Overview
Hemis National Park is situated in the Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir, India and has the most rustic and rare flora and fauna species. It is also known as Hemis High Altitude National Park as it is set at high altitude. The park is globally known to have the greatest density of the rare Snow Leopard in the world. It is set at the banks of the Indus River in the north and is renowned for its illustration of nature’s scenic beauty.
Information
The park was established in 1981 and is considered to be the largest national park in India with an area of 4400 km². The Hemis is a haven for many endangered mammals like Snow Leopard, Eurasian Brown Bear, Red Fox, and Asiatic Ibex. The park is named after the Hemis Monastery, a Himalayan Buddhist monastery established in 1630. The alpine forests and lofty mountains are a treat for the eyes of the beholders. The topography consists of sheer and rolling hills. The best way to witness this utopic view is by staying in the resorts in Hemis National Park that will surely provide an experience worth cherishing.
- Size – 4400 km²
- Forest Type – Pine forests, alpine shrublands and meadows, and alpine tundra
Star Species
The picturesque beauty, scenic landscape, and rich biodiversity are the most spectacular gift of nature. The park offers numerous trekking routes, and the best time to visit the Hemis is between May and October as the weather is comparatively pleasant and expands your experience of a journey. Visitors can make their journey more adventurous and fun by using the services of Jeep Safari. Hemis National Park is one of its kind, offering alluring and striking sights combined with the vivid and diverse biodiversity of various beautiful animal and plant species.
- Key Mammals – Snow Leopard, Argali, Ladakhi Urial (Shapu), Himalayan Marmot, Bharal, Red Fox, Eurasian Brown Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Mountain Weasel, Asiatic Ibex.
- Key Birds – Himalayan Snowcock, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Lammergeier Vulture, Fire-Fronted Serin, Black-winged Snowfinch, Robin Accentor, Brown Accentor, Golden Eagle, Blyth’s Swift
How to reach
- By Train – Jammu Tawi railway station and Kalka railway station are the closest stations to Hemis National Park. Once you arrive at the station, you can use native transport services or hire a regular private taxi to reach the Hemis National Park.
- By Air – The nearest international airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport situated in Leh district. It is located at a distance of about 47 kms from the park. Once you get down at the airport, you can avail the various regular transport services available to reach the Hemis National Park.
- By Road – There are multiple transport services available to reach the park via road. Although the routes are a bit tricky, the road connectivity is smooth and serves various public and private bus services to get to the national park. You can also hire a taxi or a cab for a journey to the Hemis National Park.
Safari Zones
Vehicles are not allowed in Hemis National Park and neither drivable roads cover the this park. Snow Leopard sightings are very good if you have the right guides, helping you trek through park routes. These mountain pass routes are considered as the safari zones for Hemis National Park:
- Pass 1: Grand La is a mountain pass located near the park boundaries. There are two pass at Grand La, summer and winter pass. Both are 500 metres apart from each other. Usage of these pass opens in June for summer pass, and opens in April for winter pass.
- Pass 2: Markha Velley, this trekking pass route is between Rumbak and Skiu. With two days of complete trekking, this trip can be completed and consists of camping in the Hemis National park.
There are six villages in Hemis National Park, providing ideal spots for camping as you trek in search of the snow leopard.
Weather
| Month | Min. Temp (°C) | Max. Temp (°C) |
| January | -18 | -9 |
| February | -19 | -8 |
| March | -13 | -1 |
| April | -7 | 5 |
| May | -3 | 7 |
| June | 1 | 12 |
| July | 6 | 16 |
| August | 6 | 16 |
| September | 3 | 14 |
| October | -5 | 6 |
| November | 10 | 0 |
| December | -19 | -9 |
Things to Carry
Clothing tips for the right safari experience:
- Clothes in the earthy colours to be worn which are greens, beige and grey. Black attracts mosquitoes and should be avoided. Shiny or bright colours are a big no.
- Clothes as per expected weather are very important:
- Summer clothes to be carried should be preferably cotton or cotton blend that is comfortable, breathable.
- Winter clothes to be packed should be planned for layering over each other when worn. Advisably 4-5 woollen clothes than one heavy item.
- A raincoat or a windcheater is also recommended.
- A hat or a cap as per the weather or season is also prescribed.
- Avoid wearing strong fragrances on the safari.
Gallery
