Set in the high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh, Hemis is a stark yet breathtaking landscape of snow-clad mountains, barren ridges, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear rivers. Vegetation is sparse, dominated by alpine shrubs and patches of juniper. This is one of the largest national parks in India and is world-renowned as the realm of the elusive Snow Leopard. Blue sheep, ibex, and Ladakh urial are common prey species here, while birds like the Golden Eagle and Lammergeier soar against the dramatic Himalayan backdrop

Hemis National Park in Ladakh is globally renowned as the best place to see the elusive Snow Leopard in its natural high-altitude habitat. Other rare mammals include the Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear, red fox, and the endangered Asiatic ibex, blue sheep (bharal), and Ladakh urial. Small mammals like pika and marmots are also found in abundance. Hemis is equally rich in birdlife, with species adapted to alpine conditions such as the golden eagle, lammergeier (bearded vulture), Himalayan griffon, Tibetan snowcock, chukar partridge, and finches. The stark yet breathtaking landscape makes every wildlife encounter here truly extraordinary.
 

Safari Timings:

• Treks & expeditions (no jeep safaris) – daylight hours.
   

Key Info:

• Open: Year-round (best visited May–September; winter for snow leopards).
• Known as the world’s best destination to spot Snow Leopards.
• Access via trekking routes, homestays available in villages.

Hemis National Park Fact

• Location of Hemis: Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
• Nearest Access to Hemis: Leh (40 km)
• Coverage Area of Hemis: 4,400-sq-kms (largest national park in India)
• Climate of Hemis: Winter: -20°C to -5°C, Summer: 5°C – 20°C
• Major Wildlife Attraction in Hemis: Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Eurasian Brown Bear, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Marmot, Lammergeier
• Best Time to Visit Hemis: May to September (Winter expeditions: Jan–March for Snow Leopard)