THE HIMALAYAN VILLAGE WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE COSMOS

 Hanle, located in the moon-like landscape of Ladakh in northern India, is a village that offers "otherworldly" starry skies and attracts travelers from far and wide. Here, locals routinely switch off lights after sunset to reveal "eye-popping displays of stars.

Since 2022, Hanle has been home to the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR), he HDSR was founded with the goal of reducing light pollution and promoting astrotourism, drawing inspiration from dark sky reserves in the Canary Islands and Hawai'i. Astrotourism has flourished here, with travelers drawn not only by the dark skies but also by the opportunity to experience astronomy intimately, guided by locals who have made the cosmos their livelihood. Local guides have received training on stars, constellations, and guiding visitors.

A notable event is the Hanle Annual Star Party, held each September at the end of the brief four-month window when the village is accessible to outsiders before winter sets in. This nocturnal festival attracts serious stargazers and astrophotographers from across India, who come equipped with telescopes and specialized cameras for deep-sky observations.

The increase in tourism since the HDSR's creation has brought higher income but also concerns about preserving the natural darkness. To protect the darkness, villagers switch off lights at dusk, and there is no power supply after 23:00. Many locals have also installed blackout curtains, lampshades, and warm bulbs.

To plan a trip to Hanle, it is recommended to go from June to September, ideally around the new Moon to see the Milky Way. Accommodations, such as homestays like Hanle Lodge or Pole Star, should be booked well ahead. Ladakhi or Indian food is served at homestays, as there are barely any restaurants or grocery stores in the village. In addition to stargazing, one can visit the Hanle monastery and hike to the observatory on Mount Digpa Ratsa Ri.

References

The Himalayan village where you can see the cosmos. (2025, September 1). BBC. Retrieved September 9, 2025, from https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250829-the-himalayan-village-where-you-can-see-the-cosmos