Ladakh hosted its first Astro Tourism Festival in Leh, aimed at promoting scientific curiosity and positioning the Union Territory as a global destination for stargazing and astro-tourism.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Event Name | Ladakh Astro Tourism Festival |
| Location | Leh, UT Ladakh |
| Duration | Two days |
| Organised by | Dept. of Tourism, UT Ladakh in collaboration with Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru |
| Key Partner Institutes | ISRO, Kashmir University, Ladakh University |
| Notable Sites | Leh Campus, Hanle Dark Sky Reserve |
Core Activities of the Festival
- Night Sky Observations using telescopes (constellations, planets, deep-sky objects)
- Public talk on “Moon – An Enigma and India’s Lunar Missions”
- Expert lectures by astrophysicists from ISRO, IIA, and Kashmir University
- Participation from students, scientists, and local officials
- Venue activities at Leh and Hanle (Dark Sky Reserve)
Why Ladakh for Astro-Tourism?
| Advantage | Details |
| High Altitude | Reduces atmospheric interference for stargazing |
| Dry Climate | Ensures clear skies and minimal rainfall |
| Low Light Pollution | Ideal for dark-sky observation of celestial bodies |
| Hanle Dark Sky Reserve | India’s first, declared in 2022 (22-km radius) |
| Astro Infrastructure | Includes a gamma ray telescope, mini planetarium, and Astro Globe (foundation laid in 2024–25 budget) |
Strategic and Scientific Significance
- Leverages Ladakh’s natural geography for astro-tourism and science education
- Promotes STEM engagement and awareness of India’s space missions
- Encourages community participation with local villagers trained in telescope handling and hospitality services
- Supports sustainable tourism with ecological sensitisation in fragile areas like Hanle
- Plans to institutionalise the festival annually (summers in Leh; winters in Hanle as a ‘Star Party’)
- Strengthens India’s efforts in scientific outreach and innovation-based tourism
- Aligns with Digital India and Viksit Bharat 2047 goals
- Encourages science literacy and public engagement with astronomy
- Adds to India’s unique tourism identity in the Global South
Related Developments
- Hanle Observatory: Established for astronomical research; pivotal in the region’s space science initiatives
- Dark Sky Reserve (2022): Promotes low-light development and astronomy-based tourism
- Gamma Ray Telescope: Commissioned recently in Hanle
- Upcoming Facilities: Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe (announced by Finance Minister)