How Igloo Building Started in Manali

 How Igloo Building Started in Manali

How Igloo Building Started in Manali

Igloos are traditionally associated with the Arctic regions, but in recent years, they have become a unique winter attraction in Manali. The idea of building igloos in this Himalayan town did not come from ancient tradition; instead, it emerged as a modern tourism innovation inspired by global travel experiences and local creativity.

What Is an Igloo?

An igloo is a dome-shaped shelter made entirely from compacted snow. Despite being built from ice, it naturally insulates heat, keeping the inside warmer than the outside environment. For centuries, igloos were used by Arctic communities as temporary winter shelters.

The Idea Behind Igloos in Manali

Manali has long been a favorite destination for international travelers, trekkers, and adventure seekers. Many visitors were already familiar with snow igloos from Europe, Scandinavia, and polar tourism destinations. Over time, this exposure sparked an idea among local mountain guides and winter tourism operators — why not create a similar experience in the Himalayas?

Perfect Natural Conditions

The areas around Manali, such as Solang Valley, Sethan Village, and nearby high-altitude regions, receive heavy snowfall every winter. Temperatures often remain below freezing for extended periods, creating ideal conditions for shaping and preserving snow structures. These natural advantages made igloo construction both practical and sustainable during winter months.

Where It All Began

The real beginning of igloo tourism in Manali is widely linked to Sethan Village, a small hamlet located above the main town. Around the mid-2010s, local youth and trained mountain guides experimented with hand-crafted snow shelters using traditional snow-cutting techniques combined with modern safety practices.

What started as a small experiment soon turned into India’s first organized commercial igloo stay experience.

Role of Social Media and Adventure Tourism

Social media played a major role in popularizing igloos in Manali. Photos and videos of travelers sleeping inside snow domes quickly went viral, drawing attention from honeymoon couples, content creators, and adventure tourists.

As demand grew, igloo camps began appearing in other snowy zones around Manali, offering short-term winter stays rather than permanent accommodation.

How Igloos in Manali Are Built Today

Modern igloos in Manali are carefully designed with safety and comfort in mind:

Built using densely packed snow blocks

Designed to withstand heavy snowfall

Equipped with thermal sleeping bags and insulated flooring

Maintained at a surprisingly comfortable temperature inside

These igloos are typically used for one-night adventure stays rather than long-term living.

Impact on Local Tourism

Igloo tourism has:

Created new winter employment opportunities for locals

Increased off-season tourism in Manali

Added a unique, international-style winter experience to India

It has helped position Manali as more than just a hill station — turning it into an adventure and experiential winter destination.

Conclusion

The igloo culture in Manali:

✔ Is not traditional, but innovative

✔ Was inspired by global winter travel

✔ Began with local experimentation

✔ Grew rapidly through social media

Today, igloos have become a symbol of Manali’s evolving winter tourism and creative adaptation to its snowy environment.

Writer: Naveen Dubey || YTBHARAT