Short answer: Sethan is a small Buddhist hamlet above Prini on the Hampta Pass road, roughly 12–18 km from Manali depending on the source, at about 2,700 m, with the snow camps higher up. In winter local operators build igloos, usually open from around mid-January to early or mid-March depending on snowfall. The road needs a 4x4 in snow, the igloos are basic and cold, and there is no mobile network or ATM, so go for the experience, not for comfort.
Sethan at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Distance from Manali | About 12–18 km via Prini (sources differ) |
| Height | Village about 2,700 m; camps are described as higher, near 3,000 m |
| Drive time | 35–45 minutes in summer; one to two hours in winter |
| Winter access | 4x4 vehicles or on foot over snow |
| Igloo season | Roughly mid-January to early or mid-March, when there is enough snow |
| Network / ATM / fuel | None in the village |
What an igloo stay is like
- The igloos are built from packed snow each winter and taken down as it melts. Inside you sleep on insulated mats in heavy sleeping bags.
- Toilets are outside and shared; there is no running hot water.
- Evenings are usually a bonfire and a simple hot meal. Night temperatures are well below freezing.
- Published package rates in 2026 guides are roughly ₹5,000–7,000 per person per night, usually with meals and activities. Rates and inclusions vary by operator, so get them in writing.
Other things to do
- Skiing and snowboarding: beginners' slopes with instructors and hired gear.
- Snow walks and tube rides near the camps.
- In summer: Sethan is on the way to the Hampta Pass trek, and the area is known for bouldering from about May to October.
Before you go
- Entry: a recent guide reports a small per-person entry fee and ID check at the Prini hydro project checkpost. Confirm locally and carry your ID.
- Vehicle: do not take a hatchback up in snow. Operators run 4x4 transfers from Prini.
- Clothing: thermals, down jacket, waterproof gloves and boots, a cap and sunglasses.
- Health: the cold is the main risk. Igloo stays are not advisable for small children, older travellers or anyone with breathing problems.
- Weather: after heavy snowfall the road closes; keep the plan flexible.
If the igloos are not operating, Solang is the easier snow day — see Manali in winter and the Manali winter itinerary.
Check before you go
- Kullu district administration — road and weather advisories.
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables and fares.
Plan a winter trip to Manali
Tell us your dates, group and starting city and the Funtoor team will suggest a route and stays. Plan my trip. See also our Manali winter snow package.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I stay in an igloo in India?
At Sethan near Manali, where operators build igloos each winter.
When are the igloos open?
Usually from about mid-January to early or mid-March, depending on snow.
How far is Sethan from Manali?
About 12–18 km by road through Prini.
Is it very cold inside an igloo?
Warmer than outside, but still cold. You sleep in heavy sleeping bags on insulated mats.
Can I drive my own car to Sethan?
In summer, yes. In snow you need a 4x4 and a driver used to the road.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a planning guide, not a first-hand trip report; distances, fees, rules and timetables change and sources differ, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
