Hanle
Hanle, a remote village in the Leh district of Ladakh, is a destination unlike any other. Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters, it is known for its pristine high-altitude desert landscape and crystal-clear skies. The village is home to the Hanle Monastery, a 17th-century Buddhist go mpa, and the renowned Indian Astronomical Observatory. The observatory's location is strategically chosen for its minimal light pollution, low atmospheric water vapor, and high altitude, making it one of the world's best sites for astronomical observation. Hanle has recently been designated as India's first Dark Sky Reserve, attracting astronomy enthusiasts and providing a unique astro-tourism experience. The journey to Hanle is an adventure in itself, offering breathtaking views of the rugged Himalayan terrain.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2-3 daysPlace Type:
Village, Astronomical Hub, Cultural SitePhoto Gallery
Things To Do
Umling La Pass is the world's highest motorable pass, a title that has made it a major attraction for adventure enthusiasts and bikers. The pass was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Himank. It connects the villages of Chisumle and Demchok, located near the India-China border. The road to Umling La is a testament to human engineering and perseverance, navigating through some of the most challenging and unforgiving terrain on the planet. The journey to the pass is an epic adventure, with stark, lunar landscapes, vast plains, and awe-inspiring views of the high Himalayas. The pass itself offers a surreal experience, standing at an altitude where the air is thin and the silence is absolute. It is a place of immense natural beauty and an important strategic location. The sheer remoteness and altitude make it a difficult but incredibly rewarding journey for those who seek to conquer the "world's highest."
The Puga Geothermal Valley is a unique geological site in Ladakh, known for its hot springs, geysers, and mud pools. The valley is a testament to the immense geothermal activity beneath the surface of the earth in this region. The landscape is surreal, with patches of steaming ground, colorful mineral deposits, and the distinctive smell of sulfur. The hot springs have long been used by locals for their medicinal properties. The valley's hot water streams and pools create a micro-environment that supports a surprising amount of vegetation and is a haven for birds. It's a place of scientific interest and a natural wonder that stands out in the otherwise cold, arid desert landscape. The valley is a popular stop for travelers on the circuit that connects Hanle, Tso Moriri, and Tso Kar.
Tso Kar, or "White Lake," gets its name from the white salt deposits that crust its shores. The lake is part of the Tso Kar Basin, a significant wetland area and a designated Ramsar site. The landscape around Tso Kar is different from Tso Moriri, with a more arid, almost lunar feel. The area is a haven for birdlife, including the black-necked crane, great crested grebes, and bar-headed geese. Tso Kar is a popular stop on the Leh-Manali highway, but the route from Hanle offers a more adventurous and offbeat approach. The lake's surreal beauty, with its white shores and varying shades of blue water, makes it a photographer's paradise. The surrounding vast plains are also home to the Changpa nomads and their herds of yaks and pashmina goats.
Hanle Monastery, also known as Hanle Gompa, is a 17th-century Buddhist monastery belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. Founded by Ladakhi King Sengge Namgyal, it is a significant religious and cultural site. The monastery houses a small community of monks and serves as a spiritual center for the local population. Its elevated position offers panoramic views of the entire Hanle valley, including the winding Hanle River and the distant mountains. The monastery is a serene and peaceful place, reflecting the ancient traditions and spiritual heritage of Ladakh.
The Kyun Tso, or "Twin Lakes," are a pristine and relatively untouched natural wonder near Hanle. These two small, interconnected lakes are nestled in a remote and peaceful valley, offering a tranquil escape from the more visited tourist spots. The landscape around the lakes is a mix of high-altitude desert, rolling hills, and sparse vegetation, creating a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. The water of the lakes is clear, reflecting the dramatic blue skies and the surrounding mountains. Since the area is not on the main tourist circuit, it provides a sense of solitude and a chance to experience the raw, unspoiled beauty of Ladakh. It's a perfect place for quiet reflection, birdwatching, and simply soaking in the immense natural beauty.
Chumur is one of the most remote and isolated villages in Ladakh. Located at a high altitude in a desolate valley, it is home to a small community of Changpa nomads. The village's strategic location near the border gives it a unique geopolitical significance. The village is surrounded by vast, open plains and rugged mountains, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. The journey to Chumur is an epic adventure in itself, passing through some of the most untouched and breathtaking landscapes in Ladakh. Due to its remoteness and proximity to the border, it is less frequented by tourists, which adds to its charm. The villagers, primarily pastoralists, live in traditional mud-brick houses and tents, herding their pashmina goats and yaks.
Tso Moriri is one of the most beautiful and largest high-altitude lakes in India, a designated Ramsar site. Unlike the more popular Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri is less crowded and offers a more serene and pristine experience. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a stunning deep blue. The area around the lake is a part of the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, providing a crucial habitat for a variety of migratory birds, including the rare black-necked crane. The village of Korzok on its banks is a major cultural hub and home to the Korzok Monastery. The vastness of the lake and the peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal place for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking solitude.Show All
The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) is a high-altitude station operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). It is a globally significant site for optical, infrared, and gamma-ray astronomy. The observatory's main instrument is the 2.01-meter optical-infrared Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT), named after Nobel laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. The telescope is operated remotely from Bengaluru due to the extreme weather conditions. The observatory's location provides excellent viewing conditions, with over 250 clear nights per year and minimal atmospheric disturbance. The IAO is a major reason for the establishment of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, as it requires the protection of the surrounding sky from light pollution for its research.Information
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