Himachal’s Sethan village turns snow into homes with magical igloo stays

Igloos, long associated with the Arctic and polar regions, are no longer just a distant visual for Indian travellers. In Himachal Pradesh’s Sethan village near Manali, snow-built igloos have once again come up this winter, offering visitors a rare opportunity to stay inside structures made entirely of snow.

Sethan experiences consistent snowfall for nearly two to three months every year, allowing local residents to construct temporary igloos during a brief seasonal window. The structures are carved from compacted snow and require specific weather conditions, making their construction both time-intensive and weather-dependent.

The idea of building igloos in Sethan was first attempted nearly ten years ago by two villagers. Over time, the initiative has gained momentum, transforming from a small experiment into a seasonal attraction that has brought attention to the remote mountain settlement.

Each igloo takes several days to complete, with builders relying solely on the availability and quality of snowfall. Despite the logistical challenges, tourist curiosity and footfall have increased steadily, particularly during peak winter months.

The igloos have improved winter tourism, given the people of Sethan new seasonal sources of income, and solidified the village's position in India's winter travel scene.