10 Exciting Things to Do in Mane Village in Spiti Valley
The Mane Village situated in the serene background of the Himalayan range of Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a place that mumbles peace. It is not a crowded place, but a kind of destination that attracts those people who look for quietness, the unique beauty of nature and a minimalistic way of living. However, do not be deceived by its serene look because Mane Village has some of the most incredible things to do for a thrill seeker.
For the outdoor lovers, the spiritual, or even just for those who need a vacation from work and busy schedules, Mane Village is for you. Do consider various Spiti Valley tour packages to make your trip easy. So, tie your shoelaces, charge your camera battery and let us explore this gem of a shooting paradise.
Best Things to Do in Mane Village
Visit the Ancient Monasteries in the Town
Mane village also has a very lovely Monastery situated on a small hillock. Climb, slowly up the mild gradients and enjoy the spectacular view of the village and the valley beneath. Feel the spiritual climate, marvel at the details of the structures and watch the colours of the prayer flags dancing in the wind.
Hike to Sopona Lake
Attention all the adventurers! Sopona Lake in Spiti is arguably the most interesting natural landmark and it is a seasonal glacial lake that forms during the summer and is situated about 5-6 km from Mane Village. You can enjoy trekking in Spiti, at this beautiful village of Mane for a stunning view and some good shots. The reward? Mirror-like water of a lake surrounded by snowy mountains, a beauty that will make you drop your jaws.
Stargazing Extravaganza
For lovers of the night sky there is Mane Village, the amount of light pollution here is substantially less. With darkness and stardust setting in the night, stargazing in Spiti Valley is the best feeling to enjoy the sky glow with a million stars. The Milky Way stretches across the horizon, something that is quite breathtaking and you will never fail to marvel at.
Embrace the Nature’s Beauty
In this case, it could be said that the best things in life are free. Mane Village is ideal for those willing to disconnect from technology or get an opportunity to interact with nature. Take a walk through the beautiful walking paths, feel the nice breeze blowing through the mountains, and get a lovely feeling of being in the lap of the mighty Himalayas.
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Explore the Local Life
Mane Village in Spiti Valley is one of the villages that have retained their cultural and traditional lifestyle. Engage with friendly people, watch how they go through their activities, and discover more about their culture and traditions. You may even have an opportunity to participate in their farming activities, a very engaging and fulfilling experience.
Capture the Beauty
It is possible to devote a whole day to exploring the stunning surrounding landscapes which are perfect for photographers. Indeed, the whole place is spectacular from the towering mountains to the typical village structures, one will always be captivated by the beautiful scenery. Take a photo of the sun in the morning, paint the mountains with gold colours, or use night exposure photography to capture the stars’ movement.
Camping Under the Stars
For camping lovers, there are beautiful spots near Sopona Lake or on the border of the village. Think of yourself sleeping under the sky with stars, with the breeze singing you a good night song. These are some of the special morning views such as waking up to the breathtaking view of the Himalayan Mountains.
Volunteer at a Monastery
For an even more memorable experience, you can volunteer to work at the monasteries. Assist the monks in managing their households or spend some time with them and learn more about their religious practices. It is an opportunity to contribute to society and gain knowledge about Buddhism on your own.
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Indulge in Local Delicacies
However Mane Village does not boast of fine dining restaurants, they do have homely dishes that you would like to taste where interaction with the local families would be helpful. Some foods that may sound familiar are ‘Thukpa’ a noodle soup dish, ‘Siddu’, which is steamed bread and ‘Chha Gosht,’ a lamb dish all spiced with local flavouring.
Day Trip Delights
If you wish to go outside Mane Village then it would be best to go for some day trips. You can visit nearby villages such as Kibber, which is the high altitude wildlife sanctuary or Langza which is famous for Buddha statues.
Mane Village Travel Guide – Best Time To Visit Mane Village
The best time to visit Mane Village is during the summer holidays, that is between June and September. The weather is fine with clear sky and favourable temperature, it is convenient for outdoor activities. Nevertheless, it is advised to carry some warm clothing because evenings might be cool, considering the months specified.
How to Reach Mane Village?
One can get to Mane Village either by road from Shimla or from Manali. The trip is very lengthy but very beautiful indeed with wonderful views of the majestic Himalayas. Before attempting to get here on your own it would be wise to hire a taxi or better still take a guided tour since the roads from the mountains are quite complicated.
Accommodation in Mane Village
Mane Village brings some different kinds of stay experiences. The main choice is homestays where you can become a member of the family and feel all the peculiarities of the locals’ life. It is comfortable although minimalistic and the food is mostly traditional. There are also a few guesthouses, which are a little more expensive and provide slightly more comprehensive services. Camping is another option to spend a night but you should beware of night frosts especially if you are located at a high altitude.
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Festivals in Mane Village
- Tshechu Festival (February/March): This lively festival involves mask dances, and colourful rituals and is most popular among Tibetan Buddhists.
- Harvest Festival (September/October): This happy festival is the last one of the harvest and gives people happy feelings. People do special prayers of thanksgiving and community sings and dances, and feasts are usually prepared.
Additional Tips
- Pack accordingly: Depending on the time of year the temperatures in Mane Village can often be extreme. Bring clothes for warm weather and additional clothing for cool nights. Comfortable shoes are also recommended when wandering around the village and other attractions.
- Respect the local culture: Be sure to dress appropriately for the occasion and respect the customs of the monasteries and the region.
- Be prepared for limited connectivity: Mobile phone networks could be scarce in Mane Village. Consider it as an opportunity to step back from the constant distractions and be more mindful.
- Support the local economy: Choose homestays within the village, shops that sell locally made souvenirs as well as tour guides from the village. This way, you can contribute to the Spiti Valley community.
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What are the top attractions to visit in Mane Village?
The top attractions to visit in Mane Village are Sopona Lake Trek, Village Gompa, Chudolsa Cave, and the beautiful Spiti Valley.
Are there any unique shopping experiences in Mane Village?
While there are no fancy malls in Mane Village in Spiti, you can various local items that Mane Village has to offer. Shop for handicrafts, seals, woollen caps, jewellery pieces, local herbs and a lot more from the local market Mane Village.
Can visitors experience local cuisines in Mane Village, and where should they go?
Mane Village does not have restaurants or dhabas, instead, it offers authentic Spiti cuisine in a local style which you can enjoy while staying with the families in Mane Village. Try several savoury dishes like Thukpa (noodle soup), Chha Gosht (lamb dish), and Siddhu (steamed bread), and don’t forget to try the Arak, a local alcoholic beverage that keeps you warm in extreme cold.
What cultural experiences can visitors enjoy in Mane Village?
You can visit monasteries, and local families, interact with shepherds and the vibrant local festivals in Mane village to enjoy the cultural experience.