Stars align for Ladakh’s youth as Hanle becomes astro-tourism hub

In the remote border village of Hanle in Ladakh, a group of enthusiastic young locals is turning stargazing into a profession, aiming to carve out a future under some of the darkest skies in the country.

Designated as India's first Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR) in December 2022, Hanle now serves as the base for the country's newest breed of guides - astro-ambassadors. Trained to use telescopes and explain celestial wonders, these young men and women are offering astronomy enthusiasts and tourists a rare window into the universe.

"The presence of the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in our village was a major factor behind Hanle becoming a dark sky reserve," said Rangdol Dorjey, one of the astro-ambassadors. Located within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, the IAO also houses the world's tenth-highest optical telescope.

To build this initiative, local administrations, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, collaborated to recruit and train local youth. "Village headmen collected applications and 24 out of 40 applicants from seven Hanle hamlets were selected. Seventy percent of them are women," said another ambassador, Kesang Dorjey.

Each participant received 15 days of training from IIA and an 8-inch telescope funded by UT Ladakh. Tourists now visit Hanle not just for its observatory or wildlife, but to witness the night sky in its full glory. "Saturn, Jupiter, and the Milky Way are tourist favourites. Stargazing is best between 9 pm and 11 pm, especially on moonless nights," said Tsering Yangdol.

While stargazing alone may not fully support a livelihood, the initiative is boosting local income. "Some of us run homestays too. Becoming astro-ambassadors has definitely increased our earnings," Kesang added.

With rising tourist numbers, sustainability is a growing focus. A Light Management Plan is being implemented to reduce light pollution. Households receive thick curtains, warm lighting, and shaded lamps to preserve night visibility.

Community committees meet regularly to educate locals and tourists on maintaining the region's dark sky status. "We're committed to balancing tourism with preservation. The night sky is our identity," Rangdol said.

In this high-altitude village near the China border, these young skywatchers are not just observing the stars - they're reaching for them.