Hemis National Park- Home For Snow Leopards

Hemis National Park is a renowned high altitude National Park situated in Ladakh of Jammu and Kashmir. This National Park is popular among tourists for large numbers of Snow Leopards and Mountain Weasel (Mustela Altaica) appearance. It is the largest National Park of India whose boundaries are stretched around 4,400 square km.

Mostly Ladakh is famous for Biking and Trekking adventure but in this National Park, you will explore a different shade of Ladakh. In 1981, this National Park was established. The park was named after the famous monastery of Ladakh, Hemis Gompa.

Hemis monastery falls under the boundary of the park. This 400year old monastery is popular for exploration, sightseeing and accommodation. The main tourist attraction of the park is the snow leopard, especially in the Rumbak catchment area. Grand La, a high mountain pass is located within the boundaries of the park.

Wildlife

This National Park has different kinds of animal species. However, the prime attractions are the Snow Leopard and Shapu sheep; these animal species are not found anywhere else in India. While exploring the park, you will discover various kinds of animals like Bharal (Blue Sheep), Shapu (Ladakhi Urial) and Great Tibetan Sheep.

Numerous endangered species including the Eurasian brown bear, Tibetan wolf and red fox can be found in this park. Discover Himalayan Snowcock, Himalayan Griffon vulture, Leaf Warbler, Gold Eagle at Hemis National Park.

Best Safari Season

Visit the National Park between May and October. If visiting in summer, you can attend the famous Hemis Festival conducted in the Hemis Monastery. After October, most of the roads used for jeep safaris and trekking are obstructed due to heavy rainfall.

Flora And Fauna of Hemis National Park

Flora

The park is located in the Tibetan plateau region, which covers pine forests, alpine tundra region, meadows and shrublands. The upper moist slopes of the mountain contain Veronica, Carex, Kobresia, Gentiana and others. The areas of vegetation include Ephedra, Stachys, Artemisia. More than 15 different endangered medicines are found here like Hyoscyamus niger, Artemisia Maritima, Bergenia Strachey and others.

Fauna