There are moments that are etched in your mind and heart in ways that feel surreal. And one such moment occurred when I traveled to GlampEco at Sethan, Hampta Manali. I booked my stay there and started off toward Manali from Dharamshala. The weather went from an orange to red alert with rain and snow warnings. Akshat, one of the owners at GlampEco was in touch with me. He asked me to pull over at the nearest possible place and stop driving toward GlampEco as the weather conditions deteriorated. I conceded and stayed back at Bir and arrived a day later at glampsite.
Here’s what’s remarkable about this moment – I’m a solo female traveler trucking around India. It isn’t an easy feat, not with most people regarding India as a challenging country to navigate alone as a female. And here comes a call from an absolute stranger with more regards for my safety than his own business.
Let’s just say this first impression just turned into an upwards and onwards journey into a month-long billeting in the mountains at GlampEco.
360° of scenery
The first thing about this glampsite is the soul-shuddering view that does make you question if it’s real (the view is very, very like staring at a poster of mountains, I kid you not!!!). Then the property itself is everything fairytales are made of – a nearly century old mud-house, a vintage cafe, geodesic domes sparingly sprinkled across the property, an Apple orchard, and the endless snow-topped mountains in every single direction you see!
You take in these views and you thank your stars for having led you to this place. And you thank yourself for having done something right to deserve this place for the best sabbatical in the mountains.
Things to do
You can either choose solitude in the many cozy corners on the property or engage in fun activities the team offers all day long. Sometimes starting the day with a meditative dip in an ice bucket, a 4×4 ride up to the last motorable point at Sethan, scenic walk to nearby mud home. The evening activities are mostly joyous get togethers of star gazing, board/card games, live music, karaoke, movie nights etc.
Food
There are several delicious items to choose from the food and beverages menu. In fact, this is something that comes as a surprise about GlampEco’s resourcefulness to procure certain items on the menu, given their geographical remoteness!
Additionally, there’s Kalzang Dhaba for local food like siddu ( made with pure walnut filling, yum!!!), momos, and food made to order on request.
Safety
As a solo female traveler, safety is my utmost priority and GlampEco ensured that I felt comfortable throughout my stay. Owning the gentry GlampEco caters to, one can stay completely aloof and just bask in serenity.
Unrivalled glampsite
It doesn’t take long to realise why GlampEco stands out from the competition as India’s first eco-friendly glampsite. The entire team is very mindful of avoiding single-use plastic, utilising biodegradable waste management. They’ve also created a space that doesn’t feel cluttered, crowded, or brimming with too much human interference by keeping the domes spaced out from each other in a large area of the farm.
Cessation
Overall, be it the views, comfortable stay, the food, the staff, the dogs (the furry gentle giants Toshi and Kuro), the several activities in the vicinity, it’s just the right place to be!
As I depart, I’d just say that there are many places to rejuvenate life, but there’s rarely any that rejuvenate your soul.
Adieu for now, for I shall return here again GlampEco…
