I don’t exactly remember the class in which I learnt about Igloos but I remember seeing the pictures of one in a National Geographic Magazine my father used to buy for me. Never in my dreams I thought it will be possible to stay inside an igloo in India.
The credit for bringing the concept of Igloos in India goes to Vikas Kumar, a very dear friend of mine and his partner Tashi Dorje, a professional skiier from Manali. These two guys have spend their lives understanding snow and the dynamics of constructing an igloo. When five years back, Vikas told me about his idea, I was a bit doubtful and wondered how it will be possible but now when I see these little snow beauties I am amazed beyond words. As they say – “Where there is a will, there is a way”.
Here is a list of questions one might have regarding an Igloo stay, I have tried to answer all your basic queries:
What is an Igloo?
An igloo is a snow house usually associated with Inuit and Eskimo people. These dome shaped snow huts are mostly found in the Artic region.
Where is this Igloo Located?
Manali Igloo Stay were the first ones to bring these snow beauties to India. These igloos are built around 15 kms away from Manali, along the Beas river in a once quaint village called Sethan.
After you reach Sethan village, you need to need to descent for a 1 km in the snow. You can use a hiking stick or just slide down the snow to reach the igloo site.
How do I reach the Igloo?
You can hire a 4X4 vehicle to go Sethan during the Igloo season. Due to snowfall, the roads can be covered with snow so it is a good idea to hire a 4X4. You also need to get a permit which will cost you 100 rupees and is easily available at the entry gate near Pirni.
Even though, I have seen people driving to Sethan in smaller cars but locals are experts in manuvering their vehicles. It is ‘us’ outsiders that show their daredevils acts and take our cars to unknown terrains without any prior knowledge. So my advise is that you hire a 4X4 car.
What activities I can do there?
To be honest, I would do nothing and just soak in the environment and gaze at the mighty high mountains. For those looking for that ‘extra’ thing to do, can learn how to ski, ride snow tube, have fun at the tree swing, zip-line, make a snow man and learn about how igloos are made.
They are also planning to start with movie screening by the end of this month.
What type of food is available there?
Simple traditional Himachali delicacies are served with basic food options. We ate Rajma, Kadi and rice with pickle. Plus the inflow of tea/coffee made sure that we were warm even in the snow. There is makeshift dinning area with bukhari installed inside it. There are arrangements for music and for any special demands make sure you tell them in advance.
Is it too cold?
Duh, yes! It is cold but you will survive 🙂 There is a difference of at least 10 degrees inside the Igloo as compared to the outside temperature. With proper clothing you will be fine.
Can I take children to the Igloo?
Yes, you can take your children to the Igloo. They must be 8 years and above to go there. A friend of mine went there last year with her 8 years old son.
Do I need special clothes and shoes for the Igloo stay?
Even though your winter jackets and warmers are good enough still I will suggest that you take the clothes given by Manali Igoo Stay. These special clothes are waterproof and made specially for winter treks. Make sure you take the gumboots and gloves provided by them.
Carry your muffler, cap, extra pair of warm socks and sunglasses.
What are the arrangements for sleeping inside the Igloo?
Proper arrangements are done for the stay, you will get sleeping bags and extra blankets if required. And, as mentioned above the temperature difference of 10 degrees makes it livable inside the igloo at night.
There are two toilets in western style with water arrangement and toilet roll.
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How do I book this Igloo stay?
There are many rip offs who are claiming to build igloos nowadays in India, but trust me @Manali_Igloo_Stay is the best and the first ones to bring Igloo to India. They take care of safety of each individual visiting their igloo site. There are trained people who will guide you to the Igloo, skit instructors, cooks and help that takes into account of all your needs.
If you want to visit this snow wonderland then get in touch with Vikas at +91 94599 96999 for your bookings. Or drop them a message on instagram.