Bortle Class 1–2 sky verified — near-zero light pollution, Milky Way visible to the naked eye. Most are above 3,000 m, where atmospheric thickness drops out of the equation.
Plan around the new-moon window — mid-cycle moonlight kills the Milky Way. October–February is peak; summer monsoon clouds out most high-altitude skies.
ALSO ON NAKSHIQ
Eight more rooms in the magazine.
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Everything the guidebook won't tell you — written for India in 2026.
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NakshIQ 100
The 100 best destination-months.
India's highest-scoring places, ranked across all 12 months.
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Overhyped places with honest alternatives.
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Safety, scams, what to wear, food survival, solo female travel.