Mandal Village Travel Guide | Trek Routes And Attractions

Far away from the noise of cities and busy tourist places, there is a quiet little village in the hills of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. This place is called Mandal Village. Surrounded by green forests and mountain views, Mandal sits at an altitude of 1,500 to 1,700 meters and is known as the starting point for many beautiful treks.

From here, you can begin your journey to Anusuya Devi Temple, Atri Muni Ashram, Kuari Pass, and the peaceful meadows of Panar. But Mandal is not just for trekkers. It’s a place where nature, simple village life, and old temples come together. The air is fresh, the people are friendly, and the vibe is calm and welcoming.

In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about Mandal Village—how to reach, what to see, the best time to visit, and why this small village could be your next favorite spot in the Himalayas.

Quick Facts

Why Visit Mandal Village

Mandal Village may be small, but it has everything to make your trip special. The village is surrounded by green forests and step-like farms, with snow-covered Nanda Devi peaks visible on clear days. Locals welcome visitors with warm smiles, simple meals like dal-chawal, and old stories about saints who once lived in the nearby forests.

One of the best things about Mandal is that you don’t need to travel far to start your trek. Most trekking routes begin right from the village itself—making it a perfect place to start your Himalayan journey without any extra travel.

Where Is Mandal Village Situated

Mandal Village is located on a quiet road that connects Gopeshwar to Chopta in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. If you are coming from Rishikesh, the road takes you through five famous river meeting points—Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag. After that, the road goes higher into the peaceful mountain area of Chamoli.

As you get closer to Mandal, you’ll see tall trees like oak, deodar, and rhododendron along the way. During the rainy season, the whole area gets covered in mist, making the drive look like a scene from a beautiful postcard.

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Treks from Mandal Village

Mandal Village is not just peaceful and pretty—it’s a gateway to some of the most beautiful forest and mountain treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. From spiritual temples to wide alpine meadows, there is something here for every kind of traveler. Whether you love trekking, photography, or just want to walk in nature, these treks from Mandal are perfect.

1. Anusuya Devi Temple Trek

Best Time: March to June, September to November

This is the most famous and easiest trek from Mandal. The path takes you through quiet forests filled with rhododendron and oak trees. You’ll cross small wooden bridges, bubbling streams, and shady trails. After around 2–3 hours, you reach the Anusuya Devi Temple, a peaceful shrine dedicated to Goddess Anusuya, believed to be the mother of all sages.

During winter, the temple is covered in snow, creating a magical scene. The trek is ideal for families, solo travelers, and spiritual seekers. Locals say prayers offered here are especially powerful if done with a pure heart.

2. Atri Muni Ashram Trek

Best Time: March to November

Just beyond Anusuya Devi Temple lies Atri Muni Ashram, believed to be the meditation cave of Rishi Atri and his wife Anusuya. The trail to the ashram is short but steep, and includes a small waterfall and rocky path.

The area is quiet, with only the sound of birds and water. The cave is simple but holds strong spiritual energy. Visitors often sit in silence or meditate here. This place is less crowded, so it’s perfect for those looking to connect with nature and spirituality in peace.

3. Panar Bugyal Trek

Best Time: May to June and September to October

Panar Bugyal is one of the most beautiful alpine meadows (bugyals) in the region. The trail climbs gently through forests and opens up into wide, grassy fields with amazing views of the Himalayas. If you’re lucky and the sky is clear, you can even spot Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dronagiri peaks from here.

Many trekkers set up tents here for the night to enjoy the sunset and starry skies. During spring and early summer, the meadow is full of wildflowers and butterflies. It’s a peaceful, picture-perfect spot for camping and photography.

4. Rudranath Temple Trek

Best Time: May to October

Though not the most popular base for Rudranath, Mandal Village offers a unique and less crowded route to this sacred temple, one of the five Panch Kedar shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The trail passes through Anusuya Devi, Hansa Bugyal, and Naola Pass, with peaceful forests, waterfalls, and bugyals along the way.

This route is longer than the one from Sagar Village, but it’s far more scenic and untouched. Trekkers who take this path are rewarded with calm surroundings, wild beauty, and some of the best views of the Himalayan valleys. You’ll need a guide if you’re new to long treks, but the experience is truly unforgettable.

How to Reach Mandal Village

Reaching Mandal Village is easy if you plan ahead. It is well-connected by road and can be accessed from major towns like Rishikesh, Chamoli, and Gopeshwar.

Quick Tip: If you’re already visiting Chopta or Tungnath, skip the longer highway route and take the scenic forest road through Mandal. It’s shorter, quieter, and full of birdlife—perfect for nature lovers.

Best Time to Visit Mandal Village

Each season in Mandal Village brings something different. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your visit:

Top Things to See and Do in Mandal Village

1. Visit Temples in and Around the Village

• Anusuya Devi Temple – 5 km walk through cedar forest; believed to grant wishes to childless couples.
• Atri Muni Ashram – Cave of the sage Atri, reached after a gentle waterfall climb.
• Local Golu Devta Shrine – A Small stone temple where villagers offer bells for fulfilled prayers.

2. Walk with Nature

Quiet footpaths weave through terraced fields, rhododendron groves, and bubbling brooks. Carry binoculars – Himalayan bulbuls and russet sparrows flit around old cedar trunks.

3. Meet the Locals

Share a cup of jhangora kheer (millet pudding) with farmers and learn how they harvest wild herbs used in traditional Garhwali medicine.

4. Set Off on Alpine Treks

Trails from Mandal fan out to Panar Bugyal, Kuari Pass, and even link into the full Panch Kedar circuit for hardcore trekkers.

Forests and Biodiversity Around Mandal

Mandal Village is surrounded by thick forests that are part of the rich and delicate Himalayan ecosystem. These forests are home to many trees, plants, birds, and animals that help keep the environment healthy and balanced.

The main trees found here are rhododendron, oak, and deodar (cedar). These trees are not only beautiful but also very important:

• 🌺 Rhododendron trees bloom in spring with bright red and pink flowers. Their nectar feeds bees, butterflies, and birds like sunbirds and Himalayan bulbuls.

• 🌳 Oak trees are strong and grow at mid-altitude. Their roots hold the soil tightly, helping to prevent landslides during rains. The fallen leaves also turn into natural compost for farms.

• 🌲 Deodar trees, also called “trees of the gods,” grow tall and straight. They store carbon and keep the air clean. Locals also believe they protect the land and bring peace.

These forests are also home to small animals, birds, and even rare Himalayan black bears in the upper regions. You might also spot squirrels, langurs, and mountain birds while walking the trails.

This natural area plays a big role in:

• Controlling climate change by storing carbon

• Protecting the soil from erosion

• Supporting local farming and wildlife

• Providing fresh air, clean water, and peace

Important Tip: Please be a responsible visitor.
✅ Walk quietly
✅ Stay on marked trails
✅ Do not pluck plants or disturb animals
✅ Carry all your plastic waste back with you

Let’s all do our part to protect this beautiful land so future generations can also enjoy it.

Stay And Food Options in Mandal Village

Mandal Village may be small, but it offers a few clean and comfortable options for staying and eating. Whether you are a trekker, a spiritual traveler, or just someone looking for peace, the local homestays and cafés here will give you a warm experience of Garhwali hospitality.

Where to Stay

1. Leave No Plastic: Bring your waste back to Gopeshwar; there are no bins on the trail.

2. Respect Rituals: Ring temple bells only once and avoid photos inside sanctums.

3. Hire Local Guides: Supports the village economy and keeps you on safe paths.

Packing Checklist

• Light down jacket (nights ≤ 10 °C)

• Trekking poles & rain cover

• Water‑filter bottle

• Re‑usable steel tiffin box

• Power bank & flashlight

Final Thoughts

Mandal Village is more than a dot on the map – it is a serene blend of forested beauty, living folklore, and Himalayan spirituality. From cedar‑scented mornings to starry nights on alpine meadows, every moment feels pure and uncluttered. Planning your trip with WanderSky unlocks trusted local stays, expert guides, and hassle‑free transport, so you can focus on soaking up the magic. Your Garhwal adventure begins here – and its memories will echo for a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is mobile network available?

Jio and BSNL work in the village; no signal on the upper trails.

2. Do I need a ticket to visit Anusuya Devi Temple?

No entry fee; donations are welcome.

3. Can beginners attempt the Anusuya trek?

Yes, with a guide and steady pace.

4. Are ATMs available in Mandal?

No, withdraw cash in Gopeshwar.

5. Is food available on the trail?

Small dhabas sell basic meals and tea.

6. Can I charge my phone during the trek?

Only in homestays; carry a power bank.

7. Is camping allowed near Panar Bugyal?

Yes, at designated sites below the meadow; avoid littering.