Hemis National Park

Hemis National Park

Hemis National Park is a renowned wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh, celebrated for its significant population of snow leopards and diverse bird species. After the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, it ranks as India’s second-largest contiguous protected area. Covering an expansive 3,350 square kilometres, it is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and trekking aficionados alike. The park is often featured in Ladakh tour packages catering to nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Located in the Himalayan rain shadow region, Hemis National Park experiences minimal rainfall throughout the year. This results in dry forests dominated by fir trees at lower elevations. The park’s vegetation mainly comprises fir, juniper, dry birch, and a variety of rare and endangered medicinal plants.

Hemis lies within the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau ecoregion, characterised by dense pine forests, alpine flora, and vast meadows. Visitors are treated to breathtaking, unspoiled views of the Indus River flowing through the park. Notable landmarks within Hemis include the historic Hemis Monastery and the towering Stok Kangri Peak. Despite its rich wildlife and scenic beauty, the park also serves as a gateway to numerous trekking routes, making it a hub for outdoor adventure.

Hemis National Park Highlights

  • The park serves as a gateway to some of Ladakh’s most famous treks, including the Soutik to Stok route over Ganda La Pass and the Markha Valley trek.

  • Hemis National Park shelters over 200 snow leopards and is also home to the rare Ladakhi Urial, locally known as Shapu, found only in this region.

  • Covering around 4,400 square kilometres, it stands as one of the largest national parks in South Asia.

  • Within its vast wilderness are six villages—Kaya, Rumbak, Sku, Urutse, Shingo, and Chilling, that collectively house over 1,600 residents.

  • The park supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including about 16 species of mammals and 73 bird species, many of which are rare and endangered.

  • It includes notable landmarks such as Stok Kangri Peak, with the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers marking part of its boundary.

  • Visitors can explore the 400-year-old Hemis Monastery, which offers excellent opportunities for trekking and hiking in the surrounding area.

How to Reach Hemis National Park

By Air:
The nearest airport to Hemis National Park is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. Regular flights operate to Leh from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. From Leh airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Hemis, which is approximately 40 kilometres away and takes about an hour to reach.

By Road:
You can reach Hemis via two primary routes: one from Srinagar through Kargil along the Srinagar-Leh highway, and the other from Manali via Sarchu and Dharchu on the Manali-Leh highway. Both roads traverse mountainous terrain and are sometimes affected by landslides, which can lead to temporary closures. Buses run from Srinagar or Manali, and taxis can also be rented from Leh to reach the park.

By Rail:
The closest railway station is Jammu Tawi, which connects to major cities throughout India. From Jammu, travellers can hire a taxi to reach Hemis.


Best Time To Visit Hemis National Park

The ideal period to visit Hemis National Park is from June to October, when the weather is relatively mild, allowing for comfortable exploration of the park’s natural beauty.

If your goal is to catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard, the best time to visit would be during the early or late winter months, when these rare animals are more likely to be spotted.


Hemis National Park: Other Essential Information

Climate Conditions:
Hemis National Park experiences harsh cold due to its high altitude and location. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -20°C, while summer temperatures may rise to 30°C. Leh receives an average annual rainfall of about 160.5 millimetres.

Wildlife at Hemis National Park:

  • Mammals: The park is famous for its rich mammal diversity, including many endangered and high-altitude species such as the elusive Snow Leopard, Himalayan Marmot, Mountain Weasel, Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, and Asiatic Ibex.

  • Birds: Hemis also hosts a wide variety of bird species, including the golden eagle, robin, accentor, lammergeier vulture, red-billed chough, streaked rosefinch, and fire-fronted serin.

Entry Points:
Hemis National Park has four main entry points, each located at different distances from Leh:

  • Stok Entry Point: Located to the north, about 13 km from Leh.

  • Zingchen Entry Point: Also to the north, approximately 25 km from Leh.

  • Martselang Entry Point: Situated to the southeast, around 41 km from Leh.

  • Chilling Entry Point: Found to the northwest, about 60 km from Leh.

Permits:
Visitors must obtain a permit from the wildlife office in Leh to enter Hemis National Park.