Mandal Village is located at the upper hills of the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It sits close to the boundaries of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, a region known for its rich birdlife and biodiversity. Being close to the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandal is an ideal place for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The forests around the village are home to Himalayan bird species, and sightings of deer and other mountain fauna are not uncommon.
Mandal is also a popular base camp for Anusuya Devi Temple & few alpine meadow treks in India.
Anusuya Devi Temple Trek (5 km)
The most well-known trail from Mandal leads to the Anusuya Devi Temple, dedicated to Mata Anusuya, wife of Rishi Atri and revered for her devotion and spiritual strength.
The 5 km trek passes through thick forests, streams, and clearings, making it accessible yet deeply immersive. Look out for a 6th Century inscription on a rock enroute. The temple complex is set in a serene clearing, surrounded by mountains and silence.
Atri Muni Ashram Trek (1 km from Anusuya Devi Temple)
Mandal → Anusuya Devi → Waterfall Trail → Atri Ashram
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, passing over rocky paths and alongside a small waterfall.
The trail is marked and cemented and further connects to Rudranath (one of the Paanch Kedar)
Panar Bugyal Trek (12 km trek)
Mandal → Anusuya Devi → Hansa Bugyal → Panar Bugyal
Panar Bugyal is a beautiful alpine meadow (bugyals). The trail is gentle via forests and opens up into wide, grassy fields with amazing views of the Himalayas. On clear days, one can see Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dronagiri peaks from here.
Panar Bugyal also serves as an important stop on the Rudranath Temple trek, making it a strategic base for longer journeys.
Rudranath Temple Trek (20 km trek via Sagar or Mandal)
Mandal → Anusuya Devi → Naola Pass → Rudranath Temple
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.
Mandal is one of the traditional starting points for the trek to Rudranath Temple (3,600 meters), where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his face (mukha) form.
The trek is demanding and best suited for experienced trekkers, passing through forests, ridges, and high-altitude meadows. Compared to Kedarnath or Tungnath, Rudranath is the most remote and peaceful of the Panch Kedar temples.
Accommodation in Mandal is limited to basic guesthouses and homestays, so plan your stay in advance. Meals are usually simple, locally prepared, and seasonal. Evenings are quiet, often spent under star-filled skies.
Location & Distance guide to Mandal, Chamoli District
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 Panch Prayag – Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag.
- Gopeshwar → Mandal: 13 km
- Chopta → Mandal: 24 km
- Rudraprayag → Mandal: 75 km
- Karnaprayag → Mandal: 45 km
- Joshimath → Mandal: 55 km
- Delhi → Mandal: 450 km
- Dehradun → Mandal: 330 km
- Haridwar → Mandal: 300 km
- Rishikesh → Mandal: 285 km
Feature Image is Mandal Village, Image CC Wikipedia
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