Do you too love winters but can’t think of any other places apart from Manali or Shimla? There are plenty of hidden gems in India where winter is no less than a dreamy escapade. One of these offbeat, hidden winter wonderlands is the charming hamlet of Sethan Himachal Pradesh, also known as Sethan Valley. Located just about 12-15 kilometers (km) from Manali, it is a restricted valley, but tourists flock to experience its powdery-white snowfall and adventure sports that will set your adrenaline soaring high. Why is it restricted? What are the sports that you can try here? How to get there? Don’t worry, sit back – we’ll answer all your eager questions through our Sethan guide!
Brief Overview Of Sethan Himachal Pradesh
Situated at an elevation of about 2700 meters above sea level, the village provides a glimpse of the breathtaking Dhauladhar range and the Beas River flowing through the valley. This river separates the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, defining the Hamta Valley where Sethan peacefully rests. The small village consists of about 12-15 families, who are mostly migrants from different parts of Himachal Pradesh and Tibet. Almost all of them are Buddhist, belonging to the Khampa tribe that hailed originally from Tibet. They were horse herders who were given land by the then Government of India.
The winters here are harsh, so many of them move to the adjacent Kullu Valley for the duration. Once summer starts blooming again, they return to their home base and resume life in Sethan. Remember that it is a restricted area because of its extreme winters and proximity of some of its parts to the Indo-Tibetan border. So even though there’s less crowd than other winter destinations, you must responsibly tour Sethan.
How To Reach Sethan
Sethan can be reached by first traveling to Manali, which is just 15 km away. Here’s how you can get to Manali:
Reaching Manali By Air
The Kullu Manali Airport at Bhuntar is the closest airport to Manali (50 km). From here, you can take a bus or car to Manali, or drive straight ahead to Sethan without halting at Manali. However, the airport isn’t always operational and might have technical issues sometimes. You can also opt for the Chandigarh airport and hire a car for the 300 km journey to Manali.
Reaching Manali By Rail
Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the closest railhead, situated about 160 km away from Manali. Buses, cars, and taxis are readily available for you to reach Manali.
Reaching Manali By Road
Delhi to Manali is a 500-km road journey, which will take about 9 to 10 hours. Buses, rental cars, or private vehicles are easily available from Delhi.
Once you’re in Manali, the journey is an exciting one, but only through roads, so keep reading.
Reaching Sethan By Road
Taxis are available from Mall Road, Manali to Sethan and charge approximately INR 1200 to INR 2000. However, prices during peak winter can be higher. For buses, buses from Manali to Sethan take about 45 minutes to an hour. If you’re driving, we recommend taking the Old Kullu-Manali Highway from Kullu towards Prini. From Prini, an uphill road will lead you to Hamta Valley. There are 35 hairpin bends on this road, so gear up for all those winding ways!
Note that, when going through Prini, you must have an online permit for Sethan to show at the Adhani Hydro Project Check Post, which will cost about INR 100 to INR 250.
Best Time To Visit Sethan Himachal Pradesh
The region, renowned for its enchanting snowy landscapes, is most popular during the cold winter months and early summer, from December to March. During this season, there are plenty of activities to do, from snow adventure sports to bouldering and even camping and staying in an igloo. Naturally, the tourist crowd is larger during this season, but the region is also quite popular in the summer, so there isn’t a distinct ‘peak season.’
During the summer months of May to June and September to October, many tourists visit Sethan for its hiking, camping, and the tender sunlight. During late September, you can also experience the harvest season where plenty of seasonal fruits are harvested.
Experiences To Try In Sethan Himachal Pradesh
You might think that this little hamlet won’t have much to offer to the modern tourist, but you’re about to be proven wrong. There are plenty of activities and exciting experiences that the quaint valley offers, during both of its tourist seasons.
Bouldering
This summer-favorite activity is quite the rocking experience, pun intended! It’s similar to rock climbing, but without the ropes and harnesses. You can scale granite and gneiss rocks and even choose from a range of levels – depending on your core strength, stamina, and experience. Mushroom Rock and the Sethan Dome are popular bouldering spots and this activity costs about INR 500 per person.
Paragliding
It is one of the most popular summer activities to do here in Sethan. Paragliding takes about 30 minutes and you can experience breathtaking views of the lush-green valley while soaring up high like a bird. There are several local agents as well as online services offering this activity, costing about INR 3000 per person.
Stargazing
Stargazing in winter as well as summer is an activity that is sure to leave you spellbound. The hamlet is miles away from any traces of the city, so you’ll have an undisturbed view of the surrounding valleys, all for yourself. Most importantly, the clear, pollution-less skies offer the perfect canvas to observe stars and other celestial phenomena as you relax after a long day.
Snowboarding
The dense, snowy Sethan landscape during winter is the perfect ground to try out snowboarding. Simply glide down the slope on a snowboard, while enjoying the breathtaking views of the valley. You can rent the necessary equipment in Prini, and we also recommend hiring a local guide and expert instructor to assist you throughout the experience. This activity will cost between INR 1500 to INR 2000, but will definitely be worth it!
Trekking
Trekking is quite a popular activity in Sethan, as there are several scenic trek routes here. Some take less than a day while some take about 3 days, they’re listed below:
Pandu Ropa: At a distance of only about 2 km, this place holds spiritual importance – it is believed to be where the Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata stayed during their exile.
Indrasana Peak: This 6000-meter high is believed to be the throne of the Hindu God Indra and holds religious importance among the locals.
Hampta Pass Trek: This 3-day trek is comparatively challenging and takes trekkers to Chandratal in Lahaul-Spiti. Trekkers must cross beautiful meadows, glaciers, and serene rivers as they navigate their way through the stunning valleys.
Where To Stay In Sethan Himachal Pradesh
Igloo Village
The humble hamlet of Sethan is best known for its igloos, perhaps the only place in India to have them. Its Igloo Village comes to life from December to early March, depending on the weather conditions. Wrap yourself up in cozy blankets, grab a cuppa hot chocolate, and read or listen to your favorite playlist, all while being inside a cozy igloo. Igloos can cost anywhere from INR 4000 to INR 5500, depending on the demand.
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Homestays
Homestays are ideal if you want to immerse yourself in the local life of the Himachali people. Operated by families, they provide home-cooked regional meals, so you can even try out the local cuisine of Himachal here.
- GlampEco Stays – INR 1000 onwards
- Sethan Heights – INR 3429 onwards
- Himalayan Woodpecker – INR 2060 onwards
- The Ivy House Sethan – INR 2534 onwards
Hostels
If you’re looking to experience the authentic Sethan lifestyle without breaking the bank, hostels are a great option. They’re also perfect for solo travelers. There are several budget-friendly hostels with great amenities, here are a few of them:
- Sethan Bouldering Hostel – N/A
- Indian Backpackers Hostel – INR 560
- Footloose Resort Mudhouse – INR 900
Summing Up
Sethan Himachal Pradesh is a nature lover’s haven, away from the more well-known tourist destinations. Its offbeat location gives it an edge and offers an experience less explored. So, pack your bags and set out to explore. And while in Himachal, don’t miss out on other such places to get a glimpse of the beauty of this mountainous state.
You May Like Also: Top 6 Must-Visit Treks in Himachal Pradesh for Every Adventurer
FAQs
What Is The Sethan Valley Famous For?
The Sethan Valley or Hamta Valley is famous for its adventure sports during summer and winter. The valley offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rivers.
Do We Need Permits For Sethan Valley?
Yes, a permit is needed to enter Sethan Valley. You can book a permit online for about INR 100 to INR 250.
What Is The Temperature In The Sethan Valley In June?
During June, the temperatures are comparatively higher, between 15 to 20 degree celsius.
What Is The Elevation Of Sethan?
Sethan is situated at an elevation of about 2700 meters above sea level.
