Hanle Valley or Hanle Village is one of the largest villages in the Ladakh region. It is home to the Hanle Monastery. It is located about 260 km from Leh, less than 100 km from Mahe, and near the Line of Control. Perched at about 4,500 meters above sea level, Hanle Village is believed to be the perfect place for stargazing.
It is one of the most beautiful offbeat attractions to visit in Ladakh and is home to 1000 people and it lies on an ancient trade route between Tibet and Ladakh. One of the main features of this valley is that the Indian Astronomical Observatory is established above it for astronomical studies.
This observatory is the best place in the whole of India to observe the skies and enjoy stargazing. Hanle Village is also popular for its 17th-century-old Hanle gompa which belongs to the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.
Tourists can enjoy breathtaking scenes of tiny mountains and hillocks with verdant landscapes. In addition to stargazing and camping, visitors can also enjoy other activities such as trekking and nature photography.
The Hanle Valley is also the gateway to Umling la Pass which is the highest motorable pass in the world located at a height of 19,024 feet above sea level.
Things to know before visiting Hanle Village
Before visiting Hanle village, a few things should be kept in mind to make your trip safe and enjoyable.
Medical facilities: you will get medical help at the Army establishment of Hanle village and a local medical shop in the village. In case of a major medical emergency, the nearest hospital is located in Leh. You should also carry a medical kit with you in case of altitude motion sickness and breathlessness.
Mobile Network: BSNL works best in Hanle village followed by Airtel in some spots. The Internet will not work here because of the high altitude.
ATM Services: There are no ATMs in Hanle village. The nearby ATM is situated in Leh’s main market so you should carry enough cash before visiting Hanle Valley.
Things to do in Hanle Valley Ladakh
Hanle Valley offers a lot of travel activities for those tourists who love adventure and thrill. You can enjoy stargazing, camping, and Yak riding.
Star Gazing:
Stargazing is one of the most stunning and fascinating activities to enjoy in Hanle Village. Tourists can witness here the mesmerizing phenomenon of the night sky, the Milky Way, the galaxies, the constellations, and the planets. Some of the places where you can stargaze at Hanle are Hanle Monastery, Hanle Observatory, Tso Moriri Lake, Hanle Wildlife Sanctuary, Umling La Pass, Hanle Village, etc. Stargazing will cost you from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5000 per night depending on the duration, location, difficulty, and guide.
Yak riding
Yak riding is one of the unique activities to do in Hanle village offering travelers stunning views of beautiful landscapes, peaceful environment, and rugged terrains. The yaks are well suited in the cold and high altitude Ladakh and give a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle. Yak riding allows you to explore the enchanting views of snow mountains, the clear blue skies, and the chance to experience peace and tranquility
Camping
Another thrilling activity to do in Ladakh is camping under the stars surrounded by serene nature. You can camp on your own or on a guided camping tour and some of the places best for camping in Hanle are the Hanle observatory, Hanle village, Tso Moriri Lake, Hanle Monastery, Umling La Pas, the Kyun Tso Lake, etc.
Accommodation Options in Hanle Village
Hanle Village offers a limited but diverse range of accommodation options such as hotels, homestays, guesthouses, and camps. The accommodations vary as per location, cost, services, comfort, and amenities. Here is a list of a few options where you can stay in Hanle Valley.
Hotel Padma:
It is a charming hotel which is situated near the Hanle observatory. It offers clean rooms, comfortable bedrooms with attached bathrooms, room heaters, and a view of the stars and Hanle village. The Hotel Padma features a restaurant, a terrace, and a parking area. The staff is humble and the cuisine is delicious and fresh. The hotel charges up to Rs 2500 to 3500 per night as per availability and season.
Sonam guesthouse:
it is a simple yet elegant guesthouse located near Hanle Wildlife Sanctuary. The guesthouse offers clean rooms with common bathrooms, blankets, and amazing views of mountains and lakes. The guesthouse features a restaurant, a garden, and a campfire. The food here is pocket-friendly and the staff is friendly and helpful. The cost is about Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per night depending upon season and availability.
Tashi homestay:
It is a welcoming homestay located near Hanle Monastery. It provides cozy clean rooms, heaters, common washrooms, and stunning views of mountains and the village. Tashi homestay has a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, and a library. The staff is hospitable and the food is organic. You will be charged Rs 800 to Rs 1200 per night.
Hanle Camp:
Hanle Camp is cozy and beautiful and is located near the Hanle Monastery. It has spacious clean tents with attached bathrooms, and room heaters. The camp has a garden, restaurant, lounge and a library. The staff is helpful and the food provided is hygienic and tasty. Costs are Rs. 3000 to 4000 per night.
The best time to visit Hanle Village
Hanle can be visited at any time throughout the year. The best time to visit is the summer season from May to September when the weather is warm and favorable for traveling. However, the best time also depends upon choices, what you want to see, and your budget.
Summer (May to September): Summer is the perfect and best time to visit Hanle Valley due to comfortable weather, clear skies, warm sunny days, and moderate temperature. The average temperature in Hanle ranges between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius in summer. The summer season offers tourists the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of Hanle along with its lush green landscapes, blooming flowers, and diverse flora and fauna. You can also enjoy travel activities here such as trekking, stargazing, camping, birdwatching, and photography.
Winter (October to February): winter is the most difficult time for Hanle trips as the weather is extremely harsh and chilly with freezing temperatures and cloudy skies. The temperature is between -15 to 5 degrees Celsius. Tourists may witness several difficulties in the winter season such as avalanches, snowfalls, roadblocks, and landslides.
How to reach Hanle Vallley
Hanle village is situated about 250 kilometers from Leh, which is the capital city of Ladakh. There are three ways to reach Hanle such as via air, road, and train.
By air: Travelling by flight is the easiest and hassle-free way to reach Hanle which saves time and energy. You can book your flight from several cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, etc to Leh airport. After reaching the airport, book a cab or taxi to reach Hanle.
By road: Reaching Hanle via road is the most adventurous way. You can either drive your vehicle or travel via a bike, cab, or taxi. From Leh, it takes 7-8 hours by road to reach Hanle village. From Manali, you will reach Hanle Valley in 15 to 16 hours. If you are traveling from Srinagar, then it takes about 18-19 hours to reach your destination.
By train: You can reach Hanle by train via Jammu. Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station to reach Leh. After reaching the Jammu Tawi, you can take a bus, cab, or taxi to reach Hanle Valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any permit to visit Hanle village?
There is an inner line permit required for Indian tourists. Foreigners are not allowed beyond Hanle. Indian visitors can obtain a permit from the DC office or the Tourist Information Centre of Leh.
How much time is enough to explore Hanle?
1-2 days are sufficient for exploring Hanle Valley and its attractions which include the Hanle observatory, Hanle monastery, Tso Moriri lake, etc.
Is Hanle a good place for stargazing?
Yes, Hanle is popular for its starry clear skies making it the perfect spot for photography and stargazing.
Where is Hanle Valley situated?
Hanle village is located about 250 km from Leh and is famous for its beautiful landscapes, scenic beauty, and stargazing spots.