Have you heard of the tiny hamlet located just 15 km away from Manali? It’s called Sethan Valley, also known as the ‘igloo village’ of India. This small Buddhist village offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views, which must be included in your Himachal Pradesh tour packages.
Sethan, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most stunning places to visit in Manali in one day, where you can stay overnight in actual igloos surrounded by pristine snowfields. Whether you want to try bouldering on ancient granite rocks, go snowboarding in untouched powder, or embark on scenic treks that begin right at the village edge.
The best part about this offbeat place in Manali is that it provides you with the perfect blend of peace and enchanting experiences. Sowhat are you waiting for? Let’s find out everything in this WanderOn’s blog before you visit here.
What is Sethan Valley, Manali?
Location: 66PC+JPH, Sethan, Himachal Pradesh 175136
Sethan Valley is one of the most beautiful offbeat places in Manali, which is at an altitude of 2700 meters, i.e., 8860 feet above sea level. This is a Buddhist hamlet is famous for its calm landscapes, views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, and unique Igloo Village experience in winter.
Unlike crowded Manali, Sethan remains largely untouched, offering a tranquil escape surrounded by apple orchards, bouldering sites, and snowfields. The village is also a popular base for treks to Hampta Pass and other lesser-known trails.
When is the Best Time to Visit Sethan Valley, Manali?
Sethan Valley, Manali weather offers a beautiful and unique experience throughout the year. Both summers and winters have their different charm to offer. Except for the monsoons, when the Sethan Valley, Manali, weather becomes prone to heavy rainfall and landslides.
Sethan Valley Manali in Summer: In summer, the best time to visit Sethan Valley is from April to October. The Sethan Valley, Manali, temperature range from 15 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius. It’s the best time for hiking and camping, like Pandu Ropa, Lama Dug, and Jobri Nalla.
Sethan Valley Manali in Winter: In winter, Sethan Valley, Manali weather looks like a fairy tale land covered in snow. It’s a perfect place for an exclusive winter adventure activity-filled vacation. Sethan Valley receives its first snowfall around mid-December. During this time, the valley is covered in a thick layer of snow, making it an ideal place for skiing.
Also Read: 12 Best Treks In Manali - Complete Trekking Guide
How to Reach Sethan Valley?
From Manali:
- By Motorbike or Private Cab: The Manali to Sethan distance is 15 kilometres, which can be covered by a car or taxi within 45-60 minutes. A round trip typically costs INR 1,000–2,000 via cab (prices may vary with waiting time and season).
From Nearest Airports/Railway Stations:
- Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar): Around 50 km from Manali, a 1.5-hour drive. From Manali, it’s another hour to Sethan, Himachal Pradesh.
- Nearest Major Railway Stations: Chandigarh or Kalka are the closest big stations, about 280–300 km from Manali (approx. 8–10 hours by road). After reaching Manali, continue to Sethan by taxi.
Spend some quality time in Sethan Valley. Customize your travel package for Himachal Pradesh!
Sethan Valley Manali Weather
Sethan Valley has a beautiful and unique weather experience throughout the year. Both summers and winters have their different charm to offer. Except the monsoons, when the Sethan Valley Manali weather becomes prone to heavy rainfall and landslides.Sethan Valley Manali in Summer :
In summer, from April to October, the temperature ranges from 15 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius. It’s the best time for hiking and camping. You can even enjoy day treks to Pandu Ropa, Lama Dug, and Jobri Nalla. The Hampta Pass trek also starts from here. Hotels and homestays are costlier during the summertime.
Sethan Valley Manali in Winter :
In winter, Sethan looks like a fairy tale land covered in snow. It’s a perfect place for an exclusive winter adventure activity-filled vacation. Sethan Valley receives its first snowfall around mid-December. During this time the valley is covered in a thick layer of snow, making it an ideal place for skiing. Stays, hotels and resorts are available at discounted rates.
Top Adventure Activities in Sethan Valley, Manali
Sethan Valley, Manali is not only a place to relax and enjoy nature, but also a place to indulge in some thrilling and fun-filled adventure activities in Manali. You can partake in many top activites to do in Sethan Valley.
One of the adventure activities in Sethan Valley, Manali snowboarding, a thrilling sport that involves gliding down a snow-covered hill on a board. The valley boasts a natural slope of approximately 3 km, making it an ideal location for both novices and seasoned snowboarders. You can easily rent equipment, hire experienced instructors, and enjoy the rush of adrenaline that comes with snowboarding in Sethan Valley.
- Season for Snowboarding: December- April
- Cost Per Person for Snowboarding: 1500 INR
A paragliding session from Solang Valley to Sethan Valley is one of the top activities to do in Sethan Valley, which takes approximately 30 minutes. You will be gliding in the air while feeling the thrill in your veins in the amazing Sethan Valley, Manali activities.
- Season for Paragliding: April to November
- Sethan Valley, Manali, Paragliding Price: 3,000 INR
Also Read: Rohtang Pass Manali - A Complete Trip Guide
If you want a more challenging and adventurous Sethan Valley, Manali activities, you could try bouldering. It’s like rock climbing but without ropes or harnesses. In Sethan, Manali, there are some great bouldering spots, like the Mushroom Rock, the Sethan Dome, and the Sethan Boulder, which are top activites to do in Sethan Valley.
- Season for Bouldering: April until November
- Cost Per Person for Bouldering: 500 INR
If you’re looking for an adventurous trekking experience in Manali, Sethan Valley could be your perfect destination. Trekking is one of the most popular adventure activities in Sethan Valley, Manali. One of the most famous ones is the Hampta Pass Trek, where you’ll be surrounded by lush green forests, gurgling streams, and snow-capped mountains. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or just starting out, this trek has something for everyone.
This place is perfect for camping and offers you a chance to spend a night under the starry sky. You can gaze at the stars, planets, constellations, and even the Milky Way from Sethan Valley. The camping sites in the valley provide you with basic amenities like tents, sleeping bags, and meals, giving you an opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the valley. Get ready to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in one of the most unique adventure activities in Sethan Valley, Manali.
Sethan Valley is a renowned skiing destination that attracts skiers from across the globe. The valley offers multiple skiing slopes suitable for both novice and experienced skiers. This is undoubtedly a unique thing to do in Manali.
- Season for Skiing: December- March
Sethan Valley is a great spot for rock climbing with various routes for all levels of climbers. The valley is surrounded by rocky mountains, making it an ideal place to climb.
Unique Experiences in Sethan Valley
Igloo Stay in Sethan Valley
Experience a unique overnight adventure by sleeping in a real snow igloo in the Sethan Valley. Protected by thick ice walls, these cosy structures offer a surprisingly warm and peaceful environment. Staying in this is undoubtedly one of the main highlights of the place.
Stargazing in Sethan Valley
In the Sethan valley, when you are surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the sky at night comes alive. The unpolluted air and scenic view of the area will make it even better for you to enjoy the views.
Essential Travel Tips for Your Sethan Valley Trip
- Pack warm clothes to stay comfortable in cold weather, especially at night.
- Wear sturdy trekking shoes for the rocky and uneven trails.
- Carry enough cash as there are no ATMs in the village.
- Bring basic medicines since medical facilities are limited.
- Keep your phone fully charged because network coverage is poor.
- Respect local culture and traditions during your stay.
- Avoid using plastic and help preserve the natural beauty.
- Book your accommodation in advance as options are few.
- Check road conditions in winter to avoid travel disruptions.
- Start early from Manali so you arrive before it gets dark.
If you’re looking for a different and offbeat travel experience, Sethan Valley in the Himalayas is a destination worth checking out. It’s a place where you can enjoy the tranquillity of nature, the excitement of adventure, and the history and culture of the locals, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury of your accommodations. Sethan Valley is a place that you should definitely visit at least once in your lifetime, and we’re confident that you’ll fall in love with it.
