Hanle Dark Sky Reserveहानले डार्क स्काई रिज़र्व
India's first dark sky reserve, at the edge of the plateau.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereChangthang, Ladakh
Changthang plateau
Changthang plateau
Best time to visit15 May to 30 September
Good seasonsSummer (March to May), Monsoon (June to September)
DifficultyDifficult
Height4500 m above sea level
Time needed2 days
Base and nearbyHanle, Nyoma
EntryPermit from the Leh administration
About Hanle Dark Sky Reserve
India's first dark sky reserve, in the Changthang cold desert, with the Indian Astronomical Observatory at about 4,500 metres. Skies are among the clearest in the world and the Milky Way is spectacular. The village has a monastery and basic homestays, and the area is remote and near the border. A permit is needed, and it gets very cold at night.
What to see and do
- Dark sky reserve
- Indian Astronomical Observatory
- Hanle monastery
- Remote homestays
- Permit needed
Part of Ladakh and Karakoram.
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in Changthang
- Pangong TsoChangthang, Ladakh · Lakes & DamsThe long blue lake across the border, with camps on its shore.
- Tso MoririChangthang, Ladakh · Lakes & DamsA high lake in the cold desert, with rare birds.
- Chushul and Rezang LaChangthang, Ladakh · Monuments & HeritageA memorial to the heroes of Rezang La, on a high plain.
- Korzok MonasteryChangthang, Ladakh · Monuments & HeritageA monastery and nomad village on the shore of Tso Moriri.
- Puga Valley Hot SpringsChangthang, Ladakh · Valleys & CanyonsA steaming geothermal valley between the two big lakes.
- Tso KarChangthang, Ladakh · Lakes & DamsA salt lake on the Changthang plateau with wildlife.
- Chumathang Hot SpringsChangthang, Ladakh · Villages & Hidden GemsA hot spring by the Indus on the way to Tso Moriri.
All places in Changthang · All places in Ladakh
Jagah Pedia home · All places A to Z · Privacy · Terms
Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.