About Hanle

Hanle is a remote village in the Changthang region at 4,500 m, close to the India–China Line of Actual Control. It is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory — one of the world's highest optical observatories at 4,500 m — operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The skies above Hanle are among the darkest in Asia, making it one of the best stargazing destinations on the planet. In 2022, the Ladakh government officially declared Hanle as India's first 'Dark Sky Reserve'. The ancient Hanle Monastery (Urgelling Gonpa), built in the 17th century, perches on a hilltop and is a beautiful example of Ladakhi-Tibetan architecture.

Highlights

Travel Tips

• 1Hanle is in a Restricted Area — Inner Line Permit required.
• 2Very limited food and accommodation — carry extra supplies.
• 3The road from Leh via Mahe–Karu is better than the Tso Moriri route for vehicles.
• 4Telescopes are available for public viewing at the observatory on some evenings.