Fondly known as the ‘Land of High Passes’, Ladakh is a real paradise for any kind of traveller, whether you are a thrill-seeker or a nature lover. With mighty mountains, swift rivers and serene lakes, this place gives you a chance to witness nature’s beauty in its purest form.On the other hand, it also offers a number of adventurous activities that you can indulge in. Especially, with a number of adventurous routes, trekking in Ladakh is an experience you can never forget. From Markha Valley trek to Nubra Valley trek, Stok Kangri Climb to Chadar Trek, Ladakh is just the perfect place to get that adrenaline rush.
Other than this, Ladakh is also famous for being home to the Hemis National Park which has the distinction of being the largest national park in South Asia. It is also the second largest contiguous protected region afterthe Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.Covering an area of more than 4400 square kilometres, Hemis National Park in Ladakh is home to some of the most exotic and rare flora and fauna species. The main attraction of this national park is its high population of snow leopards.
About Hemis National Park
With Indus and Zaskar Rivers flowing at its boundaries, Hemis National Park is a very popular holiday destination in Ladakh. Situated at an altitude ranging from 3,300 to 6,000 meters, this national park in Ladakh was established in 1981. It has been named after the Hemis Monastery which was founded in 1630 by Lama Tagstang. Offering a number of different landscapes like mountains, flatlands, cold deserts etc. this national park is the perfect place to spend some time admiring the natural beauty at its best.
Other than snow leopard, this national park is also home toLadakh Urial, Tibetan Argali, Bharal, Tibetan Wild Ass, Dholes and birds like Great Grey Shrike, Red Mantled Rose Finch, Black Throated Thrush, the Robin Acceptor, Spotted Flycatcher, Himalayan Whistling Thrush etc. The flora range majorly consists of alpine vegetation like Anemone, Veronica, Delphinium, Gentiana, Lloydia and Kobresia.
Being located in the rain shadow area of the Himalayas, this national park does not receive much rainfall throughout the year and as a result, it is dotted with many dry forests. The lower areas of this place are dominated by plants with less moisture requirements including juniper, fir, dry birch etc. And you can find a number of rare and endangered medicinal plants.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to enjoy a pleasant and hassle-free trip to this national park is from May to October. During this time, the weather conditions remain perfect and you can go for jeep safaris or choose to trek in Hemis National Park while admiring the stunning landscapes and enjoying the adventurous routes.And if you are planning your trip between June and July, you can check the dates of the annual Hemis Festival and experience an artistic and cultural extravaganza.
Generally, the trekking routes and safaris remain closed after November due to heavy snowfall, it is recommended to avoid planning a trip around that time.
How to Reach
Despite being situated at a high altitude, the Hemis National Park offers great connectivity to other parts of the country. There are two ways to reach this national park as there is no railway station in Ladakh or in any nearby place that can connect you to other major cities in India.
1. By Air: The nearest airport is in Leh and you can find a number of flights to this airport from all major Indian cities. The distance of Hemis National Park from Leh is just 5 kilometres. Once you reach there, you can either take a bus or hire a private taxi to reach the park.
2. By Road: With two national highways (Leh-Manali highway and 1D national highway) Ladakh is well-connected to other cities via road. You can choose any of them to reach Ladakh via bus or a private taxi and then plan a visit to the national park.
Entry Timing & Tickets
The Hemis National Park is open on all days of the week. The entrance fee is INR 20 per person for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners.
You can book a Hemis National Park safari to cover the entire stretch of the national park without taking too much time. If you are visiting this place for the first time, the best option is to opt for a guided tour of Hemis National Park, so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Nearby Places You Can Visit
There are a few other places that you can visit on your trip to the Hemis National Park:
1. Hemis Monastery
Situated about 45 kilometres from the capital city, Leh, this is the biggest monastery in North India. With a large collection of artefacts, stupas made in gold and silver, thankas and Buddha statues, this is also one of the wealthiest monasteries in Ladakh. Other than this, the Hemis Monastery is known for hosting the 2-days long Hemis Festival which is organized every year in the middle of the summer season.
2. Ganda La
Also known as Kanda La, this is a high mountain pass which is located within the premises of Hemis National Park. This pass connects the villages of Markha Valley to Leh and is used by local people.
3. Gotsang Gompa
This is a retreat centre above Hemis Gompa and is another famous tourist spot in Ladakh. It is a short trek from the Hemis Monastery and is known for its meditative appeal. You can take a small break here and gear up for further trekking.
4. Stanka Gompa
This monastery got its name from its base hill which resembles a tiger’s nose. Offering some beautiful panoramic views of the Indus River, Stanka Gompa is the right place to spend some time in peace and serenity.
All in all, Ladakh is a place that allures different kinds of travellers because it has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating trip or an adventurous, fun-filled vacation, you can simply choose from Veena World’s wide range of Ladakh holiday packages and make your trip a memorable affair.
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