Sethan: Manali’s Offbeat Gem Losing Its Charm to Uncontrolled Tourism

Nestled at an altitude of 2,800 meters, Sethan (also known as Sethan Village) was once a serene, untouched hamlet near Manali, known for its apple orchards, traditional Himachali houses, and breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range. A favorite among trekkers, backpackers, and snow lovers, Sethan offered a peaceful escape from the chaos of Manali. However, in recent years, this hidden paradise is rapidly transforming—thanks to unchecked construction, mushrooming homestays, and overtourism.

The Rise of Sethan as an Offbeat Destination

A decade ago, Sethan was a quiet village with only a handful of homestays run by locals. It was famous for:

Snow trekking to Indrahar Pass and Lamadugh.

Hidimba Parvat, a sacred mountain with mythological significance.

Stargazing with unobstructed views of the Milky Way.

Traditional Himachali culture, where visitors could experience authentic rural life.

Backpackers and adventure seekers loved Sethan for its raw, unexplored vibe. But as word spread, the village saw a tourist boom—and with it came unregulated development.

The Dark Side of Sethan’s Popularity

1. Uncontrolled Construction of Hotels & Homestays

With increasing demand, new hotels, homestays, and campsites have sprung up at an alarming rate. Many of these are built without proper permits, disturbing the village’s fragile ecosystem. Concrete structures are replacing traditional wooden houses, ruining Sethan’s rustic charm.

2. Traffic Chaos & Pollution

Once accessible only by rough roads, Sethan now sees constant traffic of taxis and tourists. During peak seasons, the narrow roads get jammed, and the peaceful silence is replaced by honking and loud music. Plastic waste and littering have also become major concerns.

3. Commercialization of Local Culture

The authentic Himachali experience is fading as more businesses cater to tourists. Instead of traditional hospitality, many homestays now operate like budget hotels, losing the personal touch that made Sethan special.

4. Environmental Damage

Deforestation for new constructions.

Water scarcity due to excessive tourist demand.

Soil erosion from reckless trekking and off-road biking.

Can Sethan Be Saved?

While tourism brings economic benefits, unchecked growth is destroying what made Sethan unique. Some steps that could help:

✔ Strict regulations on new constructions.

✔ Waste management systems to prevent pollution.

✔ Promoting eco-tourism over mass tourism.

✔ Encouraging responsible travel among visitors.

The Instagram Effect: From Hidden Gem to Hyped Destination

As influencers and travel bloggers "discovered" Sethan, a flood of tourists followed. Soon:

Homestay owners demolished traditional houses to build concrete guesthouses with "Instagrammable views."

Dirt bikes and SUVs began tearing through fragile meadows, leaving deep scars on the landscape.

Snowfall season, once peaceful, now sees crowds trampling pristine slopes for selfies.

Locals who once welcomed travelers now complain: "Earlier, people came to experience our way of life. Now, they just want cheap rooms, loud music, and photos—they don’t even say ‘Namaste’ to us anymore."

The Environmental Toll: A Village on the Brink

The damage isn’t just cultural—it’s ecological:

⚠ Vanishing Water Sources – Unregulated hotels drill illegal borewells, draining natural springs. Some villagers now walk miles for water.

⚠ Wildlife Disturbance – The Himalayan black bear and monal pheasant, once common, are retreating deeper into forests.

⚠ Garbage Invasion – With no waste management, plastic piles up in hidden corners, carried by wind into rivers.

Is There Still Hope for Sethan?

Some are fighting back:

A few homestays refuse to expand, preserving the old-world charm.

Eco-conscious trekkers organize clean-up drives.

Activists push for stricter laws on construction and waste.

But without urgent action, Sethan risks becoming just another casualty of reckless tourism—a cautionary tale of how paradise was lost to greed and indifference.

What You Can Do as a Traveler

Stay in eco-friendly homestays, not concrete hotels.

Carry back all trash—there’s no proper disposal system.

Respect local culture—learn a few Himachali phrases, help with farm work.

Avoid peak seasons to reduce pressure on resources.

Sethan doesn’t need more tourists—it needs responsible travelers. Will you be part of the problem or the solution?

The Bottom Line

Sethan is at a crossroads—it can either become another overdeveloped tourist hub like Old Manali or preserve its identity with sustainable tourism. If nothing changes, this once-pristine village may lose its magic forever.