In a recent development, the Tourism Department of UT of Ladakh, has announced that foreign tourists can now stay overnight at Hanle village. Until recently, Hanle was off-limits to foreign tourists. Only domestic tourists were allowed to visit the high-altitude village which is also home to the Hanle Observatory.

Hanle village has been notified as a Dark Sky Reserve by the Wildlife Department of the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh. Given the fact that Dark Sky tourism has seen quite a growth in recent years, opening Hanle to all tourists (domestic and international), is going to bring a lot of tourism in the region.

The aforementioned development has come after the Tourism Department’s proposal for allowing night stay for foreign tourists at Hanle. This was done in order to promote the village as one of the major astro tourism destinations in India and the world. On September 14, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs gave this proposal the green signal.

From now onwards, both domestic and international tourists can stay over at Hanley and experience the natural wonders and the beautiful culture of the region.

Apart from the developments regarding Dark Sky Reserve, the Department of Tourism will also be opening Martsemik and Sko Valley in Ladakh for tourism, especially for adventure tourism. Martsemik and Sko Valley are both excellent destinations for trekking.

About Hanle and Dark Sky Reserve in India

Hanle is located in the remote high-altitude Changthang Plateau in the Ladakh region. The village is located 270 km from Leh. From the lone Indian Astronomical Observatory a few years back, now Hanle is home to a dark sky reserve. In fact, it is India's first Dark Sky Reserve. The remote location, minimal light pollution and the high altitude gives Hanle dark sky perfect for stargazing.