Sethan Valley – so shut but thus far! This tiny little unknown hamlet lies ridiculously near Manali to be this unknown! Overseeing the Dhauladhar Vary, Sethan is a good year-round vacation spot for the parents that aren’t within the tourism entice. Mendacity about 12 KMs from Manali, the Buddhist village of Sethan gives a wonderland of actions and adventures to partake in. If that’s not your scene, I urge you to nonetheless head on to Sethan and be mesmerized, blown away and plain gob smacked by the evening skies! It’s fairly in contrast to another evening sky from another vantage level – it’s merely magical!

Coated in blankets upon blankets of snow throughout winters, and ideal place of mountain climbing and bouldering within the summers – Sethan Valley has all of it! The panoramic sight of Dhauladhar and the conclusive stillness is what provides Sethan its mystique. Lastly, earlier than you get delving into all the attractive info on the village, keep in mind Sethan is a restricted space, and you’ll be onerous pressed to seek out many vacationers round! So benefit from the seclusion, expensive explorer.
About Sethan Valley
This tiny hamlet of Sethan is residence to about 10-15 households. Residing life really king dimension, these of us name paradise their residence. The inhabitants are largely migrants from totally different components of current day Himachal Pradesh and are / had been shepherds (gaddis) With snow-capped mountains and solar kissed peaks, this Buddhist village belongs to the Khampa tribe. As a result of the area will get exceptionally chilly, with no farming potential, in deep winters – many of the villagers transfer to Kullu valley throughout winters.
Geography
Located about 12 km from Manali, Sethan is located at an elevation of 2700 meters from sea stage. From right here, you possibly can simply take pleasure in breath-taking, study-worthy views of the Dhauladhar vary together with the beautiful Beas river cascading by way of the valley – superbly dividing the Dhauladhar and the Pir Panjal ranges.
Sethan varieties as the bottom for Hamta Trek.
Mythology
The village holds a revered place within the Hindu mythology. Pandu Ropa, lies only some kilometers away from the village. It’s mentioned that Pandava stayed right here throughout their years of exile. Together with this, Sethan can be the start line of the Indrasana Peak trek. The height is worshipped because the throne of Indra Dev– the God of Climate for Hindus.
Climate in Sethan Valley
The village enjoys probably the most beautiful climate palette all year long. All year long, Sethan enjoys a unique and distinctive taste. In the course of the summer season months of June to October – the place is right for hikes and tenting. In actual fact, there are a number of day treks you possibly can embark upon when right here in the summertime months. These embrace Pandu Ropa, Lama Dug and Jobri Nalla. Once more, Sethan can be the start line of the favored Hamta Go trek.
Coming to the winter months, Sethan transforms and transcends into an enchanted fairy-take land, blanketed by snow. Provided that it isn’t fairly well-known sufficient to compete with Solang Valley – you possibly can simply have a really unique winter journey exercise crammed trip!
Monsoon could be prevented because the mountains could be vulnerable to landslides and the routes can turn into difficult!

Finest time to go to
Relying upon what you’re on the lookout for and the form of trip you need – Sethan can really supply all of it! So, January by way of early summer season months as much as Could could also be one of the best time to go to if you wish to snowboard/ ski or partake in a winter trek. However, June to November summer season months (barring monsoons, in fact!) are finest suited to unguided explorations and discovering your self within the wilderness. There are a bunch of adrenaline pumping actions similar to bouldering in the summertime months to maintain you occupied!
Caveat right here is that for winter months, do plan your journey in accordance to the snow schedule. For instance, the slopes won’t be prepared for snowboarding in November/ December!
Learn how to get to Sethan Valley
Located 12 KMs from Manali – Sethan is straightforward to achieve, when you get to Manali. Right here’s the route for Manali and tips on how to get there beneath!
By Air
Kullu Manali Airport in Bhuntar is 50 KMs from Manali. Nobody actually like taking a flight into the hills and largely the street is the popular strategy to journey. Nonetheless, when you do select this manner – then you definitely’ll get a taxi to take you to Manali (or up forward to Sethan – in case you are not stopping over in Manali in any respect!).
By way of comfort, one of the best airport with first rate connectivity to the remainder of India is Chandigarh airport. From right here, you will get a self-drive automobile or a taxi or perhaps a bus to make the 300 KMs journey to Manali and additional forward to Sethan. Extra on that beneath.
By Rail
Joginder Nagar railway station is about 160 KMs from Manali and is the closest railhead. Taxis, buses can be found from the railway station to Manali.
By Highway
That is one of the best route you possibly can cowl by street:
Delhi – Sonepat – Panipat – Karnal – Ambala – Rajpura – Sirhind – Fatehgarh saheb – Roopar/Roopnagar – Kiratpur – Swarghat – Bilaspur – Sundarnagar – Mandi – Kullu – Manali
Manali is about 14 hours from Delhi and about 8-10 hours from Chandigarh. The route is scenic, magical and thrilling. Sethan itself is about 45 minutes farther from Manali. To achieve the valley, observe the Kullu-Naggar-Manali Rd/Naggar Rd in the direction of Prini for a magical drive. You’ll be crossing Aleo, after which additional forward shall be greeted by some immersive hairpin bends (35 in whole!). The route is pretty easy – although you do climb substantial peak within the course of.

By Bus
Within the bus, you’ll cowl the journey in 45 minutes. The bus journey will value you about INR 150. Verify for buses on the web site.
By Taxis
In case you don’t have your personal car – keep in mind that Sethan is off the standard route. The taxi drivers will quote exuberant amounts- do cut price. On good days you might be able to get a one-way taxi for about INR 1200, can go as excessive as INR 1500 in peak seasons. Good Luck!
Permits
Sethan is a protected space, you’ll require a allow to enter the valley. That is accessible at Hydro Undertaking examine publish in Prini for INR 100.
Issues to do in Sethan Valley
If you happen to assume a quaint little settlement won’t have a lot to supply – you must go to Sethan to have your thoughts blown! There may be a lot to do, and so many alternative actions throughout the altering shades of seasons – you’ll be onerous pressed to know why is Sethan not well-known! Then, you’ll really feel a second of pleasure that THANK THE LORDS this locations exists all on your viewing (and experiencing) pleasure!
Snowboarding
A fantastic winter exercise, away from the hustle and bustle of in style valleys of Himachal Pradesh. Sethan gives from an ideal canvas to be taught and grasp snowboarding and snowboarding. I urge you to get a neighborhood information and likewise take precautions. Bear in mind to decorate for the event and lather on quite a lot of sunscreen when taking part in such actions. You’ll be able to lease the required tools from retailers in Prini and keep in mind to maintain your self wrapped in good, heat clothes! Nothing worse than a frostbite when up a snow-covered hill!

Bouldering
If winter actions in Sethan are magical – then summer season actions should not far behind! Get your adrenaline pumping and climb rocks of granite and gneiss. What’s good right here is that there are totally different grades of climbing you possibly can select from, relying in your capabilities, expertise and stamina. Proper from the essential stage of V0 straight as much as the highest of the dimensions at V12 – a number of spots are established so that you can take a look at your energy, stamina and grit!
Stargazing
This year-round exercise is my absolute favourite. The enjoyment of merely wanting up the evening sky is other-worldly (no pun supposed!). I like the how the evening skies inform us totally different tales, helps in calming the nerves and the takes away the troubles of regular life. This expertise is so meditative; it’s nearly an addition. Not like different locations similar to Manali – which additionally enjoys beautiful evening skies – Sethan is particular nonetheless. The soothing environment, the seclusion and the sensation of being the one one round is unparalleled.
Hikes and Treks
Settled amidst the fairytale setting of mountains throughout – Sethan in fact provides you loads of alternatives for exploration. What higher strategy to discover the valley, then getting misplaced within the woods? Providing many day-long treks together with some critical treks such because the Hamta Trek – you possibly can’t complain.
Pandu Ropa
Solely about 2 KMs from Sethan, Pandu Ropa is a well-regarded spiritual web site amongst the locals. Given its large spiritual significance, the place is taken into account blessed and therefore, farmers develop crops right here, as they consider that this place ensures abundance The trek in itself isn’t powerful, fairly scenic and takes you thru quite a lot of tales, unfolding proper in entrance of you.
Indrasana Peak
Up additional forward from the Pandu Ropa – lies one other necessary, mythological location. This comes within the type of the Indra Dev’s peak – Indrasana. Located at a staggering elevation of 6,200 meters – the route takes you to the top of the throne of the Rain God himself.

Hamta Trek
I’ve mentioned Hamta trek in nice element earlier than, however, what I’ll say about this lovely trek is that you are able to do it within the winter season – surrounded by quite a lot of snow! Actually a gorgeous trek to embark upon – this journey will problem you and push your limits. However, it should reward you and the way! Beautiful views, whole connectivity with nature and peace awaits.
The place to remain
Now comes the most important attraction of all of them. You’d assume that this village is so tiny, what you’d get is homestays and at finest. Sure, these choices can be found and you’ll love each of those locations to remain. Each supply distinctive alternatives to attach with the native folks or the attractive mom nature throughout us! However, what provides this place a novel taste and really a one-of-a-kind expertise are the igloos. Yup, you learn that proper – igloo stays within the winter months!
Igloo Village
Sethan Valley is astoundingly in style for its igloo stays. That is maybe the one place within the nation the place you possibly can go reside in an igloo lodge! Actually a childhood dream come true – you’re really in a fairy story the place! Seize a cuppa sizzling chocolate to maintain your self heat, cozy up with a blanket and benefit from the starry nights! What a pleasure, what an expertise. The fee begins at about INR 4000 per evening and the comforts are current, although primary. This place is #livingforthegram main journey targets personified. Although, the fun of filling your coronary heart with such a reminiscence is a pleasure in itself. One of the best time for these actions is Mid-January to April.
What to eat
One of the best meals is the meals your lodging will serve you. This isn’t a vacationer place or perhaps a place with a large inhabitants. Nonetheless, the serves nice maggi and good espresso together with the free mesmerizing views!
FAQs
- Sethan doesn’t get mobile connectivity. You’ll be able to keep shut by at Hamta Homestay – the place connectivity is out there. Nonetheless, the allure of the village is tied to its lack to connectivity as properly! You’ll be pulled away from the digital grid for as soon as and nature beckons you to soak in each second with unadulterated pleasure!
- The altitude positive factors exponentially proper after Prini. You’ll be able to really feel the affect of Altitude Mountain Illness, regardless of how match or younger or in a position you’re. If you’re knocked with a douse of nausea or headache on the curvy roads, I recommend you are taking some medication to calm your system. Alternatively – one of the best factor to treatment AMS is to scale back your altitude as quickly as potential.

Conclusion
Sethan’s fascinating exquisiteness would positively make anybody wish to uncover extra of this place. Given its lack of publicity, together with the dearth of connectivity – we want to have the ability to really immerse on this expertise. It is a winter wonderland and a summer season adrenaline vacation spot that I’m glad isn’t tremendous well-known. If you happen to head on out to this lovely city – do keep in mind to share the small print with me – I might love to listen to all of your tales.