On a month long backpacking trip through Himachal, I decided to visit Sethan village after 10 days long stay in Manali. It was planned as part of break from work days from the work-ation. We hired a gypsy from Manali as we were already informed about bad road conditions due to snow.
We got the trailer of our upcoming 4 days on the 1.5 hr bumpy ride from Manali to Sethan itself. Landscape that was absolutely mesmerising, snow covered mountains that were nothing but magic and view that didn't feel real at all.
Sethan is a small Buddhist village in Hampta Valley with panoramic view of snow covered Dhauladhar mountain ranges and very less population far away from the hustle and bustle of Manali. It offers most peaceful stays in small cottages, camps and igloos (during winters). Though the village doesn't have fancy cafes or restaurants, the local home cooked food is at it's best ! Also there is no phone network.. bliss ?! But almost all stays have great wi-fi connections.
Looking at the weather forecast, snowfall was not expected during our stay. But luckily there was fresh snow everywhere from last week's snowfall. We took our car till the very end of the village to get the feel of the surrounding.
We visited Hampta Pass snow area, Hydro Project, Village Dam, Maggie point, Skiing area and PanduRopa - It is believed that Pandavas stayed there during their years of exile and did rice farming. We had an amazing time roaming and playing in the snow. It was refreshing after the bumpy ride. Also the moment we entered the village, we could see beautiful igloo stays every 5-10 mins on the way !
We stayed at Poonam didi's Tushita camps, a cozy cute wooden cottage, which is also a home for Toggo-Tiggi, the most adorable doggie duo !! Didi gave us the warmest welcome and since it was already an evening (which happens early here and village becomes too chilly) we just settled down in our cottage and chilled with our super host sitting by the fireplace till late. Didi made us hot and yummy 'kadhi-rajma-chawal' for dinner. Not for a moment it felt like we met her couple of hours back only.
We were tired of multiple treks in Manali so we decided to just stay in cottage enjoying the view and the snow in the backyard for the day !!
Next day after awesome tea and breakfast, Poonam did took us for a stroll to explore the village and hike a bit in the meadows. There are hardly 15-17 houses in entire village.
Met many locals, visited Budhha temple and played with local dogs along the way.
On our way back, we stopped at Himalayan Igloo and met Pawan Ji, the owner and didi's friend. After talking with him over Rajama-chawal and chai, he showed us around his Igloo property. It was so amazing that we decided to stay there for the night. And that experience was magical and something straight out of a magical storybook !!!
We also came to know that so many Sethan stays offers skiing/snowboarding lessons and you can actually opt to stay for 2-3 weeks and actually learn it. You can find great packages that includes food, stay and lessons all in it. Also Sethan is a starting point of many amazing treks as well.
This place truly is hidden gem for every explorer. You will find little flakes of happiness everywhere to uplift your soul. Sethan can be found draped in dollops of snow even well in March! So, if you’re just not ready to give up on winter yet, then you know where to head!
As I left for the next destination on my #MonthInMountains trip, I am holding this last photo as one of my most treasured memory until I visit next (soon) !
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