Hemis National ParkLadakhJKIndia-Snow Leopard Country
Hemis National ParkLadakhJKIndia-Snow Leopard Country
The feeling of being in snow leopard country was amazing. We were in the land of Buddha in High altitude Hemis National Park in Ladakh area of Jamp;K State. Two hours back we sought the blessings of god at Hemis monastery for our successful journey. Since then we were trekking in the cold virgin territory of National park. Hemis is one of few protected forests where trekking is allowed Our guide assured me of bharal Ibex sightings and said if luck helps us snow leopard sighting may be possible.But it is difficult in summers. I spotted a herd of bharal hanging precariously on a cliff. Though at a distanI zoomed on the animals amp; caught them in my camera satisfactorily.The overall milieu was soothing and the ambience was heavenly.
We started walking towards our proposed campsite amp; pitched our tents.The muscles of our bodies were overstressed and we tried to relax our body amp; mind.Our guide cooked our supper amp; soon afterwards we were in deep sleep.
Hemis NP was established in 1981 amp; covers an area of 3350 Sq Kms. Its area is dotted with villages with total population of about 780 people. Its territory is a difficult place to live.It lies in transHimalayan part of India amp; three astonishingly beautiful lakes of LadakhTsomoriri Pangong tso Tso Kar lie near to this park. These lakes are inhabited by numerous rare bird species. One can visit these lakes while on a visit to Hemis.Hemis NP has four entry points namely Martselang Chilling Stok amp; Zingchan. Trekking is the only way to visit this park. One can trek in this park to markha valley spituk Rumbak. These valleys are tough ones as one has to cross high altitude passes. Places worth visit near park is Hemis Gompa. A two days Hemis festivals is held in summers. Concept of home stay was introduced in the park area so one can stay in a village house amp; can feel the sociocultural life of local people. The cost of stay is fairly reasonable. This park can be visited for snow leopards great Tibetan sheepTibetan antelopeserow amp; rare high altitude birds.
Best time to visit the park is mid June to Mid October but best wildlife sightings are in winter.
How to Reach
By Air: DelhiLeh.Hemis is 45 kms from Leh
By Rail : Nearest is Jammu amp; route is via Srinager amp; Journey from Jammu takes 3 days
By Road: DelhiManaliKeylongLeh or DelhiPathankot JammuSrinagarKargilLeh.
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