In the silent, snow-blanketed valleys of Sethan near Manali, igloos are once again drawing travellers in, offering a rare and unforgettable winter stay.
Built amid white, snow-laden hills, these igloos look stunning and offer visitors a thrilling and adventurous stay. Special care has been taken to provide warm beds, proper lighting, and essential facilities so that tourists can remain comfortable even in extreme cold.
There is huge excitement among tourists about this unique igloo experience in Sethan. People associated with the tourism sector believe that igloo stays will give a fresh identity to tourism in Sethan and Manali, while also boosting winter tourist arrivals in the region.
Sub-zero temperatures and good-quality snow are essential for igloo construction. Experts say temperatures here drop to minus 15 degrees Celsius or even lower at night, which creates ideal conditions for building igloos. Construction work usually begins in December every year.
The igloo stay management team said temperatures start rising after February, so a colder location was chosen this season to extend operations till the third week of March. This marks the tenth successful season of the igloo stay, with many tourists returning year after year. Several visitors, even after visiting Manali many times, prefer to return once they experience staying in an igloo.
The igloo owner said five igloos have been completed so far, with each taking nearly two days to build. Due to delayed snowfall and unfavourable early conditions, construction took slightly longer this year. A team of 10 to 15 people, mostly local youth, works throughout the season. The temperature inside an igloo remains much warmer than outside, with a difference of around 8 to 10 degrees, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Pawan Negi from Sethan village said snowfall arrived a little late this year, but continuous efforts are being made to ensure the success of the igloo project. Though inquiries have dipped slightly, the overall tourist response remains positive. He added that Sethan earlier had limited activities, but adventure and tourism ventures have now transformed the village into a popular destination.
Visitors can book their stays online through the Manali Igloo Stay website. This year, nine igloos have been constructed in Sethan in collaboration with Manali Igloo Stay. Located about 11 kilometres from Manali, Sethan is steadily becoming a preferred winter destination for tourists looking for a unique snow experience.
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