This Himalayan Village Is the Best Place in India to See the Milky Way

This Himalayan Village Is the Best Place in India to See the Milky Way (Image: Canva)

Deep in the high deserts of Ladakh, Hanle is generally regarded as the ideal location in India where the Milky Way can be observed. This isolated Himalayan village, some 4,500 metres above sea level, provides near-light pollution-free night skies. Its elevation, hot climate, and low human activity make it a natural resort for astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers.

One of the highest astronomical observatories across the world is also located in Hanle. The fact that it has a scientific presence exemplifies the extremity of conditions that are favourable to studying the universe. The region has an unusually high number of clear nights in a year due to the thin atmosphere and extremely low level of humidity. This implies that there are no interruptions in the stargazing experiences whereby visitors get to view millions of stars, planets and the Milky Way band with great clarity.

As of 2022, the state of India made Hanle the first Dark Sky Reserve, a title spanning over a thousand square kilometres of the village. This unique title restricts the use of artificial lights at night, promoting covered lamps and warm-toned bulbs. The local communities are also involved in the preservation of the dark skies and make sure that tourism is developed in a manner that helps the environment and the stargazing activities. Home stays and small guesthouses have responded to these regulations to provide the visitor with a real-life experience, which is highly environmentally conscious.

Stargazing in Hanle is usually done during March to October when the weather is not that harsh and the skies are transparent. A new moon is another reason why you should plan your trip to get darker stars and brighter shots of distant galaxies and clusters of stars. Due to the altitude, tourists are recommended to spend some time in Leh or the surrounding places before Hanle.

This natural environment, conservation by the local communities and government designation, has no equal elsewhere in India, which makes Hanle a unique destination. It is not only a village but a portal into the universe; you can feel the Milky Way close to you, and the night sky is expansive above your head.