by The valley is indeed a blanket of snow if you come here in peak winter. This is the village of Sethan, approximately 12 km from Manali, and is also popularly known as the Igloo Village Sethan. A true magical winter destination, Sethan has been drawing a large number of visitors with each passing year.
The Tale of Igloo Village Sethan
Sethan was a small village till 2016 and had only a few guesthouses and some locals. For those who want some moments of solitude, this small village, which is also popularly known as Igloo Village Sethan, offers many such options.
The altitude gain of 800 meters over Manali also makes it a preferred destination for anyone who is looking for snow.
By the year 2017, the concept of igloos came up, and many hoteliers and some locals began coming up with igloos. However, staying in the igloo village Sethan, Manali, does not come cheap, and it can cost around 10,000 for a couple for one night.
If you are planning to stay in Igloo Village Sethan this winter season, expect to book the same by mid-January. This is also the best time to visit Sethan Valley. Till 2-3 years ago, these igloos became operational in December. However, with climate change making its visible impact, this activity begins mostly after 15th January.
The Igloo Village Camping
One of the experiences that you will get from Igloo Village Sethan Camping is that you will feel like you are in the Arctic region. It can be said without doubt that a stay in an igloo will be your experience of a lifetime. Well, this is not indeed comfortable, but anyone who likes experimentation with their usual travel, igloo village Sethan camping would definitely be worth remembering.
Sethan in winter can be typically harsh, and you can expect temperatures to fall to -20 degrees. When you make an igloo village sethan stay, you will see that the temperature inside is between 0 and minus 10. The temperature is comparatively warmer as the body heat gets trapped in the igloo only, and your stay can be somewhat comfortable!
You cannot compare it with staying in Manali in a cozy room, which is centrally heated. It would be cold but not that much, which makes you uncomfortable. After all, you are staying in an igloo.
As all such igloo village camping options come up with facilities like bonfires, local cuisine, and a range of activities, this will be a lifetime remembrance for anyone who comes here once.
Image Courtesy: Meandereander
Options for Sethan Camping
The idea of Igloo Village Sethan began materializing by late 2017, and by 2018, two people had come up with the igloo experience in Sethan, Manali. Presently, over 10 igloo camping options in Sethan have become operational. All of these have 3 to 4 different igloos and offer packages suiting a range of visitors. Adventure activities and bonfires, etc., are also offered in these igloo village Sethan camping options. If you wish to understand how to book Igloo Village Sethan, it can be done from the comfort of your home. Just Google it, and all options shall crop up.
Harmony Manali Igloo
Wish to experience comfort and adventure in one go. Sethan has a range of igloo stay options, and one of these is the Harmony Manali Igloo. There are different options available for experiencing Igloo Village Sethan, and if you are short of time, you can opt for a full-day visit to the igloo. In this, you can experience a range of snow activities, including skiing and tubing.
In case you wish to spend some quality time here, you can choose either the Night Igloo stay or the two-night, three-day igloo stay package here. You can get in touch with the owner for the cost of an igloo stay in Sethan, Manali.
Apart from the Harmony Manali Igloo option, you can also explore Sethan Heights, which also offers similar options apart from other related packages.
What to know about Sethan
You should search Hampta Pass Trek while exploring Sethan online. If you find Sethan Valley, the Hampta Pass information will appear. However, both are the same. Sethan can be considered a pass that connects Manali to Kaza.
Sethan is a small village, and if you are coming during summer, you will find only a small village and a lot of solitude. Igloos at Sethan are only available during the extreme winter months here.
There are no cafes in Sethan, and you will find only small dhabas here where you can explore local food on demand.
Best Time to Reach Sethan
Sethan is easily accessible from Manali. You can hire a taxi from Manali, which will take you to Sethan. However, if you are coming in your vehicle, you can take the old Kullu-Manali highway, which is the Naggar Road. You shall have to reach Prini, and from the bifurcation, you will have to drive uphill towards Hampta Pass. 12 km up the hill, you will reach Sethan. The best months are December and January, and you should arrive early in the morning if it is a one-day trip.
Sethan is a land embroiled in solitude, and if you are coming here to experience the village of Sethan, this could be your journey of a lifetime. Other months of the year, this journey to Sethan could be an opportunity to connect with your inner self and explore your hidden instincts.
Featured image: Nomadicnitin
FAQs
When does the igloo season start and end?
It generally begins by mid-January and ends by late February at the latest.
How much does an igloo stay cost per night?
The price generally varies, but expect to spend between 10 and 15,000/- per night for a comfortable stay.
What is the minimum altitude and temperature?
This place is some 500 to 700 meters higher than Manali, which itself is at 2200 meters above mean sea level. Temperatures can drop well below 0 degrees during peak winters.
How far is Sethan from Manali, and what’s the route?
Sethan is 15 km from Manali, and you will have to cross Prini in old Manali to reach Sethan.
