Location: |
Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir,
India |
Area covered: |
3550 sq. km. |
Main Wildlife Found: |
Snow Leopard, Bharal, Ibex |
Best time to visit: |
Between Mid-Jun to Mid-October
(Remains open round the year) |
|
Hemis High- Altitude National Park
Situated
among the serene environs of Jammu and Kashmir,
Hemis National Park has the unique distinction
of being the first national park to be established
north of the main Himalayan range. Hemis is
full of diverse options for the visitors which
include visiting monasteries and trekking.
Cycling is another exciting way to explore
the area. The temperature remains ideal during
the day in summers while it can get cold in
the evenings. During winters, the area in
virtually inaccessible and the temperatures
plummet to as low as minus 30 degrees.
Hemis
National Park remains open throughout the
year, the best time to visit are the months
from mid-June to mid-October, which is the
ideal time for trekking and forest walks.
The best chances of spotting some rare animals
is in the winter months when animals like
the snow leopard come down to the valleys.
Wildlife Attractions in Hemis High- Altitude National Park
Hemis
National Park is home to a number of exotic
animal and bird species. Over 16 mammal and
73 bird species have been recorded in the
park so far, many of those are only found
in the Himalayan region and considered to
be highly endangered.
Prominent among the animals found in the
park include the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf,
Wild Dog, Pallas's Cat, Red Fox, Bharal (Blue
Sheep), Ibex, Ladakh Urial, Tibetan Argali,
Long-tailed Marmot and Himalayan Mouse Hare.
Besides these rare animals, nature lovers
and wildlife enthusiasts are also presented
with a life time opportunity of spotting birds
that are unique to the area and are not spotted
anywhere in the lower altitudinal regions.
The avifauna includes the Golden Eagle, Himalayan
Griffon, Lammergeier, Little Owl and Common
Kestrel among other variety of birds.
How to Get there
By Air : Leh is the nearest airport. Indian
Airlines flies to Leh from Delhi.
By Rail : Jammu is the nearest railhead.
Jammu is well connected to other cities in
India by daily trains from Delhi.
By Road : To reach by road from Leh, take
the state highway to Hemis via Choglamsar,
Thiksey, Karu and Martselang. Buses are available
but be sure to plan your schedule accordingly.
It is recommended that one hires a private
taxi, preferably a four wheel drive.
Distances from Major Cities
Leh : 45 km (S)/1.5 hrs., Jammu : 734 km,
Srinagar : 300 km, Manali : 473 km and Kargil
: 434 km
