A high-altitude village near Manali, known for its winter snow activities like snowboarding, igloo stays, and as a base for the Hampta Pass trek.
Discover what makes this destination truly special

Sethan Valley is a small, high-altitude Buddhist village located about 15 kilometers from Manali. Situated at an elevation of over 2,700 meters, it offers a distinct experience away from the main tourist circuits. The village is inhabited by the Khampa community, migrants from Tibet, and their traditional stone and wood houses dot the landscape. During winter, from December to March, the entire valley is covered in a deep layer of snow, making it a prime location for activities like snowboarding, skiing, and unique igloo stays. Visitors can see vast, white meadows set against the backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar range. In the summer months, the snow melts to reveal lush green fields and clear streams, serving as the starting point for several treks, most notably the Hampta Pass trek. The atmosphere here is quiet and uncommercialized. There are no large hotels or markets; accommodation is primarily in the form of homestays and campsites, offering a direct look into the local way of life. The main attraction is the raw, natural landscape and the opportunity to engage in adventure sports or simply enjoy the mountain solitude.
Ideal For
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
December-February, especially on weekends, due to high demand for snow activities and igloo stays.
June, September-October, when trekking season is active.
July-August (monsoon season) and April-May (off-season between winter and summer).
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
₹100
Per person
Foreign Visitors
₹100
Per person
Opening Hours
6:00 AM — 6:00 PM
The valley itself is always open, but these are the recommended and practical hours for travel. The access road may be closed by authorities during nighttime or in extreme weather conditions, especially during winter snowfall.
An entry permit is required from the forest department checkpoint at the base. Fee is approximately ₹100 per person. There is an additional charge for vehicles, around ₹200-₹300 for a car. Rates are subject to change by local authorities.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Sethan Village, Hampta Valley, District Kullu
Coordinates
32.2574, 77.2194
Nearest City
Manali
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (KUU) in Kullu, approximately 65 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to Manali and then another specialized ta...
The nearest major railway station is Chandigarh (CDG), around 325 km away. From Chandigarh, you can take an overnight bus or a taxi to Manali, which is a 8-9 ho...
Manali is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi (approx. 550 km) and Chandigarh (310 km). From Manali, Sethan Valley is a 15 km drive via Prini. The...
From the Manali bus stand or Mall Road, you must hire a local taxi. Regular tourist cabs may not go all the way up, especially in winter. It's best to hire a 4x...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
Sethan Valley is not a historical monument but a living cultural site. It was settled by Khampa nomads, a semi-nomadic tribe of Tibetan origin who migrated to this part of Himachal Pradesh centuries ago. For generations, they have practiced a pastoral lifestyle, raising horses and livestock. The vil...
The significance of Sethan Valley lies in its unique combination of adventure and culture. It is one of the few easily accessible places in India where you can experience winter sports like skiing and snowboarding on natural slopes. Its igloo stays have gained popularity, offering a one-of-a-kind ac...
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