Ladakh
India · Asia
A high-altitude plateau at 3,500m+ in the Indian Himalayas. The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve at over 4,500m hosts India's highest observatory. Minimal humidity and near-total absence of light pollution.
Best Season July–September
Altitude 3,500m
Coordinates 34.15°N 77.58°E
Bortle Rating Bortle 2–3
Observable Phenomena
What's Visible
Milky Way, Andromeda Galaxy, Jupiter with moons, Saturn rings, Orion Nebula
Best Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Photographer Notes
Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (4,500m) has extraordinary seeing. Acclimatization critical. Season is short (July–September). Permits required for some border areas.
Getting There & Staying
Leh city is the hub. Remote homestays in Hanle and Nubra Valley. Acclimatize in Leh for 2+ days before high-altitude stargazing sites.