Hanle Dark Sky Reserve
Overview
This will boost the local economy and it is good news for the travel freaks. Ladakh is home to some of the most mesmerizing landscapes in India, with must visit places in Ladakh like Pangong lake, Nubra valley etc.
This Dark Sky Sanctuary Ladakh will lower the light pollution of Hanle and surrounding areas. There are a total of 24 Astro ambassadors who have been selected which are in the five villages of Ladakh.
Hanle and the surrounding villages will have soon homestays and hotels where one can do star gazing with a telescope. The setting up of Dark Sky Reserve will also have the proper training provided to the villagers, setting up guides and people well equipped with using telescopes to make tourists do star gazing and see the universe above us.
There will be delineators on the roads. Tourists can tour around this reserve and observe the wonderful night sky.
Since this Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, also called Hanle Dark Sky Sanctuary, is in the Changthan wildlife sanctuary, tourists will have a lot of activities to do in this area. Along with the tour of the wildlife sanctuary, and star gazing, they can do village and heritage walks and some hikes too. Hanle is the first dark sky reserve in India.
Essential Information
Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is in the summer. Owing to the harsh weather of winter, Hanle reserve is not the best time to visit. July, August, and September are the best months to observe the best of Sky life and the universe above us. The best time to visit Leh Ladakh is summer months, from June to September, when the weather is pleasant and most of the roads and attractions accessible.
You can visit Hanle Dark Sky Reserve and stay in the homestays there. It has many homestays already established.
Where is India’s First Dark Sky Reserve?
India’s first Dark Sky Reserve is in the Ladakh region. This reserve has been set up in the remote village of Hanle and on the top of Mt. Saraswati.
Where is Henle Dark Sky Reserve?
Ladakh Dark Sky Reserve is located in the remote Hanle village which falls in the Changthang wildlife sanctuary. This Dark Sky Reserve is around 300km from Leh. The area is close to the China border and takes around a day of the drive to reach.
The Dark Sky reserve is at the top of Mt. Saraswati. It is a cold desert with a very little population in Hanle and surrounding areas.
Can we visit Henle Dark Sky Reserve?
Yes, anyone can visit the Hanel Dark Sky Reserve. It is meant to boost local tourism and uplift the economy of Ladakh further. However one must bear in mind it is a long drive of around 300km from mainland Ladakh and is in the border area. Embark on an unforgettable journey with our Leh Ladakh tour packages, where you will experience the stunning landscapes, high monasteries of this mesmerizing region.
What is a Dark Sky Reserve?
A Dark Sky Reserve is a name given to the area which has the least artificial light. The U.S-based International Dark Sky Association designates the areas as Dark Sky Reserves.
FAQ's
Is Hanle India’s first dark sky reserve?
Yes, Leh Ladakh is popularly known for its Hanle dark sky reserve. Ladakh is home to this reserve. It is a small village which is approximately 300 kilometers from Leh. This dark reserve is one of the popular tourist attractions to visit in Leh Ladakh. Leh Ladakh is well known for its scenic beauty and snow-covered mountain passes. Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is one of the first dark sky reserves in India.
Can we see the Milky Way in the the dark sky reserve?
Yes, you can see the Milky Way in the Hanle dark sky reserve. This is the place where you can see the starry skies and the Milky Way which is beyond expectations. Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is one of the most-visited tourist places in Leh Ladakh.
Is Hanle Dark Sky Reserve worth visiting?
Yes, Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is worth visiting place to visit. Anyone can visit anytime here, it is known for its vibrant culture, people, Buddhist monasteries, and landscapes. In Nubra Valley, there is a lac of light which makes Hanle Dark Sky Reserve a perfect place for stargazing.
What is the best time to visit Hanle Dark Sky Reserve?
The best time to visit Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is in summertime from June to September, it is considered the ideal time to visit this beautiful place. During this time the valley is at its full glory along with the pleasant weather.