Hemis National Park is renowned for its population of snow leopards, with an estimated 200 individuals residing within its boundaries. The park also provides habitat for other rare species including Tibetan wolves, Eurasian brown bears, and bharal (blue sheep). The region supports diverse birdlife, with over 70 species recorded, including golden eagles, lammergeiers, and Himalayan griffon vultures. Other notable mammals include Tibetan argali, Ladakhi urial, and mountain weasels.
Despite its arid environment, Hemis supports a diverse range of high-altitude vegetation adapted to extreme conditions. The park features over 200 plant species, including medicinal herbs like Aconitum and Artemisia, along with hardy shrubs such as Caragana and Hippophae (sea buckthorn). Alpine meadows bloom with edelweiss, gentians, and various wildflowers during the brief summer season. The vegetation patterns vary with altitude, from desert scrub in lower regions to alpine vegetation in higher elevations.
The landscape of Hemis showcases dramatic Trans-Himalayan terrain, characterized by deep gorges, jagged peaks, and glacial valleys formed over millions of years of tectonic activity. The region consists primarily of metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, including gneisses, schists, and limestone formations. The area's unique geological features result from the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, creating the distinctive high-altitude desert ecosystem that defines the park today.
Hemis Monastery, established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal, has been a significant center of Drukpa Lineage Buddhism for centuries. The monastery gained prominence during the Dogra period and has survived numerous historical upheavals, including invasions and political changes. It houses priceless ancient artifacts, including the largest thangka in Ladakh, and hosts the famous Hemis Festival celebrating Guru Padmasambhava's birth anniversary. The surrounding national park was established in 1981, becoming India's largest high-altitude national park.
The park's most distinctive feature is the 400-year-old Hemis Monastery, known for its colorful architecture and rich collection of Buddhist artifacts. The landscape includes numerous ancient chortens (Buddhist shrines) and meditation caves used by Buddhist practitioners for centuries. The park offers exceptional trekking routes, including the popular Snow Leopard Trail, and provides stunning viewpoints of the Stok and Zanskar ranges. The annual Hemis Festival, featuring masked cham dances and cultural performances, attracts visitors from around the world.
Hemis experiences a cold desert climate typical of high-altitude Ladakh, with extreme temperature variations between seasons. Summers (June-September) are mild with temperatures ranging from 15-30°C, while winters (October-May) are severe with temperatures plummeting to -20°C or lower. Precipitation is minimal throughout the year, with occasional snow in winter months. The region receives intense solar radiation due to its high altitude, making UV protection essential for visitors even on cool days.
India
33.8330°, 77.3670°
1981
4400
Hemis National Park is the largest national park in South Asia, located in the eastern Ladakh region. The park is home to numerous species of endangered wildlife including the snow leopard, Asiatic ibex, and Tibetan wolf. Its high altitude terrain features dramatic mountain landscapes and Buddhist monasteries.