When I visit Himachal Pradesh, I find solace in the serene mountain-side homestays, waking up to the majestic peaks while sipping hot chai and savoring comforting maggi. However, it's time to explore beyond the snowy landscapes of Kullu Manali. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life this winter and opt for a unique experience: staying in an igloo in the quaint village of Sethan, Himachal Pradesh.
Let's delve into everything you need to know about this igloo village for your upcoming trip.
The Igloo Village Sethan's Story and Location:
Located in Sethan Valley at an altitude of over 2,500 m, it is only 12 kms from Manali. The Igloo Village Sethan was founded by locals and cousins Vinod and Suresh Bodh in 2019. They were intrigued after an Australian tourist showed them how igloos are made and took it up as a challenge.
The founders run a homestay in the village started building five igloos every year after snowfall was collected in the village.
The founders said, “In Alaska, winter temperatures drop to -30°C, making the region extremely icy. Sethan is less cold in comparison, with winter temperatures dropping to about -12°C at night,” They also added, “So, we have to make sure we have at least 2-2.5ft of snowfall in the region to begin building the igloos every year, and mix the snow with water to create compact blocks which will hold through the season.”
Best Time To Visit
Sethan Valley receives its first snowfall around mid-December, which is when the village is operational until end of February or first week of March. Ofcourse, you never know what mother nature has in mind, so these dates can vary depending on the weather.
The most popular time to visit is during Christmas and New Years. Although January is also a good time if you wish to enjoy the snow in full swing.
Inside the igloo
Every igloo is 9ft in diameter and about 5ft in height, making it a cosy place for a couple. Although even three guests can be accommodate in one igloo on request.
You will find a foam mattress with sheets, wool, electric blankets to get cosy during the cold nights. The bathrooms are not attached and sleeping bags are provided on request. There are lights inside and electrical sockets to charge your phone so that you can take tons of photos of this unique stay.
What about food and what should you wear
Sethan Igloo Village offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The menu includes dal, rice, roti, bread, omelette, Maggi, French fries, chicken or paneer curries and vegetables. All of the food sounds so comforting, perfect for the weather!
When it comes to what you should wear, thermal innerwear is a must to save yourself from the extreme cold weather. Layering your clothes with warm down jackets, good snow boots and gloves is also a must. Also carry sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright sun. If needed the team provides snow shoes and snowsuits.
Things to do in and around Sethan Valley
You can chill with your friends around the bonfire on starry nights arranged by the team regularly. You can also enjoy snow sports and adventure activities as Sethan Valley gets heavy snowfall. Choose from skiing, snowboarding, snow treks and even heliskiing. The slopes have to be accessed on foot as there are no ski lifts in the area, incase you choose to go for snowboarding.
During the day explore the village of Nihar Thach closeby, where visitors can buy handicrafts, indulge in some local delicacies like momos and siddu (a Himachali wheat flour bread typically eaten with ghee in the winter).
Cost of stay in The Igloo Village Sethan
One night stay: Rs.5,500 onwards, including all meals, snacks and tea or coffee, and evening bonfires.
If you are in a big group discounts are offered who want to book multiple or all five igloos.
Contact here to book: Call 9816125512 / 7018911104, Instagram
Permit to Enter Sethan Valley: Hydro Project check post in Prini, INR 100
Location: Sethan, Village, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175143, India
How to Reach Sethan Valley
By road: 45 mins from Manali, go uphill on the right towards Hamta Valley. Continue on this road for 12 km to reach Sethan Valley.
By bus: HRTC bus or private volvo
Must Know Before You Visit Sethan Valley: Carry medicines to calm your system as altitude sickness is common regardless of how fit you are.
We all have always seen igloos in movies, comic books and our dreams wondering how life must be staying in one. Tell me I am not the only one whos wishes have. come true this winter!
If you have ever been to manali in snow you will definitely love visiting this quaint village in Himachal Pradesh. Instead of going all the way to Alaska, you can now sleep under the stars in a igloo in an igloo village nestled in a little village in the valley.
Also read: 11 Homestays and Hotels in India Offering Gorgeous Mountain Views
Think we missed out on something? Tell us about it in the comments below. Or write about it here on Tripoto and earn Tripoto Credits!
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
