If you ever dream of seeing the wild side of Ladakh, then Hemis National Park Leh is that one exclusive place to visit. The park is surrounded by tall mountains and cold winds on all sides, and therefore, it is one of the most peaceful and exciting places in India. When you go there, you can feel the quiet of the mountains, hear the river flowing below, and maybe even spot a snow leopard walking through the snow.
Located close to Leh, Hemis National Park is not just about visiting any other park; it is about experiencing nature in its raw, untouched form. The wide landscapes, shining blue skies, and calm silence make it one of the must-include places in your Leh Ladakh tour package. In this blog, we will be covering information about its location, timings, ticket and permit charges and many more.
About Hemis National Park, Leh
Hemis National Park is situated in Ladakh and is one of the most famous national parks in India, and a true gem of Ladakh. It is known for its tall mountains, deep valleys, and rare animals that live in one of the coldest parts of the Indian subcontinent. This park covers a huge area, which includes several villages and monasteries that add to its beauty and cultural importance.
The Hemis National Park, established in 1981, and since then, it has become a major attraction for nature and adventure lovers alike. In the park, you can get to see many wild animals such as snow leopards, blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, and Tibetan wolves. The park is also known for its many trekking routes that pass through breathtaking landscapes, making every journey a new experience.
Besides its wildlife, the park also has a great spiritual angle added to it because of the Hemis Monastery, which is one of the oldest and richest monasteries that you can find in Ladakh. Therefore, when you visit Hemis National Park, you do not just explore nature; you also experience Ladakh’s rich culture and peaceful lifestyle.
Best Time to Visit Hemis National Park
Every season, Hemis National Park looks different and beautiful. You will notice that the air, shades, and sounds of nature change throughout the year when you go there. So, picking the right time to visit will make your trip an overall success:
Summer (May to September)
Hemis National Park should be visited in the summer. The weather stays warm, and most roads are still open for people to drive on. The days are sunny, which is great for hiking and seeing the sights. You can also see a lot of wild animals that come out to enjoy the sun by the river banks and in the valleys. In the summer, the temperature is usually between 10°C and 25°C, which is very pleasant.
Monsoon (July to September)
Hemis National Park doesn't get much rain during the monsoon season because it is in a cold desert area. So, the skies stay mostly clear, and the land looks new and green. After light rain, the mountains look brighter and cleaner, which is also a good time to take pictures. It is one season that most tourists tend to avoid.
Winter (October to February)
Hemis National Park is cold in the winter, but it's also magical. The temperature can drop below -10°C, and most of the park is covered in snow. Wildlife lovers will be excited to see the famous snow leopard more easily at this time of the year. The weather can be bad, though, so it's best to go only if you're ready for harsh weather.
How to Reach Hemis National Park
The trip to Hemis National Park is easy and fun because you get to see beautiful mountains and quiet villages along the way. The park is close to Leh in Ladakh, so it is easy to get to by air and road.
By Air
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the closest airport to the Hemis National Park location. It is about 40 kilometres away. You can easily reach here from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Srinagar. When you get to Leh, you can either take a taxi or join a local tour group that can take you to the park within an hours time.
By Road
You can drive to Hemis National Park from either Manali or Srinagar if you like long road trips. The road from Manali to Leh goes through high mountain passes like Rohtang and Baralacha La. The Srinagar-Leh Highway, on the other hand, has smooth roads and views of rivers.
In the winter, snow blocks the roads, so they are mostly open from May to October.
By Train
There is no direct train line to Hemis National Park, but the closest big train stations are Chandigarh and Pathankot. You can then take a bus or taxi to Leh, which takes about two days. The road from these cities to Hemis National Park is longer, but it has a lot of beautiful views and quiet stops along the way.
Essential Information About Hemis National Park
Before you plan your visit to Hemis National Park, Leh, it is good to know some basic details about it. This will help you prepare better for what is coming next and make your trip safe, secure and comfortable.
Permits and Entry Information
To visit here, you need an Inner Line Permit, as it lies close to the India-China border. You can get the permit easily in Leh from the District Magistrate’s Office or apply online before your trip. Also, carry a valid photo ID proof, such as an Aadhaar card or passport, when you are applying for the permit.
Entry Fees
Indians: ₹20 per person
Foreigners: ₹100 per person
Still Camera: ₹20
Video Camera: ₹150
Hemis National Park Timings
Hemis National Park is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The park remains open throughout the year, but accessibility depends on the Hemis National Park weather conditions.
Facilities Inside the Hemis National Park
Accommodation: Small guesthouses and homestays are available in nearby villages such as Rumbak, Sku, and Markha.
Guides and Treks: Local guides are available for wildlife spotting and the famous Hemis National Park trek, which passes through stunning landscapes.
Food: Carry basic snacks and water, as there are no restaurants inside the park.
Medical Help: A small health centre is available in Leh; therefore, it is best to carry personal medicines with you.
Things to do in Hemis National Park
There is a lot more to do at the park than just searching for Hemis National Park animals. You can plan your visit to the park by looking at all the different types of adventure activities that are available. Here are some things you can do to make your visit more memorable:
1. Watching the Wildlife
The rare snow leopard, also known as the "Ghost of the Mountains," lives in Hemis National Park. Apart from it, there are many other animals in Hemis National Park. There are also blue sheep, red foxes, Tibetan wolves, and Himalayan marmots to be found. If you're lucky, you might see a snow leopard in the winter when they come closer to towns for food.
2. Trekking Adventures
One of the most popular things to do here is the Hemis National Park trek. The trail goes through beautiful valleys, high passes, and small mountain towns. The trek is not only an adventure; it also lets you meet locals and learn about their simple lives in the cold desert.
3. Watching birds
Different species of birds, like the Golden eagles, lammergeiers, and Himalayan griffons, are some of the beautiful birds that live in the park. The best time to see them fly over the valleys is in the morning. So, if you like taking pictures of birds, don't forget to bring a camera or binoculars.
4. Go to the Hemis Monastery
The old Hemis Monastery, which is one of the richest and oldest monasteries in Ladakh, is inside the park. When you go there, you'll see monks praying, colourful flags flying in the wind, and a view that makes you feel calm. The monastery gives Hemis National Park a cultural touch.
5. Camping under the stars
Camping close to the park is another great thing to do. There are a lot of stars in the night sky here, and the air feels clean and cool. You can camp near Rumbak or Markha Valley and have a peaceful night in nature.
6. Taking pictures and going for nature walks
Every part of Hemis National Park looks like a work of art. You can walk on the trails, take pictures of wildflowers, or just sit by the river and be quiet. So, this is the best place for people who like peace and quiet and nature.
Travel Tips for Hemis National Park
Everyone should plan a trip to Hemis National Park at least once in their life. But because the park is in a cold desert area at a high altitude, you need to plan carefully to stay safe. Here are a few tips to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable trip:
Bring warm coats, gloves, and woollen hats for nighttime and heavy winter clothes for winter, when temperatures can drop below freezing point.
The park is at a high altitude, so the air is thin. To avoid getting tired or sick from the high altitude, drink a lot of water and walk slowly.
The weather in Hemis National Park changes quickly. In addition to checking the weather, plan your trip between May and September, when the roads are open.
There aren't many places to stay near the park, like homestays in Rumbak or Markha. So, it's best to book your stay ahead of time.
Bring enough money, medicine, and basic snacks with you.
Local guides know the best places to hike and can also guide you to the right spot to see wildlife, so hire them for a better experience.
Don't litter, make noise, or get too close to animals in Hemis National Park.
You must always have your entry permit and ID with you in the park. The authorities will ask you to show these at different times during your trip.
Conclusion
You will feel like you have entered a different world when you go to Hemis National Park. The tall brown mountains, the cold winds, and the quiet sounds of nature make you realise how peaceful life can be when things slow down. You feel special every time you walk along a trail, sit by a river, or watch the sun set behind snow-covered peaks.
Hemis National Park is more than just a place for animals or hikers; it is a place that will touch your heart. You can be thankful for nature when you see how the people live simply, how peaceful the monasteries are, and how beautiful the wild is. So, it's one of those rare places that shows you how silence can be strong and full of meaning.
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