For those who wish to spend some peaceful time in the mountains, far away from busy roads and noise, then Sethan Village is one of the best options for you. Sethan Village is a small and tranquil village near Manali, Himachal Pradesh, which provides a picturesque view of snow in winter and lush green areas in summer. The village is not very famous yet, so it is not crowded like other tourist spots. People, along with their friends, family, or even solo, come here to relax, play in the snow, and enjoy beautiful views of the mountains. Through this comprehensive travel guide, let’s learn more about this stunning site, its best time to visit, how to get here, things to do, and more. So, let’s dive straight into the blog.
Table of Contents
About Sethan Village
Sethan is a small village just 15 km from Manali. It is also called the Igloo Village of India because people can stay in snow houses here during winter. The village gives tremendous views of extensive mountains and snow. It is a peaceful place away from the crowd, which is suitable for travelers seeking peace and calmness. Not many people have explored this masterpiece yet, so it feels extraordinary and calm. It’s in a valley called Hamta Valley, which is well recognized for its comprehensive offerings to visitors.
People and Culture in Sethan Village
Long ago, people from Spiti and Kinnaur came to live in Sethan Valley. They were shepherds who moved around with their animals. Now, most people in Sethan belong to the Khampa tribe, and they follow Buddhism. They came from nearby areas like Spiti and Tibet. The government gave them this land many years ago. In winter, because it gets too cold, many people head down to Kullu. The village is small, with only a few homes, but the people are extremely friendly and kind.
Best Time to Visit Sethan Village, Manali
You can visit Sethan Village almost any time of the year, except during heavy rain. Here is how each season feels in this stunning area:
- Summer (April to October): The Summer season is ideal for visitors who wish to indulge themselves in a range of activities in Sethan Valley. They can immerse themselves in walking, hiking, camping, and more. During this season, the overall weather is cool and pleasant.
- Winter (December to March): December to March in Sethan Village is full of snowfall. It is best to visit here during this time with friends and families, especially children who would love to play in the snow. During this time, you can ski, build snowmen, or even sleep in an igloo.
How to Reach Sethan Village, Himachal Pradesh
Around 3 kilometers from the town of Manali, there is a village called Prini. To reach Sethan Valley, you first need to be there. From Prini, Sethan Village is around 17 km. You can visit there through a connected road by a private hydro project company. There are a total of 40 curves from Prini to Sethan. But the view throughout the ride is magnificent, and you can make the most of your travel journey. Also, here is how you can reach here through various means of transportation:
- By Road: From Manali, you can take a taxi or a bike. It takes about 45–60 minutes.
- By Air: The closest airport is at Kullu (Bhuntar), about 1.5 hours away from Manali.
- By Train: The nearest train stations are Chandigarh or Kalka, which are around 8–10 hours from Manali. From Manali, you can take a cab to Sethan.
Things to Do in Sethan Village, Himachal Pradesh
Sethan Valley provides an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a range of experiences. Here are some of the key adventures that you can undertake for a memorable trip:
1. Skiing & Snowboarding
In winter, Sethan Valley is full of white and soft snow that is best for activities like skiing and snowboarding. The slopes here are not too steep, so even beginners can try. There are fewer people, which means you don’t have to wait in line. The clean mountain air and beautiful views make the experience even better. It’s a peaceful and fun place to enjoy snow sports.
2. Camping
Camping in Sethan is like living in nature’s lap. You can set up tents near the mountains and sleep under the stars. At night, you can sit by a warm fire, eat simple local food, and listen to stories from local people. It’s calm, quiet, and far from city noise. The view of the snow or green hills around your camp is amazing.
3. Trekking
Sethan Village is a wonderful place for people who love walking in nature. There are many trekking paths, some easy and some long. The most famous one is the Hampta Pass Trek, which starts from Sethan Valley. This trek takes you through snowy paths, green meadows, and rocky areas. During the trek, you sleep in tents and eat authentic food. It is one of the best ways to enjoy the mountains and learn about local life.
4. Star Gazing
The night sky in Sethan Village is very clear because there are no lights or pollution. You can see thousands of stars, and sometimes even shooting stars. People who love the sky come here just to watch the stars. It feels peaceful and magical. If you stay in a tent or an igloo, you can lie down and watch the sky all night.
Places to Visit Near Sethan Valley
The strategic position of Sethan Valley gives visitors access to a range of nearby places. These places are extremely famous and recognized for their peaceful environment, beautiful valleys, and pleasant weather. Let’s have an overview:
1. Manali (14.2 km away)
Manali is a popular hill town near Sethan Village. It is filled with shops, food stalls, and adventure activities like paragliding, zorbing, and rafting. You can visit the Hadimba Temple, walk in Old Manali, or relax near the Beas River. Manali is always busy and lively, which makes it different from quiet Sethan. It’s a good idea to stay in Manali before or after your visit to Sethan, so you get to enjoy both peace and fun.
2. Vashisht (16.7 km away)
Vashisht is a small village close to Manali, known for its hot water springs. Many people believe this water can help with skin problems. You can take a dip in the natural pools, which feel warm even when it’s cold outside. The village also has old stone temples and narrow streets. Moreover, you can walk around and talk to locals to learn about their lives. Visiting Vashisht is relaxing and a significant way to enjoy nature and calmness.
3. Rohtang Pass (47.3 km away)
Rohtang Pass is a high mountain road that connects Manali to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. It’s covered in snow for most of the year. You can visit in summer when the roads are open. At Rohtang, you can play in the snow, go sledging, and take beautiful photos. But be sure to check the weather before going, as roads sometimes close due to snow.
Conclusion
Sethan Village, Himachal Pradesh is a small and quiet village, situated near Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Despite its beauty and adventurous offerings, it remains an unexplored site. You can camp, travel, play in the snow, and enjoy nature here along with your loved ones. Many couples also visit here for their honeymoon through travel packages. So, choose Sethan Village as your next weekend trip destination and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature in one of the most stunning regions of Himachal Pradesh.
Also Read – Sarahan Village Guide: Gateway to the Land of Gods