traveling to Spiti by public transport is quite doable. HRTC runs a daily bus from Shimla to Kaza (via Reckong Peo), and from Manali to Kaza (via Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass) during summer. Schedules change between summer and winter, so verify timings with HRTC before you travel. From Kaza, there is no direct public bus to Mane. You will need to take a shared taxi or a Kaza-Tabo bus to the Mane Bridge turn-off, and then walk or arrange local transport for the 6 km climb to the village. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi from Kaza for about Rs 2,500-3,000 for a day trip to Mane (verify the current rate with the Kaza taxi union). Our list of taxi drivers for Spiti and Kinnaur is a good place to start.
From Kaza to Mane Village
Once you have arrived in Kaza (or in Tabo if coming from the Shimla side), head down the Kaza-Tabo highway. From Kaza, you will pass Lingti and the Attargo Bridge to Pin Valley first, and then the Mane Bridge comes up on your right a few kilometers later. If you are coming from Tabo, this bridge will be on your left, about 4 km before the Attargo Bridge. Cross the bridge and the road will start climbing immediately. In about 6 km total, you will be in upper Mane.
Do You Need a Permit or Entry Fee for Mane?
Indian nationals do not need any permit to visit Mane or anywhere else in Spiti. Foreign nationals are a different story. The official Lahaul and Spiti district foreigner section lists Dhankar, Tabo and Kaza among the protected areas, and Mane sits right in that belt. Hence, foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (usually called an ILP), issued by the SDM offices at Reckong Peo, Kaza or Shimla. As of 2026 the fee varies by office, roughly Rs 250-400 per person, and it is generally issued for groups of two or more. Our Kinnaur and Spiti permits guide has the full process.
Your vehicle is a separate matter. Spiti’s SADA (Special Area Development Authority) collects an entry fee from outside vehicles: Rs 100 for a two-wheeler, Rs 200 for a car and Rs 300 for an SUV, as per a February 2026 order. It is collected at Sumdo (Kinnaur side) or Losar (Manali side, in summer). Carry cash and verify at the barrier. If you drive in via the Atal Tunnel, also register your vehicle on the free e-Aagman portal of the Himachal government while you still have network in Manali.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Mane Village?
Quick answer: The main things to do in Mane are the Sopona Lake trek (about 5-6 km one way, 2.5 to 3.5 hours up), walking between the two villages, the hilltop village gompa, the Pin-Spiti confluence near the bridge, and stargazing. Serious mountaineers use Mane as the base for the Manirang Pass route into Kinnaur.
If you are a tourist looking for a checklist of attractions, Mane is not the place for you. But if you are a traveler wanting to immerse yourself in a place, to understand the culture and rhythm of a Spiti village, and to give as much as you get, then Mane scores in spades. Much like any other high village of Spiti Valley, the natural beauty and the vivid scenery is Mane’s greatest draw.
How Difficult Is the Sopona Lake Trek from Mane?
Undoubtedly, if someone knows about Mane, it is because of Sopona Lake. This seasonal glacial lake is located about 5-6 km from upper Mane at an altitude of approximately 4,122 meters (13,520 Ft). It is fed by snow and glacier melt from the Manirang range, so the water level depends heavily on when you go. As the melt slows down later in the season, the lake shrinks, and by late September it can be just a cracked, dry bed. You can read my detailed Sopona Lake travel guide for the full trek information.
The trek from upper Mane to Sopona Lake takes about 2.5 to 3 hours for a regular trekker. For someone like me who does not trek often, 3 to 3.5 hours is more realistic, because the first part is steep. The trail climbs through the village’s grazing grounds, called doksa, and gives you lovely views back over the Dhankar side of the valley. The trail is not well-marked but is navigable. I will suggest taking a local villager as a guide. Not only will they take you to the lake more efficiently, but they will also tell you about the place and show you things you might miss. And as a beautiful coincidence, you will be supporting the livelihood of the villagers. You can also camp near the lake overnight, so carry your camping gear and warm clothes if you plan to do that.
Why I insist on a guide: during our 2014 stay, about 17-18 people from our group went up to Sopona early in the morning with a local guide while I stayed back in the village. Everyone came back except one member, Amol ji, who had drifted off the trail. An hour later there was still no sign of him, and we were sending the guide back up when we finally spotted him coming down. That hour taught me how easy it is to lose the trail on this open slope.
Keep altitude in mind as well. Sopona is about 470 m higher than Mane and crosses the 4,000 m mark. On that same 2014 trip, one member of our group fell ill with AMS and we had to go back to upper Mane for the night. Hence, do not attempt the trek on the day you arrive in Spiti. Spend at least a night or two at Tabo, Dhankar or Kaza first, and read up on acute mountain sickness and acclimatization before you go.
Village Gompa
Like every village in Spiti, Mane has a deep connection to Tibetan Buddhism. The village monastery (gompa) is located on top of a small hill and makes for a great spot to get a panoramic view of both villages and the valley around them. The gompa is simple and humble, not as grand as Dhankar or Tabo, but its setting is genuinely photogenic.
Chudolsa Cave
Chudolsa is a largely unexplored cave near Mane. As locals describe it, water flows through the cave for about 7 months of the year. During the dry months from November to mid-April, you can enter and explore it. What makes it interesting is that no one seems to know its actual length. I have not been inside it myself, so please go only with a villager who knows the cave, and never alone.
Confluence of Pin and Spiti Rivers
Before you turn off the highway and cross the bridge towards Mane, you can see the confluence of the Pin and Spiti rivers. The merging of two distinct colored rivers is a sight worth stopping for, and you get an even better view of it from Dhankar Monastery above. Keep your camera ready. If you have an extra day, the confluence is also the gateway to Pin Valley National Park.
Manirang Trek
Mount Manirang (6,593 m / 21,631 Ft) is known as the crown of Spiti Valley and is one of the highest peaks in Himachal Pradesh. It lies on the border of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti. Do not confuse the peak with Manirang Pass, which is much lower at about 5,550 m (18,210 Ft) and is locally also called Ropa La. The pass was once a trade route between Spiti and Kinnaur and is regarded as one of the least explored passes in the region. Mane village acts as the base for this route, and Maneyogma is the last village on the Spiti side. The route takes you from Mane over the pass and down to Ropa village in Kinnaur. This is a serious expedition, not a casual trek. Only experienced trekkers with a local guide, proper permits and equipment should attempt it.
Stargazing and Photography
Nights in Mane are something else entirely. With virtually zero light pollution and the thin atmosphere at 11,800 Ft, the Milky Way is clearly visible to the naked eye on a moonless night. If you are into astrophotography, this is one of the best spots in Spiti for long exposure shots. With the village houses and barren mountains as your foreground, even the sunrises and sunsets are lovely here. Carry a headlamp for the walk back to your room.
What Is the Culture and Tradition of Mane Village?
The local way of life in Mane is humble, tranquil, and deeply rooted in farming. Barley, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes are the main crops. Animal husbandry is the other livelihood. In terms of religion, the area is immersed in Tibetan Buddhism, and villagers converse in Bhoti (often written Bodhi), a Tibetic language closely related to Tibetan. Most people also speak Hindi.
There is fascinating local lore that says Mane was once a cursed village. Basically, a villager’s soul did not “move on” and haunted the village and its residents. A monk was called in from Kaza (and, as some tell it, from Dharamshala) to bless the village. After several days of rituals, the village was cleansed and both the restless soul and the villagers found peace.
Every three years, the people of Mane get together for a special ceremony that involves three days of prayer and ends with a Cham dance performed by monks from Dhankar Monastery. During every festival, the villagers divide the work among households, and the prayer takes place in one home selected through a lottery system. This kind of communal participation is what makes Spiti villages so special.
What Was It Like When We Stayed in Mane?
Our stay in Mane in September 2014 was part of a big community meet. We had spent the day doing the Dhankar Lake trek, came down tired and hungry, and then drove across to upper Mane for the night. Sonam ji had arranged rooms in his house and the rest of us pitched tents in the harvested fields right outside.
The next morning, while one group went to Sopona Lake, the rest of us visited the primary school and then the senior secondary school in the village. A few members of our group announced a small scholarship for the school. You can read the full day-by-day story in my Mane village, Sopona Lake and Lhalung trip report, and the day before it in the Tabo to Dhankar Lake to Mane photo tale. Mane responds to travelers who show up with respect, not to those ticking off a list.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Mane Village?
Quick answer: June to September is the best time to visit Mane. Go in June or July if you want to see Sopona Lake with water. September brings clear skies and golden harvest colors, but the lake may be dry by then. Winter visits are possible only via Shimla and Kinnaur and are for experienced travelers.
Like with the rest of Spiti, the best time to visit Mane is during the summer months of June to September. The weather is pleasant with daytime temperatures between 15-25 degrees Celsius and nights dropping to around 5-10 degrees. Roads are in their best condition, and the Sopona Lake trail is free of snow during these months.
Within that window, timing changes what you see. In June and early July, Sopona actually looks like a lake. By late September, the harvested fields turn gold and the skies are clearest, but Sopona can be a dry, cracked bed. Hence, pick your month based on what matters more to you.
Since Spiti lies in a rain shadow area, the valley itself does not receive much direct rainfall. However, the approach routes via Shimla and Manali do experience heavy monsoon rains in July and August, which can cause landslides and road blockages. Hence, if you are traveling during monsoon, keep a few buffer days in your itinerary and be prepared for delays. Even in summer, I want to remind you to carry layers and warm clothes. The temperature at 11,800 Ft can change quickly.
Where to Stay in Mane Village?
Quick answer: There are no hotels in Mane. You stay in a family homestay (roughly Rs 800-1,500 per person per night with breakfast and dinner) or pitch your own tent on a homestay’s camping ground. Sonam Homestay in upper Mane is where we stayed, and the Sopona trail starts right behind it.
Since Mane is a remote and rarely visited village, there are no hotels here. Accommodation is available in the form of homestays and camping. Some villagers have extended their homes by a few rooms and rent those out to visitors. Your stay will be basic but comfortable, and meals are typically included in the tariff. Expect to pay around Rs 800-1,500 per person per night including breakfast and dinner, though do confirm the current rate when you book. If Mane is full, Dhankar across the river has a wider choice of stays.
Sonam Homestay, Maneyogma
We stayed at Sonam Homestay in the upper Mane village. When we stayed, it was fairly newly built and had 5-6 rooms, a couple of dry pit toilets, and a big dining hall where food is served. There is a large camping ground outside where you can pitch your tents. It is the last home in the upper village, and the trek to Sopona Lake starts right from here.
You can reach Sonam Ji at +91-9418503966 or +91-9459481431. Your call may be picked up by Lobsang Ji. You can refer to Sonam Ji from Mane village, and he will recognize and take care of your bookings. Keep in mind that these numbers date back to our visit, and some travelers have reported that they no longer connect. In case they do not work, simply drive up and ask in the village. Everyone knows everyone here. You can also check our Spiti Valley homestays list for more options in the region.
Other Homestays and Camping
There are a few other homestays in Maneyogma and Manegogma where you can stay, and you can also set up your own camps. Unfortunately, I do not have verified contact details for the other homestays. The best approach is to ask local villagers when you arrive.
You can also get in touch with Tsering Bhai (tseringsakya@gmail.com or +91-9418208987) in case you need anything pre-booked or pre-arranged. Sonam Ji is in the family of Tsering Bhai, so he should be able to help you in any possible way. For camping in Spiti Valley, we have a separate detailed guide.
Where to Eat in Mane Village?
Mane has no restaurants or dhabas. The only source of food is the families in the village. The families are very warm and inviting and will be happy to provide you with local delicacies. The food typically includes rajma, roti, rice, and seasonal vegetables like cabbage. In all homestays, the per-day tariff usually includes meals. However, it is wise to confirm this when making your booking.
In terms of local specialties, do try Arak, a local alcoholic drink that helps keep you warm in the cold, but go easy on it at this altitude. Also try the Tibetan bread with egg or omelet. It is simple food, but after a day of trekking or exploring, it tastes incredible. If you have specific dietary requirements, let your homestay host know in advance.
What Budget Should You Plan for a Trip to Mane Village?
Mane is a budget-friendly destination since there are no luxury options to tempt you. Here is a rough breakdown of costs. Keep in mind these are approximate and may vary, so verify locally.
| Expense | Budget (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Homestay (per night, meals included) | Rs 800-1,500 |
| Local guide for Sopona Lake trek | Rs 800-1,000/day (what we paid in 2014, expect more now, per group) |
| Taxi from Kaza (day trip, per vehicle) | Rs 2,500-3,000 |
| Camping charges (if using homestay ground) | Rs 300-500/night |
| Misc (snacks, tips) | Rs 200-300/day |
| SADA vehicle entry fee (car, one-time) | Rs 200 (Feb 2026 order, verify at barrier) |
If you are traveling on a tight budget, you can reach the Mane Bridge turn-off by bus or by hitching a ride from the main highway, and then walk the 6 km uphill to the village. It is a steady climb, so start early and carry water. Our budget tips for Spiti Valley cover more ways to save money, and the full Spiti Valley trip cost breakdown will help you budget the rest of your journey.
What Are the Essential Travel Tips for Mane Village?
- Trekking shoes are a must. Whether you are exploring the village or trekking to Sopona Lake, good trekking shoes with proper grip are essential anywhere in Spiti.
- Only BSNL works here. Carry a BSNL postpaid SIM if you need connectivity. Jio and Airtel do not work in Mane. For more details, check our Spiti Valley mobile connectivity guide.
- Do not trust the copied GPS coordinates. Search for “Maneyogma” or navigate to the Mane Bridge instead, as explained above.
- Carry cash. The nearest ATM is in Kaza (33 km). There are no digital payment options in the village, and network is too patchy for UPI anyway.
- Fuel up in Kaza. The nearest petrol pump is in Kaza. If coming from the Shimla side, Reckong Peo also has a reliable fuel station.
- Medical help is far. The nearest medical facilities are the PHC at Tabo and the CHC at Kaza. Carry a basic first aid kit and any personal medications.
- Acclimatize before the trek. Do not climb to Sopona Lake on your first day in Spiti.
- Carry warm layers. Even in summer, temperatures can drop sharply after sunset at 11,800 Ft. A good down jacket and thermals are wise to have.
- Respect the village. Mane is a living community, not a tourist attraction. Ask before photographing people. Remove shoes before entering the gompa. Keep noise levels low, especially at night.
- Carry a water bottle and snacks. There are no shops in the village. Bring everything you need from Kaza or Tabo.
How to Include Mane in Your Spiti Valley Itinerary?
Mane works best as a 1-2 day detour from your main Spiti Valley itinerary. Here are three ways to include it.
Option 1: Day Trip from Kaza (1 Day)
Hire a taxi from Kaza in the morning (Rs 2,500-3,000). Drive to Mane, explore both villages, visit the gompa, and return to Kaza by evening. This works if you are short on time but still want to see an offbeat side of Spiti. However, you will miss the night sky, which is one of the best reasons to visit Mane.
Option 2: Overnight Stay with Sopona Lake Trek (2 Days)
This is the recommended option. Arrive in Mane on Day 1, settle into a homestay, explore the village and gompa. On Day 2, trek to Sopona Lake in the morning (2.5-3.5 hours up, 1.5-2 hours down) and then head back to the highway. This gives you a complete Mane experience and also fits well if you are traveling between Kaza and Tabo.
Option 3: Tabo, Dhankar Lake and Mane in One Day
This is exactly how we did it in 2014. Leave Tabo after breakfast, drive up to Dhankar, do the Dhankar Lake trek (a couple of hours up from the monastery), have lunch at Dhankar, and then cross the river to Mane for the night. It is a full day, so do it only after a night or two at Tabo.
You can combine Mane with visits to other offbeat places in Spiti Valley like Lhalung, Demul, and Hikkim for a truly offbeat circuit. After Mane, we went on to Lhalung for the night, which makes for a natural next stop.
A Humble Appeal for Responsible Travel
It is my humble request to anyone reading this to please not litter in the hills. Especially in far-flung, isolated villages like Mane, please ensure you clean up after yourself. Carry a reusable water bottle and keep refilling it. If you must buy packaged water, please carry the bottles back with you to Kaza. There are no cleanup crews here.
It breaks my heart to see plastic bottles, cigarette butts, and discarded food containers strewn around in the hills. At Dhankar Lake in 2014, our group spent an hour picking up bottles other tourists had left behind. I love these mountains, and I am sure you do too. Let us do our part to ensure that when we return next time, the place is still the same. Anyone who travels through these hills is part of a sacred community, and it is our duty to keep them clean for future travelers and for the villagers who call these places home.
Conclusion
Mane village is a true gem of Spiti Valley. While it is not on the radar of even the most seasoned Spiti travelers, it is a place worthy of your time. The green fields, the warm hospitality, the climb to Sopona Lake, the mysterious Chudolsa Cave, and the star-filled nights make Mane a complete experience for those who seek it.
I hope the information above on Mane Village in Spiti Valley was of help. If you have any questions or need any other details, please feel free to comment below and I will be happy to assist. In case you have visited Mane recently and have a working homestay number or a fresh taxi rate, do share it in the comments. It helps the next traveler a lot. You can also join the DwD Travel Circle for discussions, travel partner searches, and the latest updates on Spiti Valley. Feel free to share this article with your friends and family who are planning a trip to Spiti 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
How to reach Mane village in Spiti Valley?
Mane is located about 33 km from Kaza and 26 km from Tabo. You need to turn off NH-505 at the Mane (Atergu) Bridge, roughly 27 km from Kaza or 20 km from Tabo, and climb 6 km on an unpaved road to reach the village. There is no direct public bus to Mane. You can hire a taxi from Kaza (Rs 2,500-3,000) or take a bus or shared taxi to the bridge turn-off and walk up.
What is the altitude of Mane village?
Mane village sits at an altitude of 3,560-3,650 meters (11,680-11,980 Ft) above sea level. The village is on a plateau about 200 meters above the right bank of the Spiti River.
Which is upper Mane, Maneyogma or Manegogma?
Most sources call Maneyogma the upper village and Manegogma the lower one, and Maneyogma is the last village on the Manirang trail. Spellings vary a lot (Gogma, Gongma, Kogma, Yogma, Yongma) and some accounts swap them, so on the ground just ask for upper or lower Mane.
Is there any hotel in Mane village?
No, there are no hotels in Mane. Accommodation is available only through homestays and camping. Sonam Homestay in upper Mane is a well-known option with 5-6 rooms. Expect to pay Rs 800-1,500 per person per night including meals.
Is Sopona Lake trek difficult?
The Sopona Lake trek is moderate in difficulty, with a steep first section. The distance is about 5-6 km from upper Mane, and it takes 2.5-3.5 hours up depending on your fitness. The trail is not well-marked, so hiring a local guide is recommended. The lake sits at approximately 4,122 meters (13,520 Ft), so acclimatize first.
Does Sopona Lake have water all year?
No. Sopona is a seasonal lake fed by snow and glacier melt. It holds the most water in June and July. By late September it can dry up into a cracked lake bed, and in winter the area is under snow.
What is the best time to visit Mane village?
June to September is the best time to visit Mane. The weather is pleasant, the roads are in good condition, and the Sopona Lake trail is open. Keep buffer days in July and August, when monsoon landslides can block the approach roads via Shimla or Manali.
Do I need a permit to visit Mane village?
Indian nationals do not need any permit to visit Mane village. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (commonly called an ILP), available from the SDM offices at Reckong Peo, Kaza or Shimla. Outside vehicles pay a SADA entry fee (Rs 200 for a car as of 2026) when entering Spiti. For more details, check our Spiti Valley permits guide.
Is there mobile network in Mane village?
Only BSNL postpaid works in Mane village. Jio and Airtel do not have coverage here. Carry a BSNL postpaid SIM if you need basic connectivity. For internet, prepare to be offline during your stay.
Can I visit Mane village in winter?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended for casual visitors. In winter, only the Shimla-Kinnaur route is open, Mane is covered in snow, temperatures drop well below freezing, and the road up to the village can be extremely difficult. Sopona Lake will be frozen and inaccessible. If you are interested in winter Spiti, keep in mind that Mane is not a standard winter itinerary stop.
