Astrophotographer Journeys to the India-Nepal Frontier to Capture Breathtaking Night Sky Perspectives

### Singalila National Park: An Enchanting Haven for Nature and Night Sky Enthusiasts

Situated in the Eastern Himalayas at an elevation surpassing 7,000 feet above sea level, Singalila National Park has been a longstanding attraction for nature aficionados, hikers, and shutterbugs. Renowned for its untouched vistas, stunning panoramas of Himalayan summits such as Kangchenjunga, and rich flora and fauna, this jewel of Eastern India provides an unparalleled experience for those seeking refuge in nature. In recent times, however, the park has gained acclaim as a leading hotspot for astrophotographers due to its exceptionally dark skies classified as Bortle 2—a rarity amid the growing concern of light pollution.

One astrophotographer, Soumyadeep Mukherjee, recently garnered international attention for his visit to the park, where he aimed to capture not only the Milky Way but also the rare comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Here’s an exclusive insight into his adventure, his breathtaking images, and his reflections on safeguarding this astral sanctuary for generations to come.

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### A Cosmic Wonderland

For Mukherjee, Singalila National Park offered an exceptional chance to portray a trifecta of astral marvels: the Milky Way, winter constellations, and comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. “With the Milky Way, the comet, and the winter constellations all present during this season, I seized the opportunity to document them together,” he stated. The unblemished, dark sky—devoid of the light pollution that afflicts urban locales—allowed Mukherjee to forge stunning, high-quality images that would be impossible to achieve elsewhere.

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### A Unique Perspective on Astrophotography

Although Singalila National Park is familiar to nightscape photographers, Mukherjee aimed to provide a novel viewpoint. “Having seen numerous nightscape images from the area, I had certain expectations,” he remarked. “Yet, as night descends, known landscapes take on a whole new form.” To capture the enchanting beauty of the night, Mukherjee explored off-the-beaten-path locations, hiking to less-frequented areas. He discovered that even slight detours of 100-200 meters from mainstream spots revealed entirely different scenes—an invitation for creativity and experimentation in his compositions.

One of the highlight moments of his trip was photographing the comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. After several unsuccessful attempts to capture it from his light-polluted hometown, the joy of finally seeing the comet through his lens was immense. “When I finally managed to photograph it, my happiness knew no bounds,” he recalled. “Even if I hadn’t taken another shot throughout the entire journey, that moment alone made everything worthwhile.”

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### The Alluring Combination of Natural Splendor and Approachability

One of the standout features of Singalila National Park is its easy accessibility. Whether you’re an amateur photographer inspired by the night sky or a seasoned astrophotographer seeking challenging nightscapes, the park embraces all. Mukherjee delighted in sharing his enthusiasm with fellow visitors during his journey, even enlightening some inquisitive tourists about the wonders of astrophotography. He observed, “It’s always gratifying to share my passion with others.”

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### Conservation Challenges: Safeguarding Singalila’s Dark Skies

Despite its current reputation as a dark-sky sanctuary, Mukherjee raised alarms about the park’s future. The escalating popularity of Singalila National Park inevitably draws more tourists, leading to the development of additional hotels and homestays, which can increase light pollution. “I realize that additional tourists typically accompany the growth of accommodations,” Mukherjee noted, “but for an astrophotographer, it’s a disheartening prospect.”

Instead of advocating for limiting access, Mukherjee urged for conservation measures to maintain the sky’s darkness. “I believe the local authorities should undertake essential actions to preserve the dark sky while encouraging more visitors to explore this area,” he insisted. Initiatives such as enforcing light pollution regulations, fostering eco-friendly tourism, and educating guests on the significance of dark skies could help achieve a harmonious balance.

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### Why Singalila National Park Should Be on Your Bucket List

Whether you’re passionate about mountains, an enthusiastic trekker, or an aspiring astrophotographer, Singalila National Park presents something remarkable for everyone. Beyond stargazing, the park is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, featuring the elusive red panda, rhododendron woodlands, and the renowned Sandakphu trek, the highest point in West Bengal. As an added bonus, the sweeping views of four out of the five tallest peaks in the world—including Everest, Kangchenjunga, and Lhotse—render it a visual marvel unparalleled in its beauty.

For budding astrophotographers, the park serves as a dream backdrop where celestial phenomena converge with awe-inspiring terrestrial landscapes. It’s no surprise that Mukherjee and