A new kind of Himalayan adventure that combines roads, stars and silence.
💡 Overnight stay at Hanle for foreign tourists are now officially allowed.
Where Roads Meet the Cosmos
Most people visit Ladakh for the high passes and jaw dropping landscapes. Some come for its deep rooted Tibetan culture and monasteries. But now, there’s a new way to experience Ladakh. One that takes you on thrilling rides by day and into the cosmos by night.
Welcome to Astro Touring in Ladakh. where adventure riders and stargazers unite to chase celestial wonders from the rooftop of India. With its dark skies, high altitudes, and minimal pollution, Ladakh is fast becoming Asia’s top destination for astro-tourism.
“You haven’t truly experienced Ladakh until you’ve watched the Milky Way rise above a monastery.“
Why Ladakh is Perfect for Astro-Tourism
Ladakh offers the ideal combination of elevation, dry air and low light pollution. It makes it one of the best places on Earth for stargazing.
Key Reasons
- ⛰️ Altitude: 3,000 – 5,000 meters means thinner air and clearer skies.
- 🌌 Minimal Light Pollution: Villages are small and remote.
- 🌤️ Dry Climate: Fewer clouds and clearer nights.
- 🛣️ Wide Open Spaces: Endless horizons and silence.
Ride By Day: Suggested Astro-Touring Route
This route combines Ladakh’s iconic roads with stops at some of the best night-sky destinations.
Day 1-2: Leh (Acclimatization)
- Visit: Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace.
- Stargazing: Low light areas around Magnetic Hill or outskirts of Leh.
Day 3-4: Tso Moriri
- High-altitude lake with silent surroundings.
- Ideal for Milky Way photography.
- Set up camp or stay in Korzok village.
Tso Moriri: Sacred lake & ramsar site
Day 5-6: Hanle – India’s First Astro Village
- Home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory.
- Certified Dark Sky Reserve.
- Locals now trained in astronomy-based tourism.
- Stay in Astro homestays with telescopes.
Hanley: The ultimate stargazing destination in India
Day 7: Return to Leh
- Optional stop at Chumathang hot springs.
- Final stargazing stop before descending to lower altitudes.
Optionally you can add other destinations like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake. Contact us to craft perfect itinerary for you.
🔭 What You’ll See in the Sky
Depending on the time of year and moon phase, you can witness:
- 🌌 The Milky Way arching across the sky.
- 🌠 Meteor showers like the Perseids (August) and Geminids (December).
- 🌕 Crisp full moon rises over mountain silhouettes.
- 🪐 Planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars with a telescope.
- 🌘 Deep sky objects like Andromeda Galaxy and Orion Nebula.
💡 Pro Tip: Use apps like Stellarium, Sky Guide or PhotoPills to plan your night.
📸 Astro-Photography Tips for Ladakh
- 📷 Camera: DSLR or mirrorless with manual mode.
- 🔭 Lens: Wide-angle (14-24mm), f/2.8 or faster.
- ⏱️ Shutter Speed: 20-30 seconds.
- 🔦 Use a red flashlight to preserve night vision.
- 💨 Avoid wind: Use a tripod and remote shutter.
- 🎯 Composition: Frame stars with mountains, lakes or monasteries.
🛌 Where to Stay: Stargazer-Friendly Spots
- Hanle – Astro homestays with telescope access and stargazing guides.
- Korzok (Tso Moriri) – Silent lakeside eco-stays.
- Nyoma – Remote guesthouses with dark sky views.
- Rizong / Alchi Monastery Area – Fewer tourists, very dark skies.
🧳 Packing List for Astro-Touring
- Warm jacket (temperatures drop sharply at night).
- Thermal layers & gloves.
- Tripod, camera and spare batteries. In cold battery drains very fast.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Headlamp with red light mode.
- Power bank.
- Basic medicine and Diamox (after doctor consultation).
📄 Permit Info
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for Indian citizens.
- Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreigners. Specially for areas like Hanle and Tso Moriri.
- Apply via registered tour operator or local authority in Leh.
- Let your tour provider handle paperwork to save time.
🔌 Connectivity & Power
- No mobile network in Hanle and remote areas.
- Limited electricity in homestays. Charge all gear in advance.
- Some areas offer solar-powered charging points.
🎯 Who Should Try Astro-Touring?
- 🏍️ Motorcycle riders seeking peaceful, meaningful experiences.
- 🌌 Astrophotographers looking for dark-sky landscapes.
- 🎒 Solo travelers & couples craving silence and beauty.
- 🔭 Space enthusiasts who want to experience the stars without telescopes.
“In Ladakh, the adventure doesn’t end at sunset. It starts again when the stars come out.“
📞 Plan Your Astro-Tour With Extreme Tours India
We offer custom motorcycle tours designed for adventure + astronomy:
- 🚀 Ride-tested routes.
- 🔭 Stargazing stops.
- 🏠 Astro-friendly homestays.
- 🧾 Permit support.
- 🏍️ Fully equipped bikes and backup.