Under Ladakh's Starry Skies, Women Astro-Ambassadors Find New Hope

As dusk falls over Hanle, a glittering canopy of stars embraces the cold desert landscape of eastern Ladakh. Situated at an altitude of 4,500 metres, Hanle is home to India's first Dark Sky Reserve. Scores of stargazers flock here to experience the cosmos, with the night sky appearing almost within reach.Artificial lighting is strictly regulated to prevent light pollution. In the deep darkness, all eyes turn skyward. Nature enthusiasts are introduced to the art of stargazing, and conversations revolve around celestial wonders such as the Milky Way, Jupiter, Andromeda and Neptune.The traditional nomadic herders of Hanle have transformed into guides between the sky and the earth.