Ladakh’s Tourism Department of UT announced that foreign tourists can stay at Hanle village overnight. Until 2023, Hanle did not allow foreigners to stay overnight or visit. Only domestic tourists were allowed to visit the high-altitude village.
This village is also home to the famed Hanle Observatory. The Wildlife Department of the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has notified the Hanle village as a Dark Sky Reserve. Located 270 km from Leh, Hanle is home to a dark sky reserve, the first location to have minimal light pollution and the high altitude makes it a perfect destination for stargazing.
Hanle Village In Ladakh
The opening of the Hanle to both domestic and international has seen vast growth via Dark Sky tourism recently and it will be attracting a lot of tourism in the region. The Tourism Department’s proposal has allowed the aforementioned development for the night stay in Hanle to foreign tourists. To promote Hanle Village as India’s and the world’s major Astro tourism destination.
The permit for the proposal was given by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 14 September 2023. Now tourists from International and domestic will be able to stay at Hanley and witness the beautiful culture of the region and natural wonders of the region. However, you need an ILP to get to Hanle.
Also Read: India’s First Cheetah Safari Opens At Kuno National Park, Here’s Your Full Booking & Travel Guide
Inner Line Permit Online 2026: Step-By-Step Guide To Ladakh Ilp Online Application
What Is An ILP?
An ILP or Inner Line Permit is an official, government-issued travel document. This travel document is compulsorily required to visit restricted areas in India, including Ladakh. It is required for safety and verification purposes to enter areas that are geopolitically and/or ecologically sensitive.
In the case of the Ladakh ILP, the travel document is delivered by the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh.
Without an ILP, you cannot access many parts of Ladakh. Here are the regions that are accessible only by obtaining an ILP beforehand:
- Khardung La Pass
- Nubra Valley
- Shyok
- Chang La Pass
- Tangtse and Pangong Tso
- Chumathang
- Tyakshi
- Chusul
- Hanle
- Digger La
- Tangyar
- Loma Bend
- Man
- Merak
- Tsaga La
- Tso Moriri
- Dha-Hanu Valley (Aryan Valley)
- Batalik
You do not need a Ladakh ILP to travel along the Leh-Manali Road and the Leh-Srinagar Road, but you’d be expected to contribute to the Ecology Contribution Fund.
Also Read: Hanle-Chumar: An All-Weather 91 Km Road In Ladakh Is Now Open To Public
Summing Up
For tourism, especially for adventure seekers the Department of Tourism will be opening Sko Valley and Martsemik. Both these places make an amazing destination for trekking. Hanle is situated in the Changthang Plateau at a remote high altitude in the region of Ladakh.
FAQs
Is An Inner Line Permit Required For Ladakh?
Yes, an Inner Line Permit is required for visiting Ladakh.
Do I Need Permission To Go To Leh?
If you’re planning to stay only in Leh and its immediate vicinity, you do not need a permit. However, if you’re visiting other areas in the Ladakh region, you’ll require a permit.
Is 3 Days Enough For Leh?
3 days are enough to explore Leh city alone; however, about 8 days are usually required to explore Ladakh in its entirety.
