India’s Hanle: How a Remote Village Became an Astro-Tourism hotspot – and Empowered its Women
Hanle, Ladakh, India – As the sun dips behind the snow-capped peaks surrounding the remote village of Hanle, a different kind of illumination begins to take hold. Here, at 4,500 meters above sea level, the night sky unfolds in a breathtaking panorama of stars, earning Hanle the distinction of being India’s first dark sky reserve in 2022. But this isn’t just about pristine views of the cosmos; it’s a story of community empowerment, sustainable tourism, and a renewed connection to heritage.
[Image of the spectacular night sky above the Indian Astronomical Observatory. Caption: The spectacular night sky above the Indian Astronomical Observatory attracts thousands of astro-tourists every year to experience the extreme darkness and look at the stars. Photograph: Dorje Angchuk]
For decades, Hanle was a sparsely populated region, home to nomadic communities. The installation of the 2-meter Himalayan Chandra telescope in 2000 by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, began to change that, transforming the area into a world-class astronomy hub. Today, three more telescopes dot the landscape, attracting researchers and, increasingly, astro-tourists eager to experience the unparalleled darkness.
Though, officials recognized that simply having a dark sky reserve wasn’t enough. A crucial element was involving the local community in its preservation and ensuring they benefited from the influx of visitors. The solution? Training villagers as “astronomy ambassadors.”
“They are the interlocutors between the sky and the tourists,” explains Niruj Mohan Ramanujam,outreach head at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. And remarkably, the majority of these ambassadors are women.
Twenty-five villagers, 18 of them women, have been trained to guide visitors through the constellations, share their knowlege of the night sky, and offer a unique cultural outlook. For a modest fee of around £1.70 per person, these ambassadors lead stargazing tours and, often, host guests in their homes.
[Image of a villager pointing out constellations. Caption unavailable]
“This program has transformed our lives,” says Kesang Dorjey,an astronomy ambassador. “it provides respectful, decent income while reconnecting us with our heritage.” The initiative not only provides a sustainable livelihood but also encourages the community to actively protect the conditions essential for astronomical observation – namely, minimizing light pollution.
the Hanle dark sky reserve is a shining example of how scientific advancement and community-based tourism can coexist, creating a brighter future for both the stars above and the people below. It’s a testament to the power of looking up, and the even greater power of looking out for one another.
Keywords: India, Ladakh, Hanle, Dark Sky Reserve, Astro-tourism, Astronomy, Tourism, Women Empowerment, sustainable Tourism, Indian Astronomical Observatory, Himalayan Chandra Telescope, light Pollution, Community-Based Tourism.
