High in the Himalayan peaks of India's Ladakh region, a remote Himalayan village is transforming into a hub for stargazing enthusiasts. At an elevation of 4,500 metres above sea level, the locality of Hanle experiences frigid evening temperatures and biting winds. Despite the harsh weather, visitors routinely gather outdoors after dinner to observe the night sky.

The area is internationally recognized for its pristine viewing conditions. Thanks to its high altitude, dry atmospheric conditions, and an absence of artificial light pollution, the location provides clear views of the cosmos on approximately 260 nights annually. These characteristics led to the establishment of the Indian Astronomical Observatory, managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, positioning the settlement as a prominent hub for scientific research.

In 2022, the region achieved official recognition as India's first Dark Sky Reserve. This designation protects the area from light pollution and has driven a massive surge in travel interest. Government data indicates that annual visitor volumes escalated from roughly 3,000 arrivals five years prior to nearly 30,000 visitors during the 2024-25 period.

This influx of travellers has created fresh economic opportunities for local residents. To support the growing tourism sector, regional authorities and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics organized a specialized training program in 2022. Twenty-four local youths participated in the fifteen-day course, learning how to locate celestial bodies, handle optical equipment, and capture photographs of the Milky Way using mobile devices.

Among the graduates are four local women in their late twenties: Palzes Angmo, Tsering Dolker, Tsering Yangdol, and Padma Chamchot. Daytime routines for these women involve managing family-run homestays by cooking meals, maintaining guest rooms, and assisting travellers. Once night falls, their responsibilities shift to operating telescopes and leading outdoor astronomy tours.

Initially, the women felt intimidated by the sensitive scientific instruments, fearing they might cause damage. Through repeated practice, they mastered the machinery and built substantial professional confidence. Their evening shifts typically begin at 9 pm as they align equipment to showcase planets, lunar craters, and prominent stars.

Around 11 pm each night, the community implements a lights-out policy, plunging the settlement into total darkness. This initiative allows visitors to witness the brilliant band of the Milky Way galaxy and capture long-exposure photographs. The guides assist travellers by adjusting camera settings and framing shots, while also documenting their own observations to share on social media.

This emerging niche of astronomy tourism has brought steady income and elevated social standing to these women within their community. What was once considered an ordinary part of the local landscape has become a valuable resource. Through their expertise, these guides are redefining their roles while sharing the wonders of the high-altitude firmament with the world.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.