Milky Way photography Ladakh

If you are interested in shooting the Milky Way in Ladakh this blog will definitely help you.

 

 

1. Pangong Lake

How to Reach: Pangong Lake is around 225 km from Leh and takes about 5–6 hours by road. The most popular route is via Chang La pass. It’s advisable to hire a sturdy vehicle like a 4x4, and carry essentials due to the remote terrain.

Other Details: Situated at an altitude of about 13,860 ft, Pangong is known for its surreal blue waters that stretch across India and into China. Accommodation ranges from tented camps to eco-resorts near Spangmik and Man.

Astrophotography at Pangong: The high altitude, dry air, and negligible light pollution make Pangong a dream for night sky photography. The Milky Way often arcs dramatically above the lake, and clear reflections on the water add a unique dimension. The best time to shoot is between April to September when skies are clearer. Long exposures of the starry sky mirrored in Pangong’s still waters can be truly mesmerizing.

 

 

2. Tso Moriri

How to Reach: Located around 220 km southeast of Leh, the lake can be accessed via Chumathang or through the More plains if coming from Manali. The journey typically takes 7–8 hours.

Other Details: Tso Moriri sits at an altitude of 14,836 ft and is part of the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. The village of Karzok nearby offers simple accommodations and homestays.

Astrophotography at Tso Moriri: Far from any major settlements, Tso Moriri offers one of the darkest skies in Ladakh. The dramatic landscape — snow-capped peaks, the expansive lake, and rugged valleys — creates an incredible foreground for night sky compositions. Shooting here feels like photographing in another world. Do prepare for colder nights even in summer.

 

 

3. Nubra Valley

How to Reach: Nubra is about 125 km from Leh via Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. It takes around 5 hours depending on road and weather conditions.

Other Details: Nubra is a unique high-altitude desert with sand dunes, double-humped Bactrian camels, and green oases. Diskit and Hunder are popular villages with stay options.

Astrophotography in Nubra: The blend of desert dunes and clear skies makes Nubra a compelling spot for night photography. The sand patterns can serve as leading lines to the stars, and the open desert allows wide views of constellations and meteor showers. Shooting near Diskit Monastery with its massive Buddha statue under the Milky Way is a bucket-list frame.

 

Turtuk

 

4. Turtuk

How to Reach: Turtuk is about 85 km further from Hunder in Nubra Valley and takes about 3 hours by road. It lies close to the Indo-Pak border.

Other Details: This is one of the northernmost villages in India, opened to tourists only in 2010. It has a unique Balti culture, apricot orchards, and stone houses.

Astrophotography in Turtuk: Due to its remoteness, Turtuk offers pristine skies free of pollution and crowds. The rustic charm of the village, with its mud homes and surrounding peaks, provides a textured foreground. You can shoot star trails with the silhouette of the Karakoram in the backdrop or capture the Milky Way weaving over the valley.

 

 

5. Likir

How to Reach: Likir is located around 52 km from Leh and can be visited as a half-day or full-day trip. The drive is scenic and takes around 1.5 hours.

Other Details: Known for the 11th-century Likir Monastery, the village is peaceful and offers panoramic views of the Indus Valley. A few homestays are available.

Astrophotography in Likir: With its elevation and isolation, Likir is ideal for capturing stars over ancient Buddhist architecture. The golden statue of Maitreya Buddha at the monastery is an incredible subject when framed with the starry sky behind it. The location works especially well for night-time time-lapses.

 

 

6. Darcha

How to Reach: Darcha lies on the Manali-Leh highway, around 24 km north of Keylong. It's often used as a starting point for treks like the Zanskar trek. From Leh, it's about 330 km (via Sarchu) and best visited when approaching from Manali.

Other Details: It’s a remote hamlet with limited accommodations, primarily used by trekkers. Being less touristy, it retains a raw charm.

Astrophotography in Darcha: The rugged terrain, barren landscapes, and sparse habitation make Darcha an unspoiled spot for stargazing. Its geographical isolation ensures minimal light pollution. Night photography here can include jagged peaks and shimmering river valleys under the stars — ideal for dramatic wide-angle compositions.

 

 

7. Phyang

How to Reach: Just 19 km from Leh, Phyang is easily accessible via a short drive westward.

Other Details: Phyang Monastery is a major attraction and hosts the annual Phyang Tsedup festival. The village has a few traditional Ladakhi homestays.

Astrophotography in Phyang: Due to its proximity to Leh yet minimal urban lighting, Phyang is a great “quick escape” for night sky shots. The monastery and surrounding ridges are fantastic for foregrounds. Photographers often shoot time-lapses or star trails here due to the relatively easy access and safety.

See my pictures of Milky Way in better resolution here.

Tips for photographers

Other helpful links reated to Photography in Ladakh -

Travelling to Ladakh Photography Tips 

 

Astrophotography Guide India

For the following topics, please read this blog below - 

Camera Settings for Stunning Milky Way Shots
Composition Techniques for Astrophotography
Post-Processing Tips for Milky Way Images
Safety Tips for Night Photography in Remote Areas

Complete Guide to Astrophotography in India

 

Thanksgiving

Thanks to all the participants who joined in my Photography Tours.

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