June 10, 2010

SWF: Himalayan Mana

This is the first time in quite a few years in summer that I am not able to make a journey to the Himalayan mountains. As I went through some old pictures in my albums, I had fond memories of some previous trips, and am posting these two pictures for this week's Skywatch.

Mountains of Mana based at a height of over 10,000 feet

These two pictures (re-publishing the first) were shot on an early morning walk from Badrinath to Mana village before the sunrise.

Set in a scenic valley, this rustic village of Mana shuts down in winter for 6 months or so as it gets snow-bound with sub-zero temperatures. Mana is situated at a height of 3,200 meters (over 10,000 feet) above main sea level.

It is presumed that it was in this little Village that the sacred Indian texts of the Vedas and Purans were supposedly compiled. The famous epic, the Mahabharata, is also believed to have been composed in one of Mana's caves, the Vyas Gufa.

The inhabitants of Mana in the Himalayan mountains are mainly Indo-Mongolian tribals. It is the last village on the borders of Indo-China region.

Mana Village women on their way to Badrinath for work
(photograph shot at 6:21 am)

Enjoy skies and views from across the globe at Skywatch Friday here.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh how lovely the view from up there. i hope someday i could also go and visit.

Al said...

That is a fantastic shot, I'd love to see that. I sometimes think that I live at a high elevation (7,500 feet or 2,286 m) but that's nothing compared to the Himalayas.

VioletSky said...

What an experience to be able to walk in the clouds.

Ramosforest.Environment said...

Great experience and shots.
Congrats.
Luiz Ramos

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful photos and thanks for sharing the walk to the village. My hubby would love these photos, I have to show him. The Himalayan mountains is a dream trip for him.

SandyCarlson said...

I can see how this atmosphere would inspire sacred text. Amazing.

Hildred said...

Love the morning mist and the exotic trees in your first picture, - it really stirs your imagination.

Mridula said...

Very beautiful. After almost 7 years I am not heading to the Himalayas this time in summer and I am sorely missing it.

Regina said...

Wow this is wonderful and amazing.
Such exotic place.
Happy SWF Celine. Enjoy your weekend.

Anuradha Shankar said...

the first one is just too awesome!!!

Dharma Shots said...

It'd be a dream come true for me if I get to the Himalayas one day, thanks for sharing these lovely photos and the experience.

Judy said...

I love that first photo! I enlarged it, to see the flowers in the foreground - they look so much like daisies!!!

EG CameraGirl said...

How fortunate you are to have made this trip. I'm so sorry you are unable to do so this year. The area looks magical, full of inspiration.

rainboy said...

I was going there last week, Badrinath and kedarnath ...packed all the clothes,was ready with the camera but... we all got drunk and stayed in Nainital for the night :P had bon fire , went for trekking at 12 a.m. in darkness...it was awesome.
Maybe next time I will make it to mana :D

take care

Cai - weekdayphotos.com said...

Great skywatch photo!
Check out my photo challenge website, www.weekdayphotos.com! Every weekday has its own photo theme and a different challenge every week, have a look and hopefully ill see a picture from you soon on weekday photos!

Have a good one!

Indrani said...

That first shot is clearly etched in my mind. It is beautiful. Hope you are able to make it next year.

Glennis said...

Looks quite chilly in the Mountains, the ladies are dressed very warmly.
Top photo looks so pretty with the daisy's.

Serline said...

The Himalayas... my hubby has visited both the Himalayas and the Karakoram, but I'm not sure I ever will. Certainly looks beautiful and different from what I've ever experienced in my life...

magiceye said...

heavenly....

Johnny Nutcase said...

very cool, very beautiful! Sorry you weren't able to go this year!

Mana said...

Lovely pics.. seems to be breathtaking place. I wanna visit. :)