Astro Photography Tours - Experience the Cosmos at Hanle
Discover the universe at Hanle, India's first and only Dark Sky Sanctuary. Located at 14,500 ft in Ladakh, Hanle offers the clearest, darkest skies perfect for astrophotography and stargazing.
Our curated astro photography tours are designed for both beginners and experienced photographers. Experience the Milky Way like never before, capture stunning star trails, and learn from expert astrophotographers in this unique celestial paradise.
Whether you're a photography enthusiast wanting to capture the cosmos or simply a stargazer seeking the perfect night sky, our tours offer an unforgettable experience under the stars.
Why Choose Our Astro Tours
Dark Sky Sanctuary
Hanle is India's only designated Dark Sky Sanctuary with Bortle Scale 1 skies - perfect for astrophotography
Expert Guidance
Learn from professional astrophotographers with years of experience in night sky photography
Professional Equipment
Access to high-end telescopes, star trackers, and specialized astro photography equipment
High-Altitude Comfort
Proper acclimatization, oxygen support, and comfortable stays at 14,500 ft altitude
Small Group Sizes
Limited to 8 participants per tour for personalized attention and better photography opportunities
Moon Phase Planning
Tours scheduled around new moon phases for optimal dark sky viewing conditions
Featured Tour: 4 Day Astro Photography Experience
Milky Way photography, star trail creation, telescope viewing of planets and deep sky objects, astro workshops, and post-processing sessions.
Tour Highlights
Milky Way Photography
Capture the galactic core in all its glory with expert guidance
Star Trail Creation
Learn to create stunning circular star trail images
Telescope Viewing
Observe planets, nebulae, and galaxies through professional telescopes
Astro Workshops
Learn night sky photography techniques and post-processing
Hanle Observatory Visit
Visit the Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle
Starlit Camping
Experience camping under the clearest night skies
Provided Photography Equipment
Telescopes
Type: 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain
Features: Computerized tracking
Best For: Planetary and deep sky viewing
Star Trackers
Type: Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer
Features: Precise tracking for long exposures
Best For: Milky Way photography
Camera Lenses
Wide Angle: 14mm f/2.8
Fast Lenses: 24mm f/1.4, 35mm f/1.8
Best For: Night sky landscapes
Tripods
Type: Heavy-duty carbon fiber
Features: Stable in windy conditions
Best For: Long exposure stability
Intervalometers
Type: Wireless remote triggers
Features: Programmable timelapse
Best For: Star trail sequences
Filters
Type: Light pollution & star reduction
Features: Enhance celestial objects
Best For: Deep sky photography
4 Day Astro Photography Tour - Detailed Itinerary
- Arrival at Leh Airport (IXL) - 11,500 ft altitude
- Transfer to hotel and check-in formalities
- Complete rest for acclimatization to high altitude
- Evening orientation session about astro photography tour
- Introduction to equipment and camera settings for night photography
- Basic astrophotography workshop for beginners
- Night: Practice session with constellation identification
- Overnight stay in Leh with oxygen support available
Altitude: 11,500 ft | Accommodation: Hotel in Leh
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Depart for Hanle (14,500 ft) via scenic route
- Stop at Indus River viewpoint for landscape photography
- Visit Hanle Monastery - 17th century Buddhist monastery
- Check into Hanle guesthouse/homestay
- Evening sunset photography session at strategic viewpoint
- Dinner followed by equipment setup briefing
- Night: First astro photography session - Milky Way basics
- Overnight stay in Hanle
Travel Distance: 250 km | Altitude: 14,500 ft
- Morning: Post-processing workshop of previous night's images
- Visit to Indian Astronomical Observatory (exterior viewing)
- Lunch at Hanle guesthouse
- Afternoon: Advanced astrophotography techniques workshop
- Learn star trail photography and stacking techniques
- Equipment preparation for night session
- Sunset: Golden hour landscape photography
- Night: Advanced astro session - deep sky objects through telescopes
- Overnight stay in Hanle
Focus: Advanced Techniques | Altitude: 14,500 ft
- Early morning pre-dawn photography session
- Capture planets and morning constellations
- Breakfast at Hanle
- Final image review and post-processing session
- Depart for Leh after lunch
- Stop at picturesque locations for landscape photography
- Arrive in Leh and check into hotel
- Farewell dinner and certificate distribution
- Overnight stay in Leh or transfer to airport for departure
Travel Distance: 250 km | Accommodation: Hotel in Leh
Tour Inclusions
What's Included
- All accommodation (hotels & guesthouses)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Transportation Leh-Hanle-Leh
- Professional astrophotography guide
- Telescope viewing sessions
- Astro photography workshops
- Use of star trackers and tripods
- Inner Line Permits for Hanle
- Medical oxygen support
- Post-processing guidance
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from Leh
- Personal photography equipment
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides and staff
- Travel insurance
- 5% GST
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Best Time for Astro Photography
March to October (New Moon Periods)
- March-May: Clear skies, comfortable temperatures
- June-August: Milky Way core visible all night
- September-October: Best weather conditions
- Note: Tours scheduled around new moon phases
Ideal conditions: Clear skies, no moon, low humidity
Ideal For
- Photography enthusiasts and hobbyists
- Astronomy and stargazing lovers
- Nature and landscape photographers
- Couples seeking unique experiences
- Solo travelers and small groups
- Students of photography and astronomy
- Professional photographers
- Bucket-list adventure seekers
No prior astro photography experience required
Frequently Asked Questions
No, beginners are welcome! We provide comprehensive workshops covering basic to advanced techniques. Our guides will help you set up your camera, teach you the necessary settings, and guide you through the entire process. For those with experience, we offer advanced techniques and personalized guidance.
Essential: DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode capability. Recommended: Wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster), sturdy tripod, extra batteries, memory cards. Optional: Intervalometer, lens warmer. We provide star trackers, telescopes, and other specialized equipment. If you don't have equipment, we can provide basic cameras for use.
Night temperatures at Hanle (14,500 ft) can drop to -5°C to -10°C even in summer. We provide thermal clothing recommendations and have heated spaces for breaks. Proper layering is essential - we'll guide you on what to bring. Our night sessions include warm drinks and heated shelters for regular warming breaks.
We monitor weather forecasts closely and have backup plans. Cloudy nights are used for indoor workshops, post-processing sessions, and equipment tutorials. If conditions improve, we'll have observation sessions. We also have planetarium software for virtual stargazing. Rarely, if weather severely affects the experience, we may reschedule sessions.
Yes, but limited. Our accommodation has generator backup for essential lighting and charging. We recommend bringing power banks for camera batteries. Charging stations are available during specific hours. For camera gear, we suggest bringing enough batteries for 2-3 nights of shooting. We also provide battery warmers for cold conditions.
We include proper acclimatization in Leh before proceeding to Hanle. Our itinerary allows gradual ascent, we provide medical oxygen, conduct health checks, and have trained staff. Participants with pre-existing conditions should consult doctors. We maintain emergency evacuation plans and have satellite communication for emergencies.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellation Charges
| Cancellation Period | Cancellation Charges | Refund Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days or more before tour start date | 15% of total package cost | 85% refund |
| 15 to 29 days before tour start date | 30% of total package cost | 70% refund |
| 7 to 14 days before tour start date | 50% of total package cost | 50% refund |
| 3 to 6 days before tour start date | 75% of total package cost | 25% refund |
| Less than 72 hours before tour start date | 100% of total package cost | No refund |
| No show at tour start | 100% of total package cost | No refund |
Weather & Astronomical Conditions
- Tour dates are scheduled around new moon phases for optimal viewing
- In case of poor weather, alternative indoor sessions are conducted
- No refunds for poor astronomical seeing conditions
- Major weather disruptions may lead to rescheduling
Booking Confirmation Policy
All bookings are confirmed only after receipt of 30% advance payment. Full payment must be made at least 15 days before the tour start date. Bookings made within 15 days of tour start require full payment at the time of booking.
Essential Gear Checklist
Photography Gear
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode
- Wide-angle lens (24mm or wider, f/2.8 or faster)
- Sturdy tripod (essential for long exposures)
- Extra camera batteries (3-4 recommended)
- Memory cards (64GB+ recommended)
- Lens cleaning kit
- Intervalometer (optional but useful)
Clothing & Personal
- Thermal inner wear (multiple layers)
- Down jacket or heavy fleece
- Windproof and waterproof outer shell
- Thermal gloves (touchscreen compatible)
- Warm hat and neck warmer
- Woolen socks (multiple pairs)
- Sturdy waterproof boots
Documents & Electronics
- Valid ID proof
- Medical insurance documents
- Power banks (minimum 20,000mAh)
- Headlamp with red light mode
- Extra batteries for all electronics
- Laptop for post-processing (optional)
- Cash (ATMs not available in Hanle)
Health & Miscellaneous
- Personal medications
- High-altitude medication (consult doctor)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Reusable water bottle (2L)
- Energy bars and snacks
- Hand and foot warmers
Participant Testimonials
Hanle Dark Sky Sanctuary - India's Premier Astro Destination
Hanle, located in Ladakh at 14,500 feet, is India's first and only designated Dark Sky Sanctuary. This unique status makes it the perfect destination for astrophotography and stargazing. Here's why our astro photography tours are exceptional:
Unmatched Sky Quality
Hanle boasts Bortle Scale 1 skies - the darkest possible rating. With virtually no light pollution, artificial illumination, or atmospheric interference, you can see stars down to magnitude +7 with the naked eye. The Milky Way is visible in stunning detail, and astronomical objects shine with unprecedented clarity.
Professional Guidance
Our tours are led by experienced astrophotographers who understand both the technical aspects of night photography and the astronomical phenomena you'll witness. We provide hands-on guidance from equipment setup to final image processing, ensuring you capture the best possible images.
Specialized Equipment Access
We provide access to professional-grade equipment including telescopes with tracking mounts, star trackers for long-exposure photography, and high-quality camera lenses. This allows participants to achieve results typically requiring significant investment in equipment.
Comprehensive Learning Experience
From basic camera settings for beginners to advanced stacking and processing techniques for experienced photographers, our workshops cover the full spectrum of astrophotography. We also include astronomy education about the objects you're photographing.
Safety and Comfort at Altitude
We prioritize your well-being at high altitude with proper acclimatization schedules, medical oxygen support, comfortable accommodations, and heated spaces during night sessions. Our team is trained in high-altitude first aid and emergency procedures.
Starting From
₹25,000
Per Person (Shared Room)
Package Details
- Double Occupancy ₹25,000
- Single Supplement ₹32,000
- Student Discount -15%
+5% GST Applicable
Equipment Rental Options
- DSLR Camera Rental +₹2,000
- Star Tracker Rental +₹1,500
- Tripod Rental +₹500
Limited to 8 participants per tour
Important Notes
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Medical fitness certificate required
- 30% advance to confirm booking
- Limited to 8 participants per tour
- Tours scheduled around new moon
- Travel insurance recommended