If you are looking for a peaceful and picturesque getaway in the Himalayas, away from the crowds and chaos of the popular tourist spots, then Sethan Valley is the place for you. Sethan Valley is a small hamlet located at an altitude of 2,700 meters, about 15 km from Manali, in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is home to the indigenous Khampa people, who follow the ancient Bon religion and have a rich and unique culture.
Sethan Valley is also known as the igloo village of India, as it offers a rare and exciting opportunity to stay in an igloo during the winter months. Sethan Valley is a paradise for adventure lovers, as it offers a variety of activities such as snowboarding, bouldering, trekking, and stargazing.
It is also a place of historical and spiritual significance, as it has some ancient sites such as Pandu Ropa and Indrasana Peak, which are associated with legends and myths. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Sethan Valley, and why you should visit this hidden gem in the Himalayas.
Sethan Valley Igloo Village: A Unique Experience in India
One of the main attractions of Sethan Valley is the igloo village, which is a concept that was introduced by two local entrepreneurs, Vikas Kumar and Tashi Dorje, in 2017. They wanted to create a sustainable and eco-friendly tourism model that would benefit the local community and the environment, while providing a memorable and adventurous experience to the visitors.
The igloo village consists of several igloos, which are made of snow and ice, and are equipped with basic amenities such as mattresses, sleeping bags, heaters, and lights. The igloos can accommodate up to four people, and are available from December to March, depending on the snowfall. The igloo stay also includes delicious local cuisine, bonfire, music, and games.
The best part of the igloo stay is the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains, the pine forests, and the starry sky. The igloo stay is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should not miss if you are visiting Sethan Valley in winter.
Some tips and recommendations for the igloo stay are:
Book your igloo in advance, as they are in high demand and have limited availability.
Pack warm clothes, woolen socks, gloves, caps, and sunglasses, as the temperature can drop below zero at night.
Carry a torch, a power bank, and some snacks, as there is no electricity or shops in the valley.
Respect the local culture and environment, and do not litter or make noise in the valley.
Things to Do in Sethan Valley: From Snowboarding to Stargazing
Sethan Valley is not only a place to relax and enjoy the nature, but also a place to indulge in some thrilling and fun activities. Here are some of the things that you can do in Sethan Valley:
Snowboarding:
Sethan Valley is one of the best places in India to try snowboarding, which is a sport that involves sliding down a snow-covered slope on a board. Sethan Valley has a natural slope of about 3 km, which is ideal for beginners and experts alike. You can rent the equipment, hire an instructor, and enjoy the adrenaline rush of snowboarding in Sethan Valley. The snowboarding season is from December to April, and the cost is around Rs. 1,500 per person.
Bouldering:
If you are looking for a more challenging and adventurous activity, then you can try bouldering, which is a form of rock climbing that involves climbing large rocks and boulders without ropes or harnesses. Sethan Valley has some amazing bouldering spots, such as the Mushroom Rock, the Sethan Dome, and the Sethan Boulder. You can test your strength, balance, and skills by bouldering in Sethan Valley. The bouldering season is from April to November, and the cost is around Rs. 500 per person.
Pandu Ropa:
Pandu Ropa is a historical and cultural site that is believed to be the place where the Pandavas from the Mahabharata stayed and cultivated rice during their exile. Pandu Ropa is a beautiful meadow that offers panoramic views of the valley and the mountains. You can visit Pandu Ropa by trekking for about 2 hours from Sethan Village, and learn more about the legends and stories associated with this place. Pandu Ropa is also a good spot for camping and picnicking.
Indrasana Peak:
Indrasana Peak is a majestic and sacred peak that is considered to be the throne of Lord Indra, the king of gods. Indrasana Peak is one of the highest peaks in the Pir Panjal range, and stands at a height of 6,220 meters. It is a challenging and rewarding climb for the experienced mountaineers, who can witness the spectacular views of the glaciers, valleys, and lakes from the top. Indrasana Peak is also a place of pilgrimage for the locals, who offer prayers and sacrifices to the peak. The best time to climb Indrasana Peak is from May to October, and the cost is around Rs. 25,000 per person.
Stargazing:
Sethan Valley is a perfect place to enjoy the clear and starry night sky, as it is away from the light and noise pollution of the cities. You can gaze at the stars, planets, constellations, and even the Milky Way from Sethan Valley, and feel the awe and wonder of the universe. You can also use a telescope, a binocular, or an app to identify and learn more about the celestial objects. The best time to stargaze in Sethan Valley is from October to March, and the cost is around Rs. 500 per person.
Hampta Pass:
Hampta Pass is a scenic and adventurous trek that connects Sethan Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. Hampta Pass is a moderate to difficult trek that covers a distance of about 35 km, and takes about 4 to 5 days to complete. The trek passes through diverse landscapes, such as forests, meadows, rivers, glaciers, and lakes, and offers stunning views of the peaks, such as Deo Tibba, Indrasana, and Hanuman Tibba. The trek also crosses the famous Chandratal Lake, which is a crescent-shaped lake that changes color with the sun. The best time to do the Hampta Pass trek is from June to September, and the cost is around Rs. 10,000 per person.
How to Reach Sethan Valley: By Road or By Air
Sethan Valley is easily accessible from Manali, which is well connected to other major cities by road, rail, and air. Here are the different ways to reach Sethan Valley from Manali or other major cities:
By road:
The most convenient and economical way to reach Sethan Valley is by road, either by private car, taxi, or bus. The road from Manali to Sethan Valley is a scenic and smooth drive, which takes about an hour to cover the distance of 15 km. The road is open throughout the year, except during heavy snowfall. The permit and documents required to enter Sethan Valley are a valid ID proof, a vehicle registration certificate, and a pollution under control certificate. You can obtain the permit from the forest check post at Prini, which is about 3 km from Manali. The permit fee is Rs. 50 per person and Rs. 100 per vehicle.
By air:
The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Sethan Valley is by air, either by helicopter or paragliding. You can book a helicopter ride from Manali to Sethan Valley, which takes about 15 minutes and costs around Rs. 5,000 per person. You can also book a paragliding session from Solang Valley to Sethan Valley, which takes about 30 minutes and costs around Rs. 3,000 per person. Both the helicopter and paragliding services are available from April to November, depending on the weather conditions. You can book the services online or through local agents in Manali.
Where to Stay in Sethan Valley: Homestays, Hostels, and Hotels
Sethan Valley has a range of accommodation options to suit the preferences and budgets of different travelers. Here are some of the best accommodation options in Sethan Valley:
Homestays:
The most authentic and affordable way to experience the local culture and hospitality of Sethan Valley is to stay in a homestay. A homestay is a private house or a cottage that is owned and run by a local family, who offer a cozy and comfortable room, a home-cooked meal, and a warm and friendly service. Some of the popular homestays in Sethan Valley are Sethan Heights, Himalayan Woodpecker, and Khem Bharti.
Hostels:
The most social and budget-friendly way to meet and mingle with other travelers and backpackers in Sethan Valley is to stay in a hostel. A hostel is a shared accommodation that offers dormitories, private rooms, common areas, and facilities such as kitchen, laundry, wifi, etc. Some of the popular hostels in Sethan Valley are The Mudhouse Hostels, The Lost Tribe Hostels, and The Nomads Co.
Hotels:
The most luxurious and comfortable way to enjoy the amenities and services of Sethan Valley is to stay in a hotel. A hotel is a premium accommodation that offers well-furnished and well-equipped rooms, suites, and cottages, along with facilities such as restaurant, spa, gym, pool, etc. Some of the popular hotels in Sethan Valley are The Himalayan Village, The Igloo Resort, and The Sethan Retreat.
Sethan Valley is a hidden gem in the Himalayas that offers a unique and unforgettable experience to the travelers who are looking for something different and offbeat. Sethan Valley is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature, the thrill and excitement of adventure, the history and culture of the locals, and the comfort and luxury of the accommodation. Sethan Valley is a place that you should visit at least once in your lifetime, and we are sure that you will fall in love with it.
If you are interested in visiting Sethan Valley, you can book a travel package with us, and we will take care of everything for you. You can also contact us for any queries or feedback, and we will be happy to help you.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope that you found it informative and useful. Please share your thoughts and comments below, and let us know if you have any questions. We hope to see you soon in Sethan Valley.