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Introduction
The Hemis High Altitude National Park is located within the Ladakh district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located along the west bank of the mighty River Indus. The park got it's name from the Hemis Gompa(monastery) located within it's borders. The park's main area covers 600 square kilometers at an altitude ranging between 3300 to 6400 meters. The park itself has existed for a very long time but was notified as a National Park in 1981. It is most famous for it's resident population of the rare snow leopard. Due to it still being in it's infancy and in an area not very easily accessible, the infrastructure of facilities like accommodation etc is not very well established. This can be used to one's advantage as camping and trekking are therefore allowed within the parks boundaries. It is advisable to go well prepared for an extremely cold and harsh climate at all times. In winters the area is quite inaccessible as the temperature drops down to 40 degrees centigrade below zero. Even in the summer months, the nights are extremely cold and the slightest of rain or even clouds can send the day temperature plummeting.
The landscape is a nature lover's dream with mountains of various shapes, sizes and colours that seem to stretch forever, interspersed by vast flatlands, deserts and bordered by the fast flowing river Indus. It is advisable not to literally lose yourself in these beautiful surroundings as it would be a very long time before someone would find you, if ever at all. The ideal time of the year to visit the park is between May and September.
The nearest town to the park is Leh (30km)
The nearest Airport to the park is also located at Leh(30km)
The nearest Railway Station is located at Jammu Tawi (very far…away!)