Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park, located in Ladakh, India, is the largest national park in South Asia with total area of 4400 Sq.Km. It is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those looking to spot the elusive snow leopard. The park is known for its rugged terrain, stunning landscapes, and rich biodiversity.
Hemis National Park is an adventurer’s dream destination, offering unique experiences such as snow leopard tracking, high-altitude trekking and stunning Himalayan landscapes. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a trekker, or someone seeking solitude in the mountains, Hemis has something special to offer!
BEST TIME TO VISIT HEMIS NATIONAL PARK
Season | Months | Weather | Best for |
Summer | May – September | Pleasant (10°C to 20°C) | Trekking, bird watching, exploring monasteries |
Winter | October – April | Extremely cold (-10°C to -30°C) | Snow leopard spotting (November to March) |
Season | Months | Weather | Best for |
Summer | May – September | Pleasant (10°C to 20°C) | Trekking, bird watching, exploring monasteries |
Winter | October – April | Extremely cold (-10°C to -30°C) | Snow leopard spotting (November to March) |
- The best time to visit Hemis National Park for wildlife enthusiasts and snow leopard sightings is winter (November to March), as the big cats come down to lower altitudes in search of food.
- For trekking and sightseeing, May to September is ideal since the weather is more pleasant.
MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN HEMIS NATIONAL PARK
Wildlife
- Mammals:
- Snow Leopard (one of the best places in the world to spot them)
- Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal)
- Eurasian Brown Bear
- Tibetan Wolf
- Red Fox
- Himalayan Marmot
- Asiatic Ibex
- Birds:
- Golden Eagle
- Himalayan Griffon Vulture
- Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)
- Tibetan Snowcock
- Himalayan Monal
Major Attractions
- Hemis Monastery (famous for the Hemis Festival in June/July)
- Markha Valley Trek (popular trekking route through the park)
- Stok Kangri Trek (for adventure lovers)
- Ganda La and Kongmaru La Passes (high-altitude mountain passes)
HOW TO REACH HEMIS NATIONAL PARK
By Air
- Nearest Airport to Hemis National Park : Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh Airport) (Distance: ~50 km from the park)
- Leh Airport is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, and Chandigarh.
- From Leh, taxis and private vehicles can be hired to reach the park.
By Road
- Hemis National Park is accessible by road via Leh, which is well connected to Srinagar and Manali through the Leh-Manali Highway and Leh-Srinagar Highway.
- Distance from Leh to Hemis: ~50 km (~1.5-hour drive)
- Distance from Srinagar to Leh: ~420 km (~12–14 hours drive)
- Distance from Manali to Leh: ~470 km (~14–16 hours drive)
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station to Hemis National Park: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (~700 km from Leh)
- Since there are no direct trains to Ladakh, travelers need to take a train to Jammu and then continue by road to Leh via Srinagar.
TREKKING AND SAFARI AT HEMIS NATIONAL PARK
Unlike other national parks in India, Hemis does not offer Jeep Safaris due to its high-altitude and rugged terrain. Trekking and wildlife excursions are the primary means to explore the park.
Trekking Routes
- Markha Valley Trek (6-7 days) – Most famous trek inside the park
- Rumbak Valley Trek (3-4 days) – Best for spotting snow leopards
- Stok Kangri Trek (8-9 days) – High-altitude trekking
Safari/Trekking Costs in Hemis National Park
Activity | Estimated Cost (Per Person) |
Entry Fee (Indian) | ₹20 per person |
Entry Fee (Foreigner) | ₹100 per person |
Trekking Guide | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per day |
Snow Leopard Expedition | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 (for a 10-14 day guided tour) |
Homestay in Villages | ₹800 – ₹1,500 per night |
Camping Fee | ₹200 – ₹500 per tent |
Note: Prices may vary based on the season, guide availability, and tour operators.
Activity | Estimated Cost (Per Person) |
Entry Fee (Indian) | ₹20 per person |
Entry Fee (Foreigner) | ₹100 per person |
Trekking Guide | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per day |
Snow Leopard Expedition | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 (for a 10-14 day guided tour) |
Homestay in Villages | ₹800 – ₹1,500 per night |
Camping Fee | ₹200 – ₹500 per tent |
Note: Prices may vary based on the season, guide availability, and tour operators.
ACCOMMODATION AT HEMIS NATIONAL PARK
Since Hemis National Park does not have commercial resorts, visitors can stay in:
- Leh City (Luxury Hotels, Guesthouses, Hostels)
- Homestays in Villages (Rumbak, Markha, Skiu, etc.)
- Camping Sites (Trekkers can set up tents in permitted areas)
Travel tips for Hemis National Park
✔️ Permit Requirement: No permits are required for Indian citizens. Foreigners may need an Inner Line Permit for certain areas.
✔️ Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize in Leh for 2 days before heading to the park.
✔️ Clothing: Carry warm clothes, as temperatures drop drastically, even in summer.
✔️ Mobile Network: Limited to Leh; BSNL & Airtel work best.
✔️ Cash Availability: Carry enough cash as ATMs are scarce in remote areas.