'' Hemis High Altitude National Park (3350 sq km) is situated in the northernmost district of Ladakh and lies on the west bank of the Indus. Constituted in 1981 as the best potential area for the protection of Snow Leopards in India, Hemis is the country's first national park to be established north of the main Himalayan Range. The high altitude park derives its name from the Hemis Gompa, a famous Buddhist monastery situated 40 km south east of Leh.
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The Hemis High Altitude National Park that extends over 600 sq. km. is named after the famous monastery, Hemis gompa that is situated 40 km. southeast of Leh. Located on the west bank of the Indus River, it comprises the catchments of Markha, Rumbak and Sumdah nalas. It is known for some rare species like the bharal and the snow leopard. Some of the intriguing and exquisite animal species that can be seen roaming these plains and exploring the forests Image of Siberian Ibex (Capra sibirica sibirica). Also known as Asiatic Ibex.
Siberian Ibex (Capra sibirica sibirica). Also known as Asiatic Ibex. include the Red Fox, Eurasian Brown Bear, Blue Sheep, Ladakhi Urial, Asiatic Ibex, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Mouse Hare and Himalayan Marmot. The Ladakhi Urial is rare and Hemis is the only reserve for it in all of India.
Attractions in Hemis National Park
The National park is famous for its population of the rare Snow Leopards and the Ibex. The other main species recorded in the National park are Palla's cat, srapu, bharal, red fox, rhesus macaque, Hanuman languor, wolf, marmot, Tibetan argali and Ladakh urial etc. The bharal and urial are seen in large numbers. The park has been earmarked as one of the snow leopard reserves under a central government project to conserve the species.
Best Time to Visit Hemis National Park
The best season for mammal viewing is September to May and for bird viewing March to May and September to December. Approachable by road from Leh , this national park contains several camping sites too.
How to Reach there
Air: The nearest airport is Leh, which is connected by Indian Airlines to Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar, and Jammu
Rail: The nearest railhead is Jammu, situated at a distance of around 690 km. Jammu is connected to all parts of India.
Road: Approachable by road from Leh, this national park contains several camping sites. The area is barren and rocky, covered only sparsely with vegetation. There is a daily bus service from Leh to Hemis.