Hemis National Park in Leh Ladakh | Best Time | How to Reach

Ladakh is the land of splendid passes and can be an ideal holiday destination. As you walk along with the rugged land, the splendor of the snow-covered peaks reaching the azure sky, the sunlight on the barren mountain ranges, and the rivers that cut deep ravines can be a heavenly experience. Hemis National Park is one such destination in Leh Ladakh where you can visit for unique experiences.

The Hemis National Park is named after a Buddhist monastery, namely Hemis Gompa, which extends over 4,100 sq km in the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh. The National Park encompasses the Markha and Rumbak Valleys, and the Zanskar River runs deep along the hills.

The cold desert landscape is home to the endangered snow leopards. It is an elusive but beautiful sight to catch a glimpse of the leopard with a thick coat of gray fur fading to white on its underbelly, an ideal camouflage amidst an arid expanse of snow. There are about 30 to 50 snow leopards in Hemis National Park. Wolves and Red foxes are also found there. 

There are about 4,000 Bharals or Blue Sheep that graze on the higher levels of Hemis National Park during summers. Other endangered animals are Ibex, mountain goats with longhorns, the small Ladakh Urial (sheep) with wrinkled horns, and the Tibetan Argali. Rodents, such as mice and voles and tailless mouse-hares, can be seen on the barren landscape. 

There are 50 species of birds in the higher altitudes along the trekking route. However, spotting wildlife in Hemis National Park is very rare, and in its terrain and climate, the park has an abridged visiting season.

Wild Dogs, Pallas’s Cat, Long-tailed Marmot, and Himalayan Mouse-hare can also be spotted in the Hemis National Park. Bird watchers can catch 200 unique species of birds, some of them being Little Owl, Himalayan Griffon, Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, and Common Kestrel. Also, you can enjoy a wildlife tour to Hemis National Park with our Ladakh package. 

Besides this, you can choose the Snow Leopard trek to explore the breathtaking beauty of Ladakh. Our tour packages are tailor-made and you can customize the itinerary according to your requirements. Contact our travel experts and embark on a memorable Ladakh trip with us!