Things to do nearby Hanle
Soak yourself into experiences and memories nearby Aurora Cabin
Hanle Dark Sky Sanctuary
Hanle Dark Sky Sanctuary (HDSS), located in Ladakh's Hanle Valley at 4,270m, is India's first and only dark sky reserve, established in 2022. This high-altitude astronomical paradise offers unpolluted, crystal-clear night skies with near-zero light pollution, making it one of the world’s best stargazing sites.
Hanle Monastery
Hanle Monastery (est. 17th century) is a Drukpa Kagyu Buddhist monastery in Ladakh's remote Hanle Valley, at 4,270m altitude. It houses ancient Tibetan scriptures and thangkas. The site was chosen for India's first dark-sky reserve (Hanle Dark Sky Reserve) due to its pristine skies, offering unmatched stargazing alongside panoramic Himalayan views.
Drive to Umlingla
From Aurora Cabin, conquer Umling La (19,024ft) - the world's highest motorable pass. This 6-8hr Himalayan adventure offers heart-pounding switchbacks, nomadic herders, and unreal Tibetan Plateau vistas. At the summit, thin air and endless peaks create a surreal, silent majesty. Return through golden Changthang light, spotting wild kiang. A true communion with raw nature.
Bird Watching & Wildlife
Hanle's high-altitude wilderness is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Spot endangered black-necked cranes in marshes, majestic golden eagles soaring over valleys, and herds of Tibetan wild ass (kiang) galloping across the changthang. The area's unique ecosystem also supports snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and migratory waterfowl around pristine lakes, offering unforgettable sightings in this remote Himalayan sanctuary.
Nomadic Lifestyle
In Hanle, you'll witness the ancient Changpa nomadic lifestyle, Herders guiding flocks of pashmina goats across high-altitude grasslands, their traditional yak-hair tents (rebo) dotting the starkly beautiful Changthang. Witness their daily rhythms: milking dri (female yaks), crafting wool on wooden spindles, and sharing butter tea around dung-fueled stoves under star-filled skies a timeless existence harmonized with Ladakh's extreme wilderness.