InjuThere was a time in my 20s when every weekend was an adventure. Almost any given weekend, you’d find me hiking up a new peak in the western ghats, chasing waterfalls, or camping under a blanket of stars. From Kudremukh to Kodachadri, I explored it all. But while I was busy conquering the misty mountains of the western ghats, something was missing—the towering, majestic Himalayas.
In my late 20s, Life took over the driving seat. Work was demanding and sometime later, I got married. Result? the 7-10 day breaks I needed to explore the north truly became rarer. Before I knew it, my 20s had slipped away, leaving me with a tinge of regret for not having ventured deeper into the heart of the Indian Himalayas. Among the countless places I missed, one stands out: Mana Valley—the last Indian village before the Indo-Tibetan border.
I turned 30 a month ago and thought I’d reflect on my 20s travel adventures. This post marks the beginning of a series about the places I wish I visited in my 20s, and I’m starting with Mana Valley for a reason. Nestled at the edge of India, Mana is not just a geographic boundary; it’s a place where nature dissolves the artificial borders we create. The mountains on the Indian side are indistinguishable from those on the Tibetan side, reminding us that while politics and human stupidity divide, nature remains boundless.
In this post, I’ll dive deep into the hidden gems of Mana Valley travel, and why I wanted to visit this offbeat destination in Uttarakhand places to visit in my 20s.
Mana Valley: Where Culture, Religion, and Adventure Converge
Trust me when I say, that Mana Valley is no ordinary village. As the last Indian village on the Indo-Tibetan border, it holds deep mythological, cultural, and spiritual significance. But you’d be mistaken if it ended there. Mana village is also a heaven for trekkers and adventurers. This mix of heritage and thrill makes Mana Valley a unique destination that appeals to travellers of all kinds.
Cultural and Religious Significance of Mana Valley
A Mythological Village:
- One of India’s greatest epics, Mahabharata mentions Mana Village. Legend says that the Pandavas passed through this village during their journey to the heavens. The ancient Vyasa Cave, where sage Vyasa is believed to have written the Mahabharata, still stands as a place of deep reverence.
- Another significant spot is Bhimpul, a natural rock bridge over the Saraswati River. According to legend, Bhima (one of the Pandavas) created this bridge for Draupadi to cross during their journey. I learnt a lot from the Mahabharata and perhaps why Mana Village pulled me so much. Perhaps it was my chance to walk the path the Pandavas walked after everything they endured in their life.
- Beyond its significance in Mahabharata, Mana is one of the rare places where the sacred Saraswati River is visible above ground. So naturally I wondered what’s so special about this place that makes River Saraswati appear above the ground. This is a spiritual experience in itself as the Saraswati is often believed to have vanished from the Earth.
- For spiritual travellers, Mana village is just 3 km away from the Badrinath Temple, one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. Many travellers include Mana village in their itineraries to Badrinath temple. The allure of seeing Saraswati flow above Earth is an added incentive for them to visit Mana.
Adventure Activities in Mana Valley
Mana Valley is a dream destination for trekkers, hikers, and adventure enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a beginner, there’s something for everyone here. Trekking in Mana Valley offers some of the best trails and roads for bike rides. I am detailing a few adventure activities I would’ve indulged in had I visited Mana Valley in my 20s.
- Vasudhara Falls Trek: A 6 km trek from Mana leads you to the stunning Vasudhara Falls, which plunges from a height of 400 feet. Legend has it that the water of Vasudhara Falls avoids the impure-hearted, making it a spiritual experience as much as an adventure. Maybe, just maybe if I visited, I would’ve been confident about myself as a person. With so much self-doubt consuming me all the time, a testament from Mother Nature herself would’ve boosted my confidence. The enduring trek of course would’ve reassured my physical fitness for a long life ahead.
- Satopanth Lake Trek: The challenging trek to Satopanth Lake is a must for seasoned trekkers. Satopanth Lake, situated at 15,100 feet is a triangular lake and is easily accessible from Lakshmi Van near Badrinath. According to Hindu mythology, the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh meditated together on the three corners of the lake. You can see clear views of Mt. Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Balakun, and Swargarohini from the lake. Swargarohini Mountain is the mountain from where Yudhistir started the ascent to the heavens. So while we all chase concrete heavens in the cities, Mana Valley has the trail to reach the actual heavens.
Bike Ride To Mana Pass
- Mana Pass Ride: Mana Pass is the fourth highest motorable pass in the world. The Mana Pass ride is the ultimate challenge for adventure seekers. Cruising on my bike at 18,100 ft with snow-clad mountains and rugged Himalayan roads would’ve been an exciting adventure. A glacial lake atop the Mana Pass called the Deo Tal is the ultimate reward for enduring all that pain. Deo Tal is believed to be the origin of the mythical Saraswati River. So witnessing the Saraswati River flow above the ground near Mana village isn’t enough, this ride takes you to the place where it originates. Makes me wonder, what is REAL, after all. Check out the video below to know more about the journey to Deo Tal.
Stargazing & Pandava Trails In Mana Valley
- Camping and Stargazing: I was habitual to staying up late into the night to witness the starlit skies. And the only problem I had with most places I stargazer was the light pollution. The remoteness of Mana Valley, I think, makes it an ideal spot for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, I am sure, the night sky in Mana is a breathtaking sight, offering crystal-clear views of the Milky Way. Imagine camping in the lap of the Himalayas, with only the sound of the wind and the sight of the stars to keep you company. Isn’t that worth living for?
- Exploring Pandava Trails: Another unique adventure in Mana Valley is to retrace the exact steps taken by the legendary Pandavas. The trail is referenced in so many places. The trail beyond Vasudhara Falls leads to Lakshmivan. Lakshmivan is allegedly the place where Draupadi left her body. This dense forest is about 4 km from Vasudhara. A little further ahead at Chakrateertha or Khakrateertha is where Arjuna gave up his body. The trail is dotted by many caves and sadhus who lived there during the year, without clothes and food. They sometimes eat just raw berries and vegetables they find around. If they don’t, they live off air and water. So much to learn about simplistic living. After Chakrateertha meadow, other Pandavas except Yudhistir and his dog are said to have left their body on the steep rise of the glacier. He further ascended to heaven from the foot of Swargarohini mountain.
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Mana Valley
All things said about Mana Valley, It’s not so much about the destination but the journey to it that matters. So in case the Mana Valley adventures got your attention, here are some handy tips to plan your journey.
- Best Time to Visit:
- The ideal time to visit Mana Valley is between April and June and between September to November. The weather is pleasant, and the trekking routes in Mana Valley are accessible.
- How to Reach Mana Valley:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 320 km from Mana. You can take a cab from Dehradun to Mana. You can take a bus to Rishikesh or Dehradun with multiple connecting stops in between.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, about 300 km away. From Rishikesh, daily buses are plying between Rishikesh and Badrinath. Buses start early in the morning and reach Badrinath by evening. Mana is around 3 KM from Badrinath.
- By Road: From Rishikesh daily buses are plying between Rishikesh and Badrinath. Buses start early in the morning and reach Badrinath by evening. Mana is around 3 KM from Badrinath.
- Where to Stay: Mana Village is close to Badrinath. There are plenty of options to stay around Badrinath and Mana Village. Search for your stay of choice on booking.com or airbnb.co.in.
- What To Pack: Essentials include warm clothing, trekking shoes, high-altitude gear, sunscreen, and hydration packs. However, the Himalayas are unpredictable, especially at high altitudes such as Mana Valley. If you’re trekking, sudden weather changes can disrupt your plans.
Answer the Call of Mana: Rediscover Adventure, Spirituality, and Yourself
Mana Valley is more than just a place; it’s a gateway to another realm where adventure, spirituality, and nature converge. The village, tucked away at the edge of the world, is home to ancient legends and amazing landscapes. From the elusive Saraswati River to the towering Vasudhara Falls, Mana is a land of mystery and wonder. There is a story in every corner and a secret in every trial you embark on. Whether you’re standing at the confluence of rivers or trekking through the rugged terrain, you feel a deep connection to the land and its rich history.
For the adventurer, Mana Valley offers the challenge of a lifetime. whether it’s riding up to Mana Pass, trekking to the sacred Satopanth Lake, or exploring the Pandava trails. These are not just treks; they are pilgrimages in their own right, taking you through some of the most untouched and spiritually significant landscapes in India. Mana Valley is an unreal place that validates your life (Sinners don’t get to bathe at Vasudhara Falls). It Challenges you to push your limits (Mana Pass Ride). And then finally shows you a noble way (live without boundaries) to live in the footsteps of Pandavas. It’s a full package to learn to live life.
Live Your Life Now!
So, don’t wait till you turn 30 to realise you should’ve done things earlier. Take the plunge, embrace the adventure, and let Mana Valley revive the explorer in you. Seize the day, pack your gear, and journey into this timeless valley where the mountains whisper tales of old and the stars light your path forward. For me, Mana is calling again, as I hope to venture into these incredible experiences in my 30s. The break from trekking in my late 20s did give me a perspective on travelling. And when I do get the chance to explore the Himalayas again, I hope to visit Mana Valley. I trust it will reignite the sense of adventure and wonder that once defined my life. Mana Valley, I will see you soon, and this time, I promise I won’t hold back. Neither should you. Live Your Dreams.
That’s all for today folks. Thank you for sticking through to the end.
You can check out all my previous blog posts on the home page here. A few posts that may interest you are One Chance, A Play With Death: Bouldering, Solo Backpacking Trip To Chikmagalur, Okay You F*cked Up, Now What and more….
Lastly, you can drop me a DM on Instagram if you wanna chat.
Share the stories on places you missed visiting in your 20s in the comments section below.
Thanks. I will talk to you soon.
Inju