Travel Diaries of Irish Pereira: Manali Diaries

Manali Diaries - Sethan Jobra

Dates: 09th April 2026

Adventurers : Irish & Stuti Pereira

Driver : Mr. Kamlesh Verma (Mob : 98058 37732)

Prologue:
It was quick trip to Manali from 08th April to 10th April 2026. Being onset of summers in Manali, we never expected any snowfall activity. However when we reached Manali on 08th April, the weather forecast had changed by Grace of Almighty.

On day 1, we explored Gulaba and enjoyed live snowfall. It was mind-blowing experience. The day one was mostly rainy in Manali town and snowy in higher altitudes.

On day 2, It was slow morning with bright sunlight (unlike day 1) This is what we had prayed for the last night. After basking in the morning light on terrace, we had breakfast. The plan for today was either Sissu via Atal Tunnel or Sethan village. As it had snowed yesterday, the Atal tunnel was closed for 2x2 vehicles. Hence we decided to explore Sethan village.

We started around 11:45 AM and it is 14 km 1 hour journey from Manali with partial off-roading.

The weather was still dynamic and bright sunlight in the morning turned cloudy as we were on the way to Sethan. It is typical uphill journey with 36 curved turns. The road is full mud and rocks. On the route we have hobbit rooms with curved domes.

Sethan is small village Sethan Village is a small, offbeat Buddhist hamlet perched at an altitude of about 2700 metres (9250 feet) in the Hamta Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Located just 12 to 15 kilometers from Manali, it is famous for its panoramic views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges and is renowned as the "Igloo Village" of India during winter.

The village transforms into a snowy paradise. It is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and staying in authentic igloos.

Few kilometers ahead lies Jobra Village, which is the starting point of Hampta pass trek. We had fun on the high slopes of Jobra. There we witnessed the second live snowfall. It was a dreamy place altogether. Words fall short to describe the vibes of that place.

After having fun on the snow covered slopes, we slided downhill to explore the dam with hydro electric power plant.

By the time we were hungry and had lunch at local shack. We had Egg toast and Maggie. Believe me when i say that maggie tastes awesome on mountains with snowy weather.

Then around 3:30 PM we bid adieu to Jobra.

Enroute we explored the Pandu Ropa. The believed to be inhabited by Pandavas during their Vanvaas.