About Hanle Ladakh
Situated in a remote place, the village of Hanle is one of the most offbeat places to visit in Ladakh. Also often spelled as Hanley, Anle, or Anley, this hamlet is home to a population of around 300 people and lies on the ancient trade route between Ladakh and Tibet.
The presence of the Indian Astronomical Observatory makes this village quite famous. This observatory is the best spot in the whole country to observe the skies and indulge in stargazing as it is located 4,500 m above sea level. Hanle village is also known for the eponymous monastery among tourists, which boasts of a rich history.
If you're planning a trip to Ladakh, Hanle is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape and an unforgettable experience. It is at Hanle Ladakh, where you can enjoy stunning views of smaller mountains and hillocks with the vast expanse of arid lands. In addition to stargazing and camping under the clear skies, Hanle is also a great place for hiking, and indulging in nature photography.
Hanle Ladakh Highlights
• Enjoy exploring this offbeat village, and soak in the soothing and tranquil ambience exuding from the village
• Pay a visit to the Hanle Monastery, meditate for some time here, and take in some of the most panoramic aerial views of the entire village from here
• Take a trip to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, and spend some time learning about the sky and stargazing here. Check out the telescope here, which ranks as the third highest optical telescope in the world
• Take a tour further to the Photi La pass on a bike, from where you are guaranteed to capture mesmerising views of the entire region
How To Reach Hanle Ladakh
You can also choose to drive from Leh to Hanle. Depending upon the road and weather conditions, there are multiple routes that you can choose from. These include Leh to Hanle via Pangong Tso (176 KM) and Leh to Hanle via Chumathang (114 KM).
Best Time To Visit Hanle Ladakh
The best time to visit Hanle Ladakh is between the months of June and September. It is during this time that the weather here is pleasant, and the tourist season is at its peak. It is during this time that you can find accommodation in homestays or guest houses and thereby explore Hanle and its nearby places in a more comfortable manner.
Hanle Ladakh Other Essential Information
Tips To Visit Hanle Ladakh
1. Permits required to visit Hanle:
- In order to enter the Hanle village, you will require an Inner Line Permit from the concerned authorities
- Besides the ILP, you will also have to obtain permission for entry to the Hanle Observatory or the Indian Astronomical Observatory from authorities in Leh
2. Medical Facilities in Hanle:
- It is imperative that you carry an emergency medical kit with you, since you could suffer from altitude motion sickness, breathlessness and other issues due to the altitude
- Upon reaching the village, the only place where you can get any medical aid is at the Army establishment, along with a local pharmacy located in the village. For any major medical emergency, the nearest establishment/hospital is in Leh
3. Connectivity in Hanle:
- Mobile and internet connectivity could be an issue in Hanle Ladakh
- BSNL has the largest coverage in the region, followed by Airtel in some parts
4. ATM services near Hanle:
- There are no ATMs in Hanle Ladakh
- The nearest ATM is in Leh, located in the main market, meaning you will have to carry enough cash while visiting Hanle
Hanle Monastery
Dating back to the 17th century, the Hanle Monastery is one of the best points of interest in Hanle Ladakh. Built under the rule of the King Sengge Namgyal, the monastery is currently the abode of 10 lamas. Owing to its location on a small hilltop, the Hanle Monastery offers some of the most unprecedented views of the surrounding mountains, the village as well as the verdant valleys. It is often recommended for inclusion in a Ladakh family package for those seeking a mix of history, culture, and breathtaking vistas.
Indian Astronomical Observatory
Established in the year 2001, the Indian Astronomical Observatory is operated remotely by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bangalore. Situated at an elevation of 4,500 metres on top of Mount Saraswati, it houses the third highest optical telescope in the world, and is the best place in India to enjoy stargazing and studying the night sky. Due to its unique setting and scientific significance, it is often a highlight for travellers on a Ladakh group tour seeking both adventure and learning.
Photi La
Located at a distance of around 24 kilometres from Hanle Ladakh, Photi La is an offbeat and unexplored mountain pass. It is in close proximity to the Indo-Tibetan border, and lies at an altitude of 5,524 metres, thereby offering unprecedented views of the Hanle Valley.
Tourism Board Alliances
Hanle FAQs
Is a permit required to visit Hanle Ladakh?
Yes, you require an Inner Line Permit to visit Hanle Ladakh. Furthermore, only citizens of India are permitted entry into Hanle, which is declared off-limits for foreign nationals. The permit can be obtained from the DC office or Tourist Information Centre in Leh.
Which are the places to visit near Hanle Ladakh?
- Umling La: Also known as the highest motorable road and mountain pass in the world, Umling La is located further on the route from Photi La. Located right next to the Indo-China border, the pass is one of the best to explore on a bike ride.
- Mahe Village: A rather small and quaint village, located a few short kilometres from Hanle, Mahe Village is known for its tranquil ambience. Home to an old monastery, the village is also the abode of a mere 15 to 20 houses, making it a great place to interact with locals.
- Indian Astronomical Observatory: Located in close proximity to the Hanle Village, the Indian Astronomical Observatory is home to one of the highest optical telescopes in the world, situated at an elevation of around 4,500 metres. In addition to enjoying views of the surrounding natural landscapes, you can also indulge in stargazing at the Indian Astronomical Observatory.
Is Hanle worth visiting?
Yes, Hanle is a place definitely worth visiting. This quaint village also offers some of the best views of the surrounding landscapes of Ladakh. Furthermore, it is one of the few places in the country where you can enjoy mesmerizing views of the starry night sky almost every day.
How much time is needed to explore Hanle?
You can easily explore Hanle in 1-2 days. This includes a visit to the Hanle Monastery and the Indian Astronomical Observatory. Furthermore, exploring the other attractions here, such as the Photi La, also takes some time owing to its high altitude location.
Planning a trip to Ladakh Check out the Thrillophilia Ladakh Reviews
Is Hanle a part of any Ladakh bike trip?
Hanle is not commonly included in most standard Ladakh bike trip itineraries, as it lies in a more remote and restricted region near the Indo-China border. However, if you're planning an extended Ladakh bike trip or opting for a customized itinerary, you can definitely include Hanle. Many adventure riders exploring the Changthang region or visiting places like Tso Moriri and Umling La Pass add Hanle to their route for stargazing, scenic beauty, and offbeat experience. Do note that an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required to visit Hanle.
Can I include Hanle Monastery in my customised Ladakh 5-day trip?
Yes, you absolutely can! With a customised Ladakh 5-day trip itinerary, you can explore offbeat gems like Hanle Monastery. A typical plan includes arrival in Leh, visits to Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri, and a scenic journey to Hanle village. This monastery, located in the remote Changthang region, offers breathtaking views and rich heritage, making it a peaceful yet fascinating stop on your trip.
Can I visit Hanle Monastery during my Manali to Leh bike trip?
Yes, it is possible to visit Hanle Monastery during your Manali to Leh bike trip. However, it requires some detouring, as Hanle is located in a remote area of Ladakh. You can plan a detour via Puga Valley and head towards Hanle, which is about 115 km from Leh. The Hanle Monastery offers breathtaking views and is known for its tranquil environment and the Indian Astronomical Observatory. It's best to visit between June and September when the roads are open and conditions are favorable for biking. Make sure to plan extra time for this detour as the roads to Hanle can be rough and remote.
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