How to Reach Mana Village from Delhi – Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Mana Village from Delhi by train, bus, car, and flight with practical tips on travel time, routes, and local transport options.
Mana Village is located in the northernmost part of India, near the border with Tibet in Uttarakhand. It is famous as the last Indian village on the route to the sacred Badrinath Temple and attracts many pilgrims and tourists every year. Traveling from Delhi to Mana Village is a popular journey for spiritual seekers and adventure lovers alike.
This guide will help you understand the main ways to travel from Delhi to Mana Village. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Getting from Delhi to Mana Village – Main Options
Train
Train travel is suitable if you want a comfortable and economical journey up to the nearest railway station before heading to Mana by road. Trains connect Delhi to Haridwar and Rishikesh, which are gateways to the mountains.
Delhi to Haridwar trains depart daily from New Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin, covering about 220 km in 4-6 hours with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 for sleeper and AC classes.
From Haridwar, you can take a bus or taxi to Rishikesh, about 20 km away, which is the starting point for mountain road travel towards Mana.
Trains are frequent but can get crowded during pilgrimage seasons like Char Dham Yatra and summer holidays, so booking tickets early on IRCTC is advisable.
Haridwar and Rishikesh stations have basic amenities, and it is best to avoid late-night arrivals to ensure smooth onward travel.
During monsoon, train schedules may be affected by landslides or track maintenance, so check updates before traveling.
Bus
Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach mountain towns near Mana. State-run and private buses operate from Delhi to Rishikesh and Joshimath, the last major town before Mana.
MSRTC and Uttarakhand Transport Corporation run Volvo and deluxe buses from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi to Rishikesh and Joshimath, with journey times of 6-10 hours depending on the destination.
From Joshimath, shared taxis or local buses cover the 40 km hilly stretch to Mana Village, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on narrow mountain roads.
Bus fares from Delhi to Rishikesh range from ₹400 to ₹900, while from Delhi to Joshimath can be ₹800 to ₹1500, depending on bus type and season.
Buses can be crowded during peak pilgrimage months (May to October), so booking tickets online or in advance at bus depots is recommended.
Road conditions can be challenging during monsoon due to landslides and fog, so travel early in the day to avoid delays and risks.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving from Delhi to Mana Village is an adventurous option giving you flexibility to stop and explore. The route covers plains and mountainous terrain over approximately 520 km.
The main route follows NH 334 from Delhi to Haridwar, then NH 7 towards Rishikesh and onward to Joshimath via NH 94, finally taking the local road to Mana Village.
Driving time is around 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, with toll plazas on NH routes requiring cash or FASTag payments.
Rest stops with food and fuel are available at Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Joshimath; however, options become limited near Mana, so plan accordingly.
Mountain roads near Joshimath are narrow and winding; driving experience on hilly terrain is essential for safety, especially during monsoon or winter.
Self-drive car rentals with GPS and local SIM cards for navigation apps like Google Maps or MapMyIndia are recommended for smooth travel.
Flight
Flying is the fastest way to cover the initial part of the journey from Delhi to the nearest airport, followed by road travel to Mana Village.
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Mana, about 300 km away, with daily flights from Delhi lasting around 1 hour.
From Dehradun airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rishikesh (about 35 km), then continue by road to Joshimath and Mana Village.
Flight fares vary between ₹2000 to ₹5000 depending on the airline and booking time; booking early can secure better prices.
Flight schedules may be affected by weather conditions, especially fog in winter, so check status before departure.
Airport taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate from Dehradun, but pre-booking is advisable for mountain-bound travelers.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Mana Village. It covers key actions to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.
Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.
Reach your boarding point (New Delhi Railway Station, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, or Delhi Airport) at least 1 hour before departure to avoid last-minute rush and confusion.
Upon arrival at Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, arrange local transport like buses or taxis to reach Joshimath, the gateway to Mana Village.
From Joshimath, hire a shared taxi or local bus to Mana Village; confirm timings and fares locally as schedules can vary.
Carry sufficient water, snacks, and warm clothing for the mountain journey, as facilities are limited en route and at Mana.
Use mobile apps like Ola, Uber, or local taxi services for last-mile travel and to check real-time traffic or weather updates.
Practical Travel Tips
Carry a valid ID and keep your travel documents handy, as police checks are common on mountain roads near border areas like Mana Village.
Drink only bottled or boiled water and eat freshly cooked food from trusted vendors to avoid stomach issues during your trip.
Book tickets online for trains and buses to avoid long queues and sold-out situations, especially during festivals and summer holidays.
Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for safe and transparent local travel; avoid unlicensed taxis to prevent overcharging.
Pack light but include essential medicines, warm clothes, and rain gear, as weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Check weather forecasts and road conditions before starting your journey, especially during monsoon (July-September) when landslides are common.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to travel from Delhi to Mana Village is during the summer and early autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters can be very cold with snowfall blocking roads.
Monsoon season brings heavy rain and landslides, causing delays and safety risks on the mountain roads. Planning your trip outside these months ensures a smoother journey.
Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Navratri when roads and trains are crowded with pilgrims.
Summer months (May to June) offer clear roads but can be hot in Delhi and lower plains; start early to avoid heat.
Early morning departures help avoid traffic jams near Delhi and ensure reaching mountain areas before dusk.
Winter months (December to February) may close roads near Mana due to snow; check local travel advisories before planning.
Arrival at Mana Village & What to Expect
Mana Village is a small, scenic settlement with limited transport and accommodation options. Upon arrival, you will find basic facilities and a peaceful environment surrounded by mountains.
Local transport mainly consists of shared jeeps and taxis. Walking is common within the village due to narrow lanes. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses to small hotels, so booking in advance during peak season is advisable.
Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not available in Mana, so negotiate fares locally and carry cash. The village is near the border, so carry valid ID for any security checks.
Conclusion
Traveling from Delhi to Mana Village is a rewarding experience combining plains and mountain journeys. The most efficient option is to take a flight to Dehradun or a train to Haridwar, followed by road travel to Joshimath and then Mana. This balances speed, comfort, and cost effectively.
Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and preparing for mountain travel challenges. With careful planning and the tips provided, you can confidently enjoy the spiritual and natural beauty of Mana Village without stress.