Hemis National Park is a spectacular, high altitude national park in the eastern Ladakh region of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the only national park in India north of the Himalayas, and India’s largest national park.

The park is home to a number of species of endangered mammals but of principal interest to the wildlife enthusiast is the presence of a viable population of the very beautiful, elusive and highly endangered snow leopard. A visit to Hemis National Park probably provides your only realistic chance of spotting one of these rare cats in the wild. The snow leopard is the apex predator in this region and survives mainly on a diet of the three species of sheep that live here argali (great Tibetan sheep), bharal (blue sheep), shapu (ladakhi urial), and livestock.

This magnificent national park is known for its scenic beauty, with some very high mountain peaks and alpine forests. The boundaries of the park are marked by the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers.

Activities in Hemis National Park

Trekking and hiking with experienced local guides, there are no metalled roads and many tracks are impassable at certain times of year.

Species Found in Hemis National Park

Snow leopard, brown bear, Tibetan wolf, great Tibetan sheep, blue sheep, urial, Asiatic ibex, Himalayan marmot, mouse hare, mountain weasel and red fox.

Best Time to Visit Hemis National Park

Open all year round but best time to see snow leopards is late winter from January to early April.
Chance of seeing a snow leopard – good
Location – Jammu and Kashmir – Ladakh district

Tours Visiting Hemis

To see snow leopards this area needs to be visited on an organised group tour, there are a few set departures each winter please contact us for details or chat with one of our specialist consultants.
Tel +44 (0)845 0545884