Hemis National Park

Situated in the tranquil regions of Ladakh, Hemis National Park was declared a high altitude national park in 1981 now covers 4,400 km2 (1,700 sq mi) and is the largest national park in South Asia. The park is home to several species of endangered mammals, including the snow leopard. Hemis has, in fact, been identified as a snow leopard reserve under a project launched by the Indian Government aimed at conserving the species. Hemis National Park is India’s only protected area inside the Palearctic ecozone. Hemis is part of the remote cold desert lands of Trans Himalayan environs standing cheek by jowl with the Tibetan Plateau. It is isolated from the rest of the country for half the year by the snowbound passes of the mountains encircling it, its rarefied environs offer the intrepid visitor a stunning bouquet of gorgeous landscapes and warm hospitality.

When To Visit

December to April is probably one of the best times to visit for anyone with interest in tracking Snow Leopard. A visit to this park is meant for those who are purely interested in tracking and viewing the elusive snow leopard. This trek can be undertaken throughout the year, though the best time is between December to March when the Blue sheep come down the valley. It is also a time of rut one of the major prey of snow leopard – the blue sheep or bharal. These large wild sheep aggregate on the lower slopes in large numbers. The rut takes place among the most rugged terrain and it allows us to watch them at relatively close range without having to climb the steep mountain slopes. Since these ungulates are favourite snow leopard prey and higher slopes are under snow cover, snow leopard follows its major prey to these slopes.

Wildlife

There are over 16 mammal species in the park, many of which are only found in the Himalayan region and considered to be highly endangered. Apart from Snow Leopard, other unique wildlife is Himalayan Wolf, Pallas's Cat, Red fox, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Ibex, Ladakhi Urial, Tibetan Argali, Brown Bear, Long-tailed Marmot, and Himalayan Mouse Hare. There are over 73 bird species, many of which are unique to the area. The avifauna includes the Golden Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Little Owl and Common Kestrel among others. There are no amphibians, but at least three lizard species are found in this ecoregion.

Snow Leopards Interesting Facts

Snow leopards are solitary creatures, and skillful predators, live in harsh and cold weather of the high Himalayas. The snow leopard is adapted to the high altitudes by having an enlarged nasal cavity, shortened limbs, well-developed chest muscles for climbing, long and dense hair and a tail up to 1 m long (75-90 percent of head-body length). They can kill prey up to three times their weight in challenging terrain. Snow leopards do not roar; instead, they mew, hiss and make a non-aggressive puffing sound called ‘chuff’. Snow leopards have snowshoes – their wide, fur-covered paws act as natural shoes. Their most common prey consists of wild sheep and goats but also includes pikas, hares, and game birds like chukar partridge and snowcocks.

Getting There:
Leh Capital of Ladakh region is connected by daily flights from New Delhi.

Recommended Circuit:
Snow Leopard & Tigers: Delhi - Leh - Hemis - Delhi - Bandhavgarh - Delhi.

Tigers, Snow Leopards & Lions: Delhi - Leh - Hemis - Delhi - Pench - Tadoba - Gir - Mumbai

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