Snow igloos draw tourists to Sethan area in Manali
Over 20 snow-built shelters at 9,000 feet offer adventurous stay until March
Tourists visiting the snow-covered valleys of Manali are once again being offered a rare winter experience — overnight stay in igloos made entirely of snow in the Sethan area of Hamta, at an altitude of around 9,000 feet above sea level.
Sethan has emerged as a prominent hub for igloo tourism in Himachal Pradesh, attracting domestic and international visitors seeking an Antarctica-like adventure in the Himalayas. The concept of igloo stay in the region began in 2016 and has since developed into a distinctive tourism offering.
More than 20 igloos have been constructed in the area this season. Among the key contributors are local youths Tashi and Vikas, who first conceived the idea and built nine igloos this winter, working in extreme cold conditions.
Improved road connectivity has played a significant role in boosting tourism. The road built under the Allain Duhangan hydroelectric project has eased access to Hamta and Sethan, leading to a steady flow of visitors throughout the year. While the region has long attracted tourists in the summer, seeking respite from heat, the winter is now drawing interest due to the igloo experience.
Despite freezing temperatures outside, the snow structures provide a relatively cosy environment. Visitors can also take part in snow-based adventure activities such as skiing and tube sliding. Surrounded by towering mountains and unspoilt landscapes, tourists are offered a mix of solitude and natural beauty.
Local operators say that the cost of an igloo stay is around Rs 11,000 per couple, including accommodation, meals and access to snow activities. Bookings are available through both online and offline modes and the response has been encouraging. Hundreds of visitors, including locals, have already stayed in the igloos, with some producing documentaries on the concept.
Though snowfall arrived late than usual this year, tourism operators expect the season to continue until the end of March, subject to temperature and weather conditions.
