At Mana Pass, adventure seekers and nature lovers can indulge in a range of activities and exploration opportunities. The trek to the pass itself is a highlight, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and diverse landscapes. The area is also home to beautiful frozen water bodies and crystal-clear rivers, perfect for photography and sightseeing. Visitors can explore Mana village, the last inhabited settlement before the Tibetan border, where they can immerse themselves in local culture and traditions.
The region's rich biodiversity provides opportunities for birdwatching and appreciating the unique flora and fauna of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Additionally, the spiritual significance of the area, being close to the sources of the Saraswati and Alaknanda rivers, offers a serene environment for reflection and connection with nature.
Best Time to Visit Mana Pass
The exploration time of Mana Pass is quite restricted due to its extreme altitude and weather conditions. The pass is usually accessible only during the summer months, from June to October, when the snow has melted enough to make travel possible. Even during these months, access is limited and requires special permits from the district administration, as the area is close to the sensitive Indo-Tibetan border. However, travelers need to be prepared for challenging conditions at such a high altitude, including risks of altitude sickness.
From October to May, the pass is typically closed for visitors due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather, making it inaccessible.
Mana Pass Permit
Mana Pass is administered by security forces including Indian Army and ITBP as it is close to India-China border. Special permit is required to visit Mana Pass.
How to Get Permit for Mana Pass ?
Permits for Mana Pass can be obtained through SDM, Joshimath office after proper application which needs visitors documents like Aadhar Card or Passport etc and vehicle documents like RC etc.
As Mana Pass is located at an astounding altitude of approx 5,600 m (18,400 ft), visitors are advised to first acclimatize at Badrinath.
Location of Mana Pass
Mana Pass is located in the Himalayas on the border between India (Uttarakhand) and Tibet (China), near the village of Mana in Uttarakhand.
What is Mana Pass famous for?
Mana Pass is famous for being one of the highest motorable passes in the world, its strategic location on the Indo-Tibetan border, and its proximity to the pilgrimage site of Mana village, which is the last Indian village before the Tibetan border. It is also known for its rugged, high-altitude terrain and being near the sources of the Saraswati and Alaknanda rivers.
Location & How to Reach Mana Pass
Mana Pass is located in the Greater Himalayas, near Badrinath in Uttarakhand, India, serving as a key connection between Tibet and Uttarakhand. To reach the pass, travelers typically travel from Joshimath to Mana village, where special permits are needed to proceed further. Below are some options to reach Mana pass.
By Road: Mana Pass can be reached by road from Joshimath, a town in Uttarakhand, which is about 50 km from Mana village. From Joshimath, a narrow, rugged road leads up to Mana village, located 4 km from Badrinath. From Joshimath to Mana Pass, travel is mainly by private vehicles like SUVs or shared jeeps, but beyond Mana village, special permits are required. Only authorized vehicles can proceed to the pass, and military escorts may be needed due to its sensitive border location. Public transport is not available on this route.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Mana Pass is Rishikesh, approximately 275 km away from Mana village. From Rishikesh, travelers can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Joshimath, which is the base town for accessing Mana Pass. The journey from Rishikesh to Joshimath takes about 9 to 10 hours, offering scenic views of the Garhwal Himalayas along the way. From Joshimath, the route continues by road towards Mana village, from where the pass can be accessed with the necessary permits.
By Air: The closest airport to Mana Pass is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located around 315 km from Mana village. After arriving at the airport, travelers can hire a taxi to reach Joshimath, which serves as the starting point for the road journey towards Mana Pass. The drive from Dehradun to Joshimath takes approximately 10 to 11 hours and passes through several picturesque towns and valleys. From Joshimath, visitors can travel to Mana village and further to Mana Pass with the required permissions during the summer months.
Read How to Reach guide for Badrinath.
What is Mana Pass famous for?
Mana Pass is popular place for following activities/ interests - Adventure, Base Camps (Trek), Biking, High Altitude Mountain Pass.
