Hemis National Park is one of the largest national parks not only in India but in fact the whole of South Asia. Covering an area of 600 sq km in Ladakh, Jammu Kashmir, the national park includes Markha and Rumbak catchment areas and part of the Zanskar mountains. A high altitude protected area, it is the home of its most famous denizen – the snow leopard. The only national park north of the Himalayas, the topography of the national park includes mountains regions and high altitude desert. The climate here varies between sub arctic to arctic.
The 400-year-old Hemis Monastery is a popular tourist destination and the Hemis Festival attracts a lot of visitors from India and overseas.
Wildlife attractions
There are many endangered species of mammals that can be found in this national park that lies 3000 metres above sea level. Topping the list are the snow leopards (Panthera uncia), which are mostly found in the Rumbak catchment area. The other animals are ibex, Shapu (ladhaki urial), bharal, wolf, argali, red fox, Himalayan marmot, mountain weasel, Himalayan snowcock, Himalayan mouse hare, Eurasian brown bear, etc. The national park is also a haven for bird watchers like the Golden Eagle, the Lammergeier vulture, and the Himalayan Griffon vulture. Many bird species here cannot be found anywhere else in India. Streaked Rosefinch, Tibetan Snowfinch, Himalayan Snowcock, Fork-tailed Swift are to name a few.
Permits: Permit is needed from the chief wildlife warden before entering the park.
When to visit: The best time to visit is from mid-June to mid-October. Late winters are the perfect time to catch a glimpse of the snow leopard.
Accommodation: No hotels are available inside the park, however homestay facilities are available in the six villages that fall within the precincts of the park: Rumbak, Kaya, Sku, Shingo, Urutse and Chilling. This apart, the Hemis Monastery also gives out rooms to tourists.
How to reach:
Air: Leh airport is the nearest. There are flights from Delhi, Srinagar and Chandigarh.
Rail: Jammu is the nearest railhead.
Road: The city of Leh is just 10 km away from the park. Leh-Manali Highway, and National Highway 1D (from Srinagar via Kargil) border the park.
