The sad part is that most of us live in cities where the glow of streetlights and pollution drowns out the stars. But if you are willing to travel to darker
and quieter corners of the world, then you will see the night sky like you have never imagined. Here is a list of the best places around the world to catch the Milky Way in all its glory and beauty.
Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Hawaii is not just about beaches and volcanoes; head up to Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, and you will see one of the clearest skies on the planet. The altitude and the lack of light pollution make it one of the ultimate stargazing spots, which will definitely leave you starstruck.
Atacama Desert, Chile
Dry, high, and far from all these big cities, the Atacama Desert feels like another planet. This is why astronomers have set up some of the world’s most powerful and advanced telescopes here. For travellers and enthusiasts, the desert offers a breathtaking view of the Milky Way cutting across the vast sky.
Ladakh, India
If you want starry skies without leaving India, then Ladakh is your place! Between Pangong Lake and Hanle, which is the home to India’s high-altitude observatory, the Milky Way lights up the night sky like a beautiful cosmic painting. The silence of the mountains and the stunning views make it even more surreal.
Namib Desert, Namibia
Picture endless dunes under a night sky bursting with stars. The Namib Desert in Namibia is one of the oldest deserts in the world, and it is a surreal place to watch the Milky Way. With almost zero light pollution, this place feels like the stars are close enough for you to reach up and touch.
Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal
If you are looking for an adventure, then the Himalayas are not just about trekking; they are also about some of the clearest night skies. Around Sagarmatha, the Milky Way is glistening in the night sky with snow-covered peaks all around.
Uluru, Australia
The Australian Outback is already a magical place during the day, but at night? Uluru becomes a backdrop to a sky absolutely packed with twinkling stars and glittering views. The Milky Way shines the brightest here, away from all the city lights, with a raw, untouched beauty.