Where Earth Meets the Sky – Exploring Hanle and Umling La

Hanle is a remote village in Ladakh, located about 255 km southeast of Leh, near the India-China border. Situated at an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 ft)

Hanle is famous for the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), one of the world’s highest observatories. The site is ideal for stargazing and astronomical research, thanks to its clear skies, minimal light pollution, and high altitude.

Umling La situated at an altitude of 19024  feet on the route from Hanle to Chumar, near the India-China border is the World's highest Motorable Road

Exploring Hanle and driving to Umling La is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Every Indian can take pride in the fact that this world’s highest motorable road belongs to India, 

Hanle offers numerous several homestays run by local families provide a traditional Ladakhi experience.

Simple guesthouses provide modest accommodation with essential amenities.deal for travelers who want comfort without compromising proximity to nature and observatory sites.

SG Adventures recommends The HOR Cottage Hanle for travelers seeking a comfortable stay with top-notch hospitality. Located away from crowds, it ensures peace, serenity, and uninterrupted views of the night sky. Guests can enjoy a perfect stargazing experience, including sightings of the Milky Way Galaxy, making it an ideal base for astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers exploring Hanle.

• Distance: ~300 km
• Travel Time: 10–12 hours (including stops)
• Route Type: Rugged, high-altitude roads with scenic and off-road stretches

Pangong / Merak to Hanle

• Distance: ~150 km, 5–6 hours
• Terrain: High-altitude desert, rugged roads, off-road stretches
• Road passes through Chushul, Tangtse, and Tso Kar, eventually reaching Hanle Village

• May to September – Roads are open and the weather is comfortable.

• It is advisable to plan your visit to Hanle during a New Moon or around it to experience the best stargazing and a clear view of the Milky Way Galaxy. As the moon approaches Full Moon, the brightness of moonlight reduces the visibility of the Milky Way and other celestial objects, making it less ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.

Acclimatization is essential before heading to Hanle, which is situated at an altitude of 14,764 feet (4,500 meters). It is advisable to spend at least 2 nights in Leh with proper medical guidance and intake of Diamox (acetazolamide), as prescribed by a physician. Consumption of alcohol is strongly discouraged at high altitudes, as it can lead to serious health issues.

For a complete experience, a 2-night stay in Hanle is recommended. This allows travelers to fully enjoy the Milky Way Galaxy, explore Umling La Pass, and tackle the challenging high-altitude roads with proper rest before returning to Leh or Puga.