Wildlife - Tour in Hemis National Park

Location : Near Leh, J&K. Area : 600 sq. kms.

Best Time to visit : May To October.

Access : By Air : Nearest airport is situated in Srinagar. By Rail : The nearest railway station is Jammu-Tawi. By Road : Leh is well connected with all the major cities within the state and there are buses, which ply from Leh towards the hemis national park.

Climate : The climate of Ladakh is one of extremes, with considerable daily and seasonal fluctuations.

Introduction : Hemis National Park takes its name after Hemis Gompa, a famous monastery situated about 40km south-east of Leh, capital of Ladakh. It lies on the west bank of the Indus River and comprises the catchments of Markha, Rumbak and Sumdah nalas. Hemis was notified a national park on 4 February 1981 for the conservation and protection of its unique flora and fauna. The area is barren and rocky, covered only sparsely with vegetation. Trekkers frequently visit Hemis.

Wildlife Species : Hemis National Park has some rare wildlife species like the serow and Tibetan antelope, shapu, bharal, great Tibetan sheep, ibex and snow leopard. The fauna too comprises species which are not seen at lower altitudes like the Himalayan snow cock and golden oriole.