Hemis National Park covers an area of about 600 sq km and is perceived as one of the largest national parks in South Asia. It includes the areas of Rumbak and Markha catchment and portion of the Zanskar Mountains.

About the park
The park is approximately 30 km away from Leh. It is situated in the eastern region of Ladakh of the Jammu & Kashmir state and is about 3,500 to 6,000 m above sea level. The park was created in the year 1981. Owing to its large Snow Leopard population the park is also referred to as Snow Leopard Capital of India.

Avian-Fauna
The Lammergeier Vulture, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, etc can be seen here. Certain bird species of the park such as Tibetan Snowfinch, Streaked Rosefinch, Fork-tailed Swift and Himalayan Snowcock cannot be spotted anywhere else in India.

Fauna
Hemis National Park is home to Snow Leopard, Tibetan Antelope, Kiang, Red Fox, Palla's Cat, Hanuman Languor, Tibetan Argali, Himalayan Marmot, Ladakh Urial, Serow, Srapu, Wolf, Eurasian Brown Bear and Ibex.

Flora
Flora of this national park includes Sparse Grasslands, Junipers, Herbaceous Vegetation, Myricaria, Birch, Poplar, Ephedra and so on.

Accommodation
400 year old famous Hemis Monastery, located inside the park, offers some accommodation facilities for the tourists. Other lodging facilities are available in the outskirt villages of Kaya, Rumbak, Shingo, Sku, Chilling and Urutse.

Getting there
The park is well connected with other parts of the state through National Highway 1D and Leh- Manali Highway. Leh airport is the closest airport and the nearest railhead is Jammu.

Tourist information
Hemis National Park, Leh, Ladakh, J and K
Best time to visit: May To October
Prime tourist attractions: Snow Leopards, historical Indus River & Hemis Monastery
© Arked