Stargazing in Ladakh: Best Spots, Timings & Guide + Exploring Changla Pass in 2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Milky Way with your naked eyes, Ladakh is where dreams turn into reality. With its high altitude, low humidity, and minimal light pollution, this Himalayan wonderland offers some of the clearest skies on Earth. Whether you’re a solo traveller, an astrophotography enthusiast, or just someone curious about the cosmos, stargazing in Ladakh is a bucket-list experience.
But your trip to Ladakh isn’t just about the stars. In the daylight, you’ll be rewarded with mind-blowing passes like Changla Pass in Ladakh, which offers breathtaking views and adventure in equal measure.
Let’s explore both the night skies and high roads of Ladakh in this complete 2025 guide.
🌠 Why Stargazing in Ladakh is So Special
Ladakh’s average altitude is over 11,000 feet, meaning you’re literally closer to the stars. The dry mountain air and lack of city lights create perfect stargazing conditions. Add a wide, open sky and nearly 300 clear nights a year, and you’ve got a natural observatory like no other.
🔭 What Can You See in Ladakh’s Night Sky?
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Milky Way Galaxy – Appears like a white ribbon across the sky
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Planets – Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus are often visible
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Meteor Showers – August’s Perseid and December’s Geminid showers are spectacular
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Constellations – Orion, Ursa Major, Cassiopeia & more
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Shooting Stars – Common on most clear nights
📅 Best Time for Stargazing in Ladakh
| Month | Sky Condition | Stargazing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May–July | Clear skies | Great time with pleasant nights |
| August | Slight monsoon | Good for meteor showers if skies are clear |
| Sept–Oct | Crystal clear | Best time for Milky Way views |
Avoid winters unless you're extremely well-prepared for sub-zero temperatures.
🗺️ Best Stargazing Spots in Ladakh
Here are some top places where stargazing feels almost surreal:
1. Hanle Village (Hanle Observatory)
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Altitude: 14,700 ft
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Perk: Home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory
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Tip: Stay at a nearby homestay for a full night sky experience
2. Pangong Tso
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Vibe: Milky Way reflecting on turquoise waters
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Best Camp Area: Spangmik village
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Good For: Romantic views, astrophotography
3. Tso Moriri Lake
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Less crowded than Pangong
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Sky here feels massive and unobstructed
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Local villagers are used to astronomy enthusiasts
4. Nubra Valley (Hunder, Diskit)
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Dark skies, great elevation
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Pair with a camel safari during the day
5. Khardung La Region
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One of the world’s highest motorable passes
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Perfect if you want a dramatic setting with a cosmic backdrop
6. Lamayuru
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Called “Moonland of Ladakh”
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Crater-like landscapes make for out-of-this-world photos
📸 Tips for Stargazing and Astrophotography
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Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode
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Use a tripod for long-exposure shots
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Set ISO to 1600–3200, shutter 15–25 seconds, and wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower)
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Download apps like Stellarium or SkyView to help identify stars
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Dress warm – even summer nights are cold
🧳 What to Pack for Stargazing in Ladakh
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Warm thermals, gloves, beanies
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Sleeping bag (if camping)
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Headlamp or red flashlight (to preserve night vision)
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Power banks
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Camera gear + memory cards
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Snacks and a flask of warm tea
🛣️ During the Day: Visit Changla Pass in Ladakh
Once you’ve soaked in the galaxy at night, get ready for one of the most scenic drives in India — the Changla Pass in Ladakh.
🏔️ About Changla Pass
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Altitude: 17,688 feet
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Claim to Fame: 3rd highest motorable pass in the world
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Location: On the road from Leh to Pangong Lake
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Distance from Leh: Approx. 75 km
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Travel Time: 2.5–3 hours
🧭 Why You Must Visit
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Breathtaking Views:
Snow-draped peaks, winding roads, prayer flags fluttering in the wind. -
Photography Paradise:
Every curve, cloud, and cliff feels cinematic. -
Adventure Drive:
Steep climbs, snow patches (even in June!), and sudden weather shifts make the ride thrilling. -
Tea at 17,000 ft:
There’s a military-run Changla Café — yes, the highest tea stall you’ll ever visit! -
Gateway to Pangong:
You’ll cross Changla if you’re heading to Pangong Tso — so plan to halt and enjoy.
⚠️ Travel Tips for Changla Pass
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Start early from Leh to avoid afternoon roadblocks or snowfall
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Avoid staying too long — high altitude may cause AMS (altitude sickness)
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Carry extra fuel if you're on a bike or self-drive trip
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Warm clothes & sunglasses are a must
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Stop by Tangtse village after the pass for a quick break
🧳 Ideal 4-Day Itinerary with Stargazing + Changla
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Leh, rest and acclimatise |
| Day 2 | Drive to Hanle or Pangong (via Changla Pass) |
| Day 3 | Stargazing night and overnight camp |
| Day 4 | Return via Nubra Valley or Tso Moriri |
❤️ Final Thoughts: Stars Above, Peaks Below
A trip to Ladakh is more than a journey; it’s an awakening. During the day, you traverse icy roads and Himalayan ridges like Changla Pass in Ladakh, where the sky touches your soul. And by night, you lie under the grand theatre of stars, in silence, watching galaxies perform just for you.
Stargazing in Ladakh isn’t just an activity — it’s therapy for a restless mind, a reminder of how small we are, and how beautiful this universe truly is.
So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and prepare for the most extraordinary travel story you’ll ever live.
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