The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Hemis National Park (2023)

In the Indian state of Ladakh, Hemis National Park is a high-altitude national park. It is believed to have the highest density of them in any protected area globally, globally famous for its snow leopards. After the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and surrounding protected areas, it is the largest notified protected area in India (largest National Park), the second largest contiguous protected area, and the only national park in India that is north of the Himalayas. To a number of species of endangered mammals, the park is home, including the snow leopard. Inside the Palearctic realm, outside the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary northeast of Hemis, Hemis National Park is India’s protected area and the proposed Tso Lhamo Cold Desert Conservation Area in North Sikkim.

Attraction

Hemis National Park attracts peoples Within its boundaries, the park houses numerous Tibetan gompas and holy chortens. The famous 400-year-old Hemmis Monastery is also included here. On the silk routes of Tibet, Hemis was a destination and via point. With a large number of tourists and pilgrims visiting during the Hemmis Tsechu festival, over 1,600 people live inside the park presently. For Tibetan Buddhists, the 400-year-old Hemis Monastery has long been a place of pilgrimage. However, due to the writings of Nicolas Norovich, the monastery attracted some attention. In the late 19th and early 20th century, Jesus had spent the missing years of his life in Tibet and Ladakh, specifically in Hemis, which is claimed by a Russian aristocrat and Journalist.

History

By protecting the Rumbek and Marcha catchments, the park was founded in 1981, with an area of about 600 km2. By incorporating neighboring lands, it grew in 1988 to around 3,350 km2, before increasing in 1990 to 4,400 km2. Besides, in this park, there is no metaled road. However, a few rough roads are running to enable local people to reach their villages. Connecting the Chilling bridge to Siku village, there is a bumpy road in the Marcha valley, and connecting Siptak to Zing Chen and Rumbek village is another road. Connecting Marsiling to Shang Sumod, there is a road on Hemmis’s side.

Inside/Outside Views

View of Hemis National Park For trekking from mid-June to mid-October; the park offers a number of routes, and some of these trekking routes are among the most popular in Ladakh. To Stok over the Ganda La pass, this includes the Markha valley trek and the trek from Spituk. For mountaineering expeditions, the Hemis National Park is also famous. The two mountains which attract the highest number of climbers every year are the Stok Kangri peak and the Kang Yatse peak. The park has also become popular with tourists who want to observe the snow leopard. For spotting snow leopards, the best season is in late winter. To the Hemis Festival every summer, the historic Hemis Monastery is home. Lodging is restricted to backcountry camps, villager homestays, and accommodation at the monasteries, Lodging is restricted.

How to Reach

By air: Very well connected with some major airports in India, including New Delhi, the closest airport is Leh Airport. To reach the destination from the airport, taxis can be hired.

By Rail: At a distance of 812 km from Leh, the closest major railway station from Leh is Jammu Tawi. To reach Leh over Srinagar Leh Highway in a 3-day journey with overnight halts at Srinagar and Kargil, taxis can be hired from the railway station.

From Leh via Manali Leh Highway, Joginder Nagar railway station is just 635 KM but is not a major one.

By road: The most feasible option is to travel the distance between gurudwara and Leh by road. Between November and April, the road remains closed, so during that time, you should avoid going there.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: yes, the place is safe to visit.

Que-02: Is photography allowed in this place?

Ans: yes, photography is allowed inside the place.

Que-03: What is the best time to visit the place?

Ans: To visit Hemmis National Park because of the comfortable weather, the time between May and September is considered to be the best time. This time is also considered to be perfect for sightseeing around the park, with snow which has already melted.

During these months, Visitors can also enjoy quite comfortably staying at camps, birdwatching, hiking, photography, trekking, and other adventure activities.