Sethan Valley, Manali Overview

A quiet village, sitting at around 2,700 metres above the Beas and largely off the main tourist circuit. In winter it has emerged as one of Himachal's best snowshoeing and off-piste skiing destinations; in summer the meadows and forest make it a good base for hiking and village walks away from Manali's crowds. Accommodation is limited to a handful of homestays and small guesthouses, which is much of the appeal — it offers genuine Himachali village character that's hard to find closer to town.

Must Know Before You Visit Sethan Valley

Note: :

There are network issues across the valley and it's hard to get cellular connectivity. You could stay at Homestays in Hamta where the connectivity is better.
Altitude sickness is common regardless of how fit you are. It's advised to carry medicines to calm your system if there are bouts of nausea or headache.

Sethan Valley Highlights

1. Snowboarding

As the temperature is usually below 0 degrees here, there's heavy snowfall. Snowboarding and Skiing is one popular activity that takes place in Sethan valley. To make sure you have a great experience, (Read More) hire a guide and take precautions. Rent a snowboard and wear thick clothes to protect yourself from the frigid weather. These equipments are available in print which is on the way to sethan.

2. Go Adventurous with Bouldering

Another popular adventure in Sethan Valley is bouldering. The rocks are a mix of granite and gneiss. There are different grades of climbing to choose from. These range from V0 with the potential right (Read More) to the top of the scale. Multiple V12s have been established. This activity can be done by both beginners and experts. As such, there is no prerequisite. However, one must have good stamina to undertake this

3. Stay at the Igloo Village

Saithan Valley is popular for its igloo stays. One of a kind, perhaps the only one in the country where you can sleep inside one. This is that kind of a place that one imagines as a child of how a fai (Read More)ryland would look like. Keeping oneself warm inside an icy igloo while watching a movie at night in the middle of snow beneath a starry sky with hands cupping a hot beverage is an unparalleled experience.

Cost - Starts from approximately 4000 per night per head
Usual check-in time – 12:00 noon
Check out time – 11:00 AM

Inclusions
* The tariff includes one night stay - Double sharing with a sleeping bag, blankets and fleece
* Meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks
* Igloo making
* Bonfire in the evening with music
* Exclusive snow dress
* Snow activities during winters
* Bathrooms and charging points
Exclusions
* Skiing charges are levied separately on the spot
* Over and above meals, laundry, beverages, airfare, tickets and additional medical aid are not included
* Transportation charges from the base camp to the igloo are not included (INR 3500 for a shared cab)

4. Stargazing

The joy of stargazing amplifies in Sethan’s owing to its soothing atmosphere that is undisturbed by people and noises which is very unlike other crowded hill stations.

5. Visit Pandu Ropa

Approximately 2 km from Sethan, Pandu Ropa is a revered mythological site amongst the locals. It is believed that the Pandavas resided and meditated here before taking part in the Mahabharata. Since t (Read More)his place is considered pious, farmers find it lucky to grow crops here. They believe that this ensures abundance in their lives. This attraction is a must-visit for those who love learning about mythology.

6. Explore Indrasana Peak

When one trek towards the east from Pandu Ropa, another mythological attraction exists at 6200 m. This is called the Indrasana Peak which is considered to be the pinnacle of the throne of God Indra (t (Read More)he king of heavens)

7. Experience the Buddhist culture

Since this village is inhabited by nomadic shepherds called Gaddis and Buddhist farmers of the Khampa tribe, one can sense the strength of this culture in this patch.

8. Hampta Pass Trek, Manali

Laden with pristine form of nature, the trail comprises of dense pine forests, pristine glacial valleys, vast meadows and panoramic landscape. A perfect trek for beginners, the place is easy to access (Read More) and the adventurous experience of crossing the pass is simply exhilarating.

How to Reach Sethan Valley

By road

Distance: 3 km from Manali. go uphill on the right towards Hamta Valley. Continue on this road for 12 km to reach Sethan Valley.
Permit: One needs a permit to reach the valley which is available at Hydro Project check post in Prini for INR 100.

By bus

Options: HRTC bus
Distance: 45-minute drive away from Manali.
Cost of hired Car or Taxi: From Manali to Sethan, NR 1200 or INR 1500 depending on the season.
Cost of Government bus journey: INR 150 per head, Private Volvos – INR 1100 per head