Category Archives: Photolog

Himachal, India, Photolog, Tourism, Travel

10 days Itinerary for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

November 22, 2017 allgudthings 52 Comments

Ask anyone in India, which is your dream destination, and for the sure, the majority will say road trip to Leh Ladakh and only a few will answer Lahaul Spiti. A year back; the same notation was true for us too. So, we did both a 13-day road trip to Leh Ladakh and a 10 day Lahaul Spiti road trip. Honestly, both the God lands left us speechless and Lahaul Spiti valley became our favorite. It is raw, lesser commercialized, lesser densely populated, and more enigmatic than Ladakh – land of high passes; where only wind and water play at their best to carve and decorate the valley.

10 Days travel Guide For Lahaul Spiti Road Trip

The word “Spiti” means middle land between India and Tibet. So, Spiti Valley is the extension of mesmerizing landscapes of Tibet with challenging terrains and adventurous hairpin bend roads everywhere. The place has calming vibes and also can see the perfect combination of Hindu and Buddhist culture. A true tourist or traveler, photographer, and adventurist cannot delight his eyes and soul just by traveling through this mystical land once. Indeed, he will long for more and start planning his next visit. Take a second visit and still, you will feel the valley is new and it will be exactly like a first visit.

The route for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

There are two routes to reach Spiti Valley. One can enter from Shimla and exit from Old Manali or vice versa. We did a complete circuit, starting our journey from Manali and taking an exit at Shimla.

Route AllGudThings followed: Delhi – Chandigarh – Mandi – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphu- Kunzum La- Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Sangla – Rampur – Shimla – Chandigarh – Delhi

Total time to reach Kaza in Spiti Valley from Delhi

The total time to reach Kaza in Spiti Valley from Delhi 17 -18 hrs. We advise you to break this journey into 3 days and halt at first Chandigarh or Mandi and if not here in-between, then Manali.

Condition of Lahaul Spiti Roads

Just forget the highways after Manali. There are bumpy and mud roads with potholes all around, most of the journey is like off-roading. At the passes ice will be melting down so additionally the roads will be wet too. Expect huge traffic jams from mid-July to August as there is apple crop transportation too.

Best time to take Lahaul Spiti Road Trip

The best time to do Lahaul Spiti road trip circuit starting from Manali and exiting at Shimla is between June-September. During this period both Rohtang Pass (opens in May) for which you need Rohtang Pass Permit and Kunzum Pass (opens in June) get functional. Whereas the other route via Shimla till Kaza is open throughout the year. Traveling to Spiti Valley in winters to the valley is extremely adventurous but surely tough too.

Way to Kaza from Manali: Travel guide for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

Itinerary for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

While taking the Spiti Valley road trip, vistas change at every turn. If you think to blink your eyes or relax for a while, you will surely miss something worthy. So be awake during the whole journey to get soaked in the adventure.

Day 1 (Delhi – Chandigarh or Delhi – Mandi / Manali)

Leave early morning from Delhi to reach Chandigarh/ Mandi or Manali, according to your driving skills and capacity. From Delhi, Chandigarh can be reached in just 5 hrs and further till Manali it will take another 8-9 hrs, so totally journey coming to 13- 14 hrs. The terrain is plain till Mandi and changes after that. From here, the route becomes worth admiring. After reaching Manali rest in your hotel room, and walk to old Manali to enjoy scrumptious dinner.

Evening at Old Manali: Travel guide for lahaul Spiti Road Trip

We usually start our drive from Delhi in the late evening and reach Manali by next morning. After resting for some time, we go to Manali DC office to take the permits for next day.

Attractions on the way: Anandpur Sahib Gurdwara and Rewalsar Lake in Mandi district.

Must try: Do try Siddu and famous Bedawi Chapati / Puri in Mandi.

Day 2 (Manali to Chandratal Lake)

Leave around 7:00 am from Manali for Chandratal Lake. The Lake of Moon lays just 140 km from Manali but it takes almost 7-8 hrs to reach the place. The road to Chandratal Lake has only dirt and stones and no sign of tartar anywhere. On the way, you get to see waterfalls and the so-called Pagal Nallas (unexpected water comes through these). So, be really cautious.

Chandratal Lake: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti Road trip — Chandratal Lake

There are several tents nearby the lake for accommodation. We stayed with Tenzin at Tenzin camps which lays almost 3 km from the moon lake. From here the lake can be reached by trekking or driving till one point.

Attraction: Rohtang Pass, also known as the pass of dead corposes and Chandratal Lake

Must Try: Chandra Dhabha at Batal run by a couple Chacha Chachi

Day 3 (Chandratal – Kaza)

After having breakfast and good tea, leave for Kaza which lies almost 100 km. Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti Valley. Along the way, you will cross Kunzum pass, located at 15,600 feet and village Losar.

Kunzum Pass: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti Road Trip

Attractions: Kunzum Pass on the way, Key Monastery in Kaza, Sakya Tangyud Monastery, and the surrounding villages.

Must Try: Hotel Deyzor for its awesome food and worthy location

Day 4 (Kaza)

Stay at Kaza and explore the surrounding villages like Kibber, Tashigong, Langza for fossils, Gette and Kaumik / Komic village. Also plan to visit the Pin Valley National park, which comes under protected area for wildlife.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQVywmNFyB6/?taken-by=suruchimittal

Day 5 (Kaza – Tabo)

Start your day early from Kaza and head towards the green village Dhankar (34km) known for one of the oldest monasteries and palace on the hilltop. From there 34 km ahead lays the beautiful village Tabo. Roads are both good and bad and with sightseeing, you will reach by evening.

Village Dhankar: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti road trip

Attractions: Dhankar Village, Dhankar Monastery, Dhankar Lake, Dhankar Palace, old and new Tabo monastery, Tabo caves, Tabo Helipad.

Must-Try: Stay at Tabo Monastery. They have mud lining rooms that are super cozy and dirt cheap. You can spend one night here in just Rs 500/-.

Day 6 (Tabo – Kalpa via Village Gue, Nako & Rekong Peo)

This day is going to be long as you will be covering 3 -4 attractions on the way before reaching Kalpa. The village Gue lays 8 -10 km inside from village Sumdo (24 km from Tabo) and is known for the sitting 500 years old mummy.

The Village Nako lies 33 km ahead from Sumdo. It is the highest village in the Hangrang Valley and here the bumpy road ends and the perfect tarred road starts. Do read the complete post a walk to the Nako village, to know more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVKLlz3hcRU/?taken-by=suruchimittal

Kalpa & Rekong Peo lies 103 km from village Nako, which is almost a journey of 3-4 hrs. There is nothing much in Rekong Peo but for sure you will be mesmerized by the views of Kinner Kailash and apple orchards in Kalpa.

Kalpa Village : Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti road trip — Kalpa Village: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti road trip

Attractions: Mummy at village Gue, Nako monastery, Nako Lake, Chango Gompa, Kinner Kailash from Kalpa, Suicide point, Narayan Nagini Temple, Kalpa Monastery, Sapni fort, and Kamru fort.

Must try: Stay with Himachal tourism guest house at Kalpa, for the best views and food.

Day 7 (Kalpa – Sangla)

After watching the first ray of sunrise at Kinner Kailash and having filling breakfast, leave to check the attractions of Kalpa. By afternoon leave for Sangla, which lays 40 km ahead of Kalpa. Check into your hotel and get lost in the evening beauty of Sangla Valley, Kinnaur. Listen to birds chirping and the flowing Baspa River along.

Sangla Village: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti Road Trip — Views from Sangla village

Attractions: Kinner Kailash, Suicide point, Narayan Nagini Temple, Kalpa Monastery, Sapni fort.

Must-Try: Tents at Kinner Camps, Sangla. We really enjoy staying with them because of their extraordinary hospitality and comfort.

Day 8 (Sangla – Chitkul- Sangla)

The next day, after breakfast drive 22 km from Sangla to the village Chitkul. It is the last Indian village and the first glimpse of it is enough to leave you transfixed and speechless. On one side you can see the snow-capped arid mountains while on the other side there is a lush green valley with the Baspa River flowing in between.

Chitkul Village: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti Road Trip — Chitkul Village

Attractions: Chitkul, Baspa River, Sangla meadows, 1000 years old Kamru fort, Bering Nag Temple, & Sangla Monastery.

Must try: Evening long walks and apple orchards

Day 9 (Sangla – Shimla)

From Sangla, it is time to cover the last part of the circuit and the last day in hills too. Start early around 7:30- 8:00 am to cover 225 km. Roads are perfectly tarred and in excellent condition. If you have an extra day, do cover Sarahan & Narkanda on the way.

Highway from Sangla to Shimla: Travel guide for Lahaul Spiti Road trip — Highway from Sangla to Shimla

At Sarahan, check Bhimkali Temple and Bird sanctuary whereas in Narkanda visit Hatu Peak, Hatu temple and Jubbar Lake.

Attractions: Karcham Wangtoo Dam & cut out mountains forming ceilings on the highway near Rampur, Kufri.

Must Try: Buy red and golden farm fresh apples and plums.

Day 10 (Shimla – Delhi)

The day 10^th is going to be the toughest day as it is the end of a memorable trip. But cherish up as there are so many memories to take back home and plan the next journey. Roads are in excellent condition and you will be covering 345 km in almost 8-9 hrs.

Attractions: Himalayan Expressway, Timber trail resort at Kalka.

Must try: Good Punjabi food on the Chandigarh- Delhi highway.

Driving next to river bed in the valley: Lahaul Spiti road trip

Points to Remember before taking Lahaul Spiti road trip

The Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass are high altitude passes, so check the weather forecast with locals before heading out.
In the mid-July – August, there are spells of rains in the Lahaul Spiti Valley, although being a rain shadow region. So, the drive can be tough as well as risky.
Always keep a buffer for a day while taking the Lahaul Spiti road trip.
Get your vehicle properly inspected before hitting for a 1600 km road trip.
Carry proper car toolkit along.
Avoid driving at night as the roads are narrow and valleys are deep. Moreover, the whole valley is serene and worth admiring during the day.
Certain places like Rohtang Pass in the Lahaul Spiti Valley can be visited only with permits, so get those arranged timely. The Permit can be taken online or by visiting the DC office in Manali.
Carry the additional photostat copies of a permit with you, during the trip.
There is the last and highest fuel station at Kaza after Manali. The next can be found in Rekong Peo and then in Sangla.
ATM facilities are available in Sangla, Rekong Peo, Kaza, Manali & Shimla
Take time to acclimatize and don’t rush in the valley.
Basic Medical facilities are available at Sangla, Rekong Peo, and Kaza. Advance medical facilities can be availed only in Shimla and Manali.
Don’t expect luxurious accommodation and food in the valley, especially during winters.
The locals are really nice and ready to help. Do respect their traditions and cultures.
Remember to keep the valley clean and don’t litter around. Practice responsible tourism.

Trip Expert 2017 Awards

We have compiled this post for the nomination in “Travel Expert Awards -2017”.

Himachal, India, Photolog, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

Why we love monsoon road trips to the Hills

July 1, 2017 allgudthings 60 Comments

Finally, nature is at its best in North India and the first downpour has brought a big relief from the scorching summer heat. The moving clouds, thunderstorm, lightning; the changing skyline from orange, gray to dark makes the whole sky look so mystic. In fact, it seems that nature has finally used its magic wand to bless everyone. The fragrance of wet earth, the rain drops on leaves, cleansing of trees & shrubs, hazy misty weather, a breeze with rain drops caressing your face is what defines the perfect monsoon for us. And if there is a chance for the road trip during the rainy season, then it is exactly like frosting on the cake. Yes! We are talking about the monsoon road trips.

Monsoon road trips

As the June end’s or first week of July starts, we start thinking when and where to head for the monsoon road trips. Where never gets answered but we start chasing rains in North India, especially toward Hills of Himachal and Uttarakhand. The roads, trails, and nature start smiling with the showers and get a new life.

Here are few of the reasons why we say monsoon road trips are the best ones.

Umbrella Love

The rain is nature’s art and umbrella is my art. When I walk with it in the rains, I walk with a super art. I feel free to jump in the puddles and have some Chapak! Chapak moments!

It was raining and the car was sailing on the curvy roads to Kasauli from Chandigarh. But who could stop me and my smile from getting clicked with the colorful umbrella?

I cant let this storm pass away like that; I want to feel the breeze and mist on me. Its a rainyday. #travel #travels #travelblog #travelblogger #allgudthings #uttrakhand #rainyday #monsoon #colors #umbrellagirl #umbrella #friday #umbrellaplanet #travelphotography #picoftheday #photography #photogram #like4like #followforfollow #igers #wanderlust #explore #roadtrip #mytravelgram #traveling #travelersnotebook #traveler #travellife #india #raining

A post shared by AllGudThings (@suruchimittal) on Jul 18, 2016 at 10:04am PDT

I never wanted this storm to pass like that, I wanted to get wet, feel the droplets and breeze. The way to Ranikhet in Uttarakhand was becoming so sensational.

Roads and Trails During Monsoon Road trips

The roads get washed and get a make over whereas the trails smell wonderful in the rainy days.

We would love to walk and drive endlessly on the clean roads in the rains.

There were light mist & cool air, I opened up my arms for both to fondle.

He said follow me as we walked up this trail and I did because he is worthy and the trail looks awesome – take me to the wonderland. This image was taken at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The valleys and Himalayan Villages look exceptional

The Himalayan Village, Kalpa is a heavenly abode and I think my words can’t do any justice to this image.

Over every mountain, there is a path and it passes silently without disturbing the mountains. The image was clicked on the way back from Valley View Homestay Ranikhet.

Trees get refreshed, flowers bloom and the Fragrance of pine and woods open up your senses.

Rains only let the flowers bloom.

The lush green meadows turn greener and they act as real tranquilizers. The picture is taken near the Mahadev Temple in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Spot a rainbow
Rainbow is always special but if you see a double rainbow along with the rains, it is astounding. See how it turns adults into kids. The very special moment captured by a fellow blogger Jitaditya Narzary; of The Travellingslacker at Manali.
Raindrops and Photography.

The colors and raindrops make your pictures look different and perfect. Isn’t it?
The rivers start gurgling and sometimes you can spot an amazing sun peaking through the clouds on the banks of rivers, giving sky it’s own shading.

River Parvati flowing at its best during monsoons in Kasol.

The seasonal waterfalls are equally charming as the all time waterfalls.

.During rainy days, water is the real boss and landscapes, mountainscapes just have to obey. The picture was taken on the way to Kheerganga

We are sure these wonderful reasons and pictures might have lured you for the monsoon road trips but always remember the monsoon road trips are equally dangerous and need to be done with special cautions. You can also check the related posts 5 offbeat monsoon weekend getaways from Delhi and 5 places not to miss for monsoon road trip.

Do read the monsoon destinations in India, which should top your list.

Some precautions before taking Monsoon Road Trips

The driving person needs to be fully attentive. His focus should be just on the road with both hands on the steering. Clicking photographs while driving should be a real No!
Get your vehicle properly inspected before hitting the roads. If your tires have gone bald, get them replaced. Check for wipers too and get them changed if they have become brittle.
Use headlights and taillights to get a clear view as well as to make your car visible to others.
There are more chances of skidding on wet roads. So, drive slowly and maintain distance from the vehicles in front.
Drive along the center of the road and preferably follow the vehicle going ahead.
Park your vehicle away from trees as there is a chance of electrocution of trees during lightning which in turn can damage your own vehicle.
If the weather condition and storm worsens, don’t try to push yourself and your vehicle. Stop your car on the side.
Flooding can occur on the highways and other streets within minutes of downpour. Don’t try to drive through the flooded areas.
Rainwater moistens the brake drums so the braking efficiency gets lowered. It is advisable to use the brake on and often. Also, keep the brakes well moistened.
Avoid driving at night during rains.

If you like it please share it and let us know where are you heading next.

India, Photolog, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

The different shades of Auli in Summers

May 30, 2017 allgudthings 53 Comments

Auli also known as Auli Bugyal is nestled among the Himalayas and is graded as one of the best skiing destinations by ski lovers. But unfortunately, it is not much famous among travelers and tourists and fortunately, it was really high on my travel bucket list. I was already captivated by the pictures posted by the fellow traveler of its skiing slopes and wide green meadows extending in Kilometres. So, here was the chance for us to explore Auli in summers and cross one of the more travel bucket list destinations in Uttarakhand.

The different shades of Auli in summers, uttarakhand

Travel Guide to Auli in Summers

Distance from Delhi to Auli

Auli lies 509 Km from Delhi

Route to Auli from Delhi

Delhi – Noida- Meerut – Roorkee- Haridwar – Rishikesh – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karanprayag – Chamoli – Joshimath – Auli

Time to Reach Auli

Almost 13 -14 hrs in one stretch

Stoppages in Between

One can drive in a stretch but still we will advise you to take a halt in between at Haridwar or Rishikesh.

Auli in summers

Auli is at a hilltop; just 43 Kilometres short from Badrinath Dham and Mana Village. The steep road deviates and rises 16 Km up from Joshimath. The other way one can reach Auli is by Asia’s highest and longest Gondola cable car which directly connects Joshimath to Auli covering the total distance (slope distance) of 4 kilometers in 15-20 minutes.

Auli is already famous as a winter destination for snow and skiing but not in summers. We traveled and explored Auli in May and trust me- it did not disappoint us!! In fact, it surprised and treated us with different shades and colors.

While returning from Badrinath; clouds were following us and they were seen floating in between the Himalayas. And here was the first glimpse of the Auli.

We wanted to check-in before the rain. But within minutes, as we reached our hotel Auli Resorts the rain started and the Highland got crystal clear. The subtle colors and shades of the resorts and buildings became bright and started jutting out; leaving us completely spellbound.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUEPl05hAZR/?hl=en

Our plan was to sit, sip hot coffee, and enjoy rain in the lush mountains but nature was ready to shock us pleasantly with some more colors and thrill. Just then, a strong orange light was sparkling in the sky from one side, making it look like a glowing ball. Yes! The sunset along with rain. I should say one of the best views. The sun and its rays did their work tremendously well making the whole valley look more alluring.

Sunset at Auli in summers along with rain

It was raining & drizzling the whole evening and we spent time enjoying the Himalayan ranges from our resort; hoping the next day to be sunny. The next morning sun was shining at its best. The barren mountain tops covered with snow were ready to wear the golden crowns. At some places in between, these majestic Himalayan ranges were decorated with green patches. Everything in the valley seemed to be muted, except the birds who had full freedom to chirp and sing. Literally, the feeling was that all forces of nature are united here.

The snow-clad mountains appeared to be so close yet so far too and they are equally inviting. One doesn’t need to think to get lost in their charm. Just sit and see them, you will be with them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BT2tTM1gL_l/?hl=en

When you are in the thoughts of these stuffed ranges; your dreams can only be pinched out by the noise of flying a helicopter in between them. And the only sentence you can utter out is! Wow! I missed this and need to add this to my bucket list for sure.

Helicopter flying in between the Himalayan ranges at auli in uttarakhand- Auli in Summers

Ride to meadows through Chairlift

To reach the meadows, one needs to go by the chair lift. It opens around 9:00 am and takes one from 2500 meters to 3050 meters elevation in just 4-5 minutes. This seemed like fun just on listening and it actually was.

You can check this out here in a video.

OMG! The views were spectacular and beyond my words. We could see the huge green meadows extending in kilometers, the highest manmade artificial Auli lake standing in between making Auli meadows and slopes more worthy, with the panoramic views of Himalayan ranges around it. Below and above from the chair lift, one can too see thick oak and coniferous trees.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUCQqw3BI9j/?hl=en

From the meadows, the top one can witness the complete Himalayan range. The third highest peak Nanda Devi (7817 meters) stands out with others peaks like Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi, Godhra, Palki, Neelkanth, etc, in line to it.

Himalayan ranges and green meadows at Auli in summer, uttarakhand

One can hover over these long stretched meadows to see the huge rock formations, grazing cattle’s and flowers.

Rock formations in meadows at Auli in Uttarakhand: Auli in Summers — Rock which looks like Toad at Auli in Uttarakhand

Apart from this; Auli acts as a trekking base for this part of Uttarakhand. One can opt for a day or multiple days treks from here. The shortest of all is till Gurso Bugyal (3 km) Further; 9 km ahead the trail continues till Kwani Bugyal. Some other popular ones are Auli – Gorson which is around 7 km, Gorson- Tali (6 Kms); Tali – Kuari Pass (11 km) etc.

Best Time to Visit Auli

Auli can be visited throughout the year. In winters i.e. from November to March, it is a perfect skiing destination. From April to November days are pleasant with moderate climate. July to October are the monsoon months but the place receives a scanty rainfall.

Expected temperature at Auli

The temperature in Auli in summer May, varies between 7 to 18 degrees Celsius, whereas in June it can go up to 20 degrees Celsius. July & August are rainy months so the temperature varies and after August till October, it lies between 4 – 15 degrees celsius. In November – December Temperature lies between 2 – 10 degrees celsius. January and February are the coldest months and temperature can go as low as -5 degrees celsius.

Places to Stay at Auli in summers

There are budget as well as luxury resorts in Auli for accommodation. The Auli resort and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) Hotels are located at the Auli base whereas Hotelli Clifftop and Nanda Devi Eco-tourist resort is on the hilltop or in between the meadows. The views from all of these places are breathtaking.

Hotels and Resorts at Auli: Auli in Summers

Some points to take note of while traveling to Auli in summers

The road is really steep and narrow (single vehicle) from Joshimath. So, be slow and patient while driving.
Try to cover the journey from Joshimath to Auli, only during the day.
Temperature can dip anytime at Auli in summers, so always carry woolens with you.
One needs to climb a few stairs to reach a chair lift.
The ticket of a Chairlift for to and fro journey is Rs 300/- per head.
The ticket for Gondola cable car from Joshimath to Auli is Rs. 750/- and there is some time limit for returning back too.
On the hilltop, there are shacks where you can get tea, coffee, and some snacks.
April, May, June are the good months to visit Auli. In July, Auli receives a good amount of showers whereas in August and September there is a flowering season.
Try to keep the surroundings neat and clean.
Do check out the wonderful artwork of Shri Badrinath Temple, Kedarnath Temple, Himalayan flower, and Monal Bird done by a travel lover.

Graffitis in the meadows of Auli in Uttarakhand: Auli in Summers

If you find it interesting, please let us know and share it with others. You can read the complete review about Auli resort here.

India, Photolog, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

Mana Village: Last Indian Village near Indo – China Border

May 22, 2017 allgudthings 42 Comments

The last Indian Village! Isn’t that sentence a fascination in itself? It is and I was actually flying with happiness when I saw this board just 3 km ahead of Badrinath Dham. And look at those blue views at the entrance of the charismatic Mana village.

The excitement was not because of the first visit to the last inhabited village. In fact, earlier too; I had visited the last inhabited Village; Chitkul at Indo-China border in Himachal. I was excited there also but the Mana village experience was altogether different. The village has a mythical history along with the natural beauty. In fact, after traveling to so many areas of Uttarakhand now the belief is that whole of Uttarakhand is so so different from Himachal. The whole state is still not that commercial and has retained its natural beauty with the original trails.

Mana Village

The Mana Village lies at 3118 meters and can be reached either by the smooth motorable road or by a scenic walk along the clean Alaknanda River.

The village is crammed with cobblestone roads. The slanting roofed stone houses with wooden windows bask the village on either side of the road. Some houses too have a small kitchen garden around them.

The origin of habitats can be traced back to Mongolian tribes. Currently, it is occupied by the last generation of Bhotia community. The ladies of this community are masters in knitting and weaving while men run small shops and take tamed goats for grazing. They too are seen playing carom, cards etc.

Handicrafts made by the Bhotia Community Women of Mana Village — Mats, Carpets, Caps woven by women of Bhotia Community at Mana Village

The inhabitants of the Mana village are migratory and they move to nearby places like Joshimath in the months from November – April when the weather gets too hostile.

Closed Houses during Hostile weather conditions at Mana Village — Locked House at Mana Village

Okay! Here comes the real thing. Mr. Barfani Baba: He stays in this cave throughout the year, even when everyone else from the village migrates during extreme cold. He actually posed for the picture.

Mythical History of Mana Village

The Mana Village has a Mythical past and its traces can be found in the epic Mahabharata. It is believed that Pandavas crossed this village on their journey to heaven. While crossing the village; Bheem one of the strongest brothers of Pandavas laid a rock bridge; known as Bhim Shila to cross the River Saraswati. This is believed to be the place of origin of River Saraswati and there is a Goddess Saraswati Temple too.

Bhim Shila at Mana Village — Bhim Shila (Actually a single piece rock bridge)

Further, there is a Vyas Gufa (Vyas Cave) at Mana Village, where Saint Veda Vyasa has composed the whole Mahabharata. And Ganesha Gufa, where Lord Ganesha penned down the whole epic dictated by Saint Veda Vyasa.

After Crossing Bheem Shila, keep walking on the trail and you will reach the hill top pointing towards the end of the road. I don’t know its a myth or truth but there is a saying that Pandavas might have eloped from this path to heaven. (The way to Swarg)

View from the Hilltop at Mana Village — Hilltop views on one side, and end of the road (From where Pandavas might have eloped)

Views from Hilltop at Mana Village (another side)

From here ahead the trail becomes stony, steeper and goes 6 Kilometer ahead till Vasudhara Waterfall. The last of this trail take you to Satopanth Tal and Satopanth Glacier, which is in total 22 km trek from Badrinath. This trek is considered to be a tough grade and one need porters and guides for completing it.

Satopanth Tal, Trek from Mana Village — Source: IndiaHikes

Apart from this, the Last Indian Mana Village too has many shops claiming themselves as last Shops, serving coffee, tea, maggi and some more snacks. There is fun having tea here with those mesmerizing views.

Some Additional Info on Mana Village:

One has to park the vehicle outside the Mana village.
The best time to visit village is during early morning like 6 a.m, as there is no rush and can capture sunrise shots.
Porters carry pilgrims in the baskets/Palkis on their back till Bheem Shila, so give them the way when they whistle.
Buy some locally weaved stuff to help the community grow.
Click pictures after taking permission from the people.
Carry jacket along as it gets windy anytime when you climb up the slope.
Do keep some small denomination currency with you, as the locals are in shortage of change.
Mana Village is also famous for Potatoes and Kidney Beans.
There is an army helipad on the way to Mana Village, worth admiring.

Uttarakhand government has declared this place as a tourist village destination, so be a contributor wherever it is possible for you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUR2Pe6hZmc/?taken-by=suruchimittal&hl=en

Have you been to Mana Village and Satopanth? If yes, then let us know what we missed on and should explore next time. If you like it share it and pin it here.