Mana Village

Mana Village near Badrinath: Places to Visit and Travel Tips

Just past Badrinath, where the road runs out and the Saraswati river comes crashing down a rocky gorge, sits Mana. Stone houses with slate roofs, women knitting woollens on doorsteps, a tea stall proudly calling itself the first shop of India, and caves linked with the writing of the Mahabharata. For many pilgrims, an hour or two in Mana is one of the most memorable parts of the Badrinath yatra.

This guide explains what to see in Mana, why it is now called India's "first village", how much time to keep, and how to plan the visit around your darshan.

Mana Village at a glance

Why is Mana called the "first village of India"?

For years, signboards and travel guides called Mana the "last Indian village" because it is the last settlement before the Tibet border on this road. In October 2022, the Prime Minister, speaking at Mana, described border villages as the country's first villages rather than its last. The signboards have since changed, and Mana is now widely known as "Bharat ka Pehla Gaon".

This is about how border villages are seen, not about permission. A normal visit to Mana does not give you access to Mana Pass or the border area beyond, which are restricted. If you want to go further, check the applicable rules with the authorities first.

Places to visit in Mana

Vyas Gufa

A small cave with a rock roof that looks like the pages of a stacked book. Tradition holds that Maharishi Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata here. There is a small shrine inside, and a priest is usually present. Be patient in the queue during peak season, and ask before taking photographs.

Ganesh Gufa

Close to Vyas Gufa is the cave linked with Lord Ganesha, who, according to belief, wrote down the Mahabharata as Vyas dictated it. The two caves are usually visited together.

Bhim Pul

A huge natural rock lying across the Saraswati river, believed to have been placed there by Bhima so that Draupadi could cross during the Pandavas' final journey towards heaven. The roar of the river through the narrow gorge below is unforgettable. Use the railings and paths, stay away from wet edges and never climb on the rocks for photos.

Saraswati River and Keshav Prayag

The Saraswati appears here as a powerful stream, and a short distance below the village it meets the Alaknanda at Keshav Prayag. It is a special sight for pilgrims who know the Saraswati mostly as a "hidden" river in other parts of India.

Village lanes, tea stalls and woollens

Take time for the village itself. Mana is home to the Bhotiya community, who are known for their handwoven shawls, caps and carpets. You will see tea stalls with signboards claiming to be the first shop of India, which makes for a fun photo. Ask before photographing people, buy something you like if you can, and do not block the narrow lanes.

Vasudhara Falls: a separate trek

A trail from Mana leads to Vasudhara Falls, a tall waterfall that most visitors reach on foot. It is a proper walk, not part of a short village tour. If it interests you, read our Vasudhara Falls guide and plan it as its own half-day.

How much time should you keep?

Your actual time depends on queues, weather, walking speed and how high altitude affects your group. At over 3,000 m, walking uphill feels harder than usual, so go slowly and keep breaks.

How to reach Mana Village

Mana is reached via Badrinath. From Haridwar or Rishikesh, the drive to Badrinath goes through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli and Joshimath. It is a long journey and is usually done over one or two days.

From Badrinath, vehicles go up to a parking area near the village, and you explore on foot from there. Local shared taxis also run in season. If you are on an organised tour, ask whether Mana is included, whether waiting time is covered and how you will return to your hotel.

Do not believe anyone who sells Mana as an easy same-day trip from Haridwar or Rishikesh. It is not.

Best time to visit Mana

Mana follows the rhythm of Badrinath. The village is lived in mainly during the warmer months. When Badrinath closes for winter, most residents move down to lower villages, and the area is snowbound. For 2026, the Badrinath temple closes on 16 November, so plan your Mana visit before that.

• May to June: pleasant days, busy with pilgrims.
• July to September: monsoon brings landslides on the highway below. Plan buffer days.
• September to October: clear skies and fewer crowds; often the best time.
• November: cold, with the season closing.

Where to stay

Most visitors stay in Badrinath and visit Mana as a morning or afternoon outing. A few homestays and guesthouses operate in or near Mana during the season. Wherever you book, check the exact location, heating, hot water and meals, and do not assume a listing "near Mana" is walking distance from the village.

Tips for a comfortable visit

• Carry a warm jacket even in summer; the wind can be sharp.
• Wear shoes with good grip for the stone paths.
• Drink water and walk slowly to avoid altitude headaches.
• Keep cash; card payments are not always possible.
• Do your Badrinath darshan first and keep Mana flexible around it.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Mana from Badrinath?

About 3 km, according to Uttarakhand Tourism. The walking distance once you reach the parking area depends on which sights you visit.

Is Mana Pass part of a Mana village visit?

No. Mana Pass is a separate high mountain pass in a restricted border area. A village visit does not include it.

Can elderly people visit Mana?

Many do. The paths have slopes and steps, and the altitude makes walking harder, so go slowly. Ask about drop-off points and rest spots.

Can I combine Mana and Vasudhara Falls?

Yes, if you have fitness, time and good weather. Treat Vasudhara as a separate walk and start early.

Is Mana open in winter?

The village is largely empty and snowbound in winter, when Badrinath is closed. Visit during the yatra season.

Include Mana in your Badrinath yatra

Explore our Badrinath tour package and mention Mana when you enquire. Tell us your group's pace and any mobility needs, and our Haridwar team will plan the village visit around your darshan and hotel. For the bigger picture, see our Badrinath guide.