Discover India's Wild Heritage
Explore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksExplore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksRealm of the Snow Leopard
Ladakh
Image: ray / Public domainWelcome to Hemis National Park! Use the resources below to plan your adventure in one of India's most treasured wild spaces.
Safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and more
Safari timings, open seasons, and park schedules
Entry fees, safari charges, and camera fees
How to reach by air, rail, and road
Official booking links, permits, and offline reservation guidance
Nearby stays, forest rest houses, and booking resources
There is no standard online park reservation portal. Arrange trekking permits, guides, and homestays through Ladakh wildlife/tourism offices or registered local operators.
Hemis is one of India's most challenging parks to visit. All exploration is on foot at extreme altitude (3,300-6,000 m). Trails are rough, steep, and unmarked. Winter treks involve deep snow and sub-zero camping. This park is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility. Good physical fitness and altitude acclimatization are essential.
Hemis National Park in Ladakh is the largest national park in India and the only one north of the Himalayas. Spanning 4,400 sq km of rugged, high-altitude terrain at elevations between 3,300 and 6,000 meters, Hemis is a land of dramatic gorges, alpine meadows, and barren mountain slopes. The park is famous worldwide as one of the best places to spot the elusive snow leopard — the 'Grey Ghost of the Himalayas.' Winter treks into the Rumbak Valley have become a bucket-list experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The park also encompasses the ancient Hemis Monastery, one of Ladakh's most important Buddhist monasteries.
| Season | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (May - Oct) | Dawn to Dusk | Self-guided trekking with permits |
| Winter (Jan - Mar) | Dawn to Dusk | Snow leopard tracking treks |
Unlike other Indian parks, Hemis does not operate conventional jeep safaris. Exploration is on foot (trekking) with local guides. Winter snow leopard treks are typically 5-10 day camping expeditions in the Rumbak or Ulley valleys.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee (Indian) | INR 20 per person |
| Entry Fee (Foreigner) | INR 100 per person |
| Snow Leopard Trek (guided, 7-day) | INR 50,000 - 1,50,000 per person |
| Camping Fee | INR 100 per tent per night |
| Camera Fee | INR 25 (still) |
Snow leopard treks are organized by local operators and include guide, porter, food, camping equipment, and spotting scope. Prices vary widely based on group size and duration. Book 3-6 months in advance for January-March treks.
Hemis National Park, Leh District, Ladakh 194101
33.7295° N, 77.5724° E
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh (40 km). Regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. Flights are weather-dependent and cancellations are common, especially in winter.
No railway connectivity in Ladakh. Nearest major station is Jammu Tawi (700 km) — from there, fly or drive to Leh.
Leh is connected by two highway routes: Manali-Leh Highway (474 km, 2 days) and Srinagar-Leh Highway (434 km, 2 days). Both routes are open only from June to October. Winter access is by air only.
From Leh, hire a taxi or join an organized trek to reach the park trailheads (Rumbak, Ulley, or Hemis village). No public transport to trailheads. Inside the park, all travel is on foot.
Sparse high-altitude vegetation including juniper scrub, alpine meadows, and cushion plants. Willow and poplar trees along river valleys. The terrain is largely barren rocky slopes above the tree line. Medicinal herbs including Arnebia euchroma (Ratanjot) grow in sheltered valleys.
Home to approximately 200 snow leopards (one of the densest populations in the world), 1,500+ bharal (Himalayan blue sheep — the snow leopard's primary prey), Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian lynx, Himalayan brown bear, Tibetan hare, and mountain weasel. The Ladakhi urial is also found in the park.
Hemis National Park was established in 1981, making it relatively young among India's national parks. The park is named after the historic Hemis Monastery founded in the 11th century. The park gained global fame in the 2000s as snow leopard tourism became viable, with local communities and conservation organizations developing community-based trekking programs. The Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust has been instrumental in converting former livestock herders into conservation guides, creating economic incentives for protecting the big cat.
