Seeing the Northern Lights is a dream for many people. Thanks to technology, we can now watch this magical phenomenon on our phones from the comfort of our homes. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim recently shared a video of the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, as seen from space. The footage, filmed on September 8, 2025, has inspired many travellers to add this captivating sight to their bucket lists. To help, we have put together a simple guide to make planning your trip easier.
Here are 5 of the most promising destinations for travellers from India seeking to witness the magical Aurora Borealis
Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, Ladakh
India’s first Dark Sky Reserve, Hanle, offers an unparalleled high-altitude, dry, and pollution-free atmosphere, making it a haven for stargazers. Its proximity to the geomagnetic latitude, combined with the excellent sky conditions, provides the best—albeit still very remote—chance of capturing auroral activity on the northern horizon during a severe geomagnetic storm.
Best time to visit: October to March for the clearest, darkest winter skies.
Travel tip: Visit the Indian Astronomical Observatory here. Even if you don’t see the aurora, the Milky Way views are incredible.
Dark Sky Reserve (Photo: Facebook/Discovery Channel India)
Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Nubra Valley sits over 10,000 feet high and has very clear night skies. It’s remote and has less light pollution than Leh, so if a rare aurora reaches lower latitudes during an intense solar storm, you have a slightly better chance of seeing or photographing it here.
Best time to visit: Late September to February.
To see a guaranteed, vivid display like the one from space, travellers from India should visit the traditional ‘auroral oval’ destinations. These places are renowned worldwide as the premier spots to view the Northern Lights.
Tromso, Norway
Located well within the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is often called the “Gateway to the Arctic” and has one of the highest chances for frequent aurora sightings. The city is easily accessible with good infrastructure for tourism.
Best time to visit: Mid-September to mid-April, especially between 10 PM and 2 AM local time.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland offers a perfect mix of stunning scenery (geysers, volcanoes, hot springs) and easy access to dark skies. While Reykjavík is a convenient base, the best views are often found just outside the city, in locations like the Thingvellir National Park.
Best time to visit: September to April. Viewing conditions are weather-dependent.
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Murmansk, Russia
As the largest city north of the Arctic Circle, Murmansk is a cost-effective option for travelers from India. It is situated directly under the auroral oval, offering a very high probability of seeing the lights.
Best time to visit: Mid-September to mid-April, with the period around local midnight being optimal.
