Hemis National Park is the largest national park in India. Popularly known for its great heights, this dreamy park was discovered in 1981. The area was named after Hemis Gompa, the famous monastery of Ladakh. The Hemis high altitude park is located in the union territory of Ladakh. Here, you can witness the most perfect landscapes.
Always covered in snow, this area can be easily be confused with heaven. The Indus River flows freely on the north, and the Zanskar Range can be seen from here as well. The serene vibes of this place are sure to leave you mesmerized.
About Hemis National Park
The Hemis National Park, Ladakh, offers you a bundle of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This park blooms with fascinating vegetation and wildlife all year long. In fact, it would only be fair to call it the little mirror of Ladakh. As you cover the Hemis National Park area, you get to see a clear picture of Ladakh.
This place is known for the majestic snow leopards that live in great numbers here. Not to forget, the over 30 species of fauna and 11 underlying species of fauna, that capture the sight of numerous tourists.
Things To Do In Hemis National Park
All you need is a Hemis National Park map and a heart willing to explore, and you’re set to experience something magical. Below are summarized the things you can do on your trip to this national park –
1. Visiting the Hemis Monastery
The famous Hemis Monastery existed even before the 11th century. Tourists come here only to fill themselves with wonder, looking at the age-old statue of Lord Buddha. There are gold and silver stupas inside the monastery as well. The air you breathe here feels divine.
Around a thousand monks live in the monastery. It is one of the wealthiest places in terms of cultural heritage. You can also check out the Hemis Museum shop if you want to buy souvenirs or handicrafts.
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2. Go Bird Watching
The Hemis National Park, Ladakh, is a heaven for people that take an interest in bird watching. It is a leisure activity in itself. This protected national park is a home to many species of birds.
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3. Take The Trek To Gotsang Gumpa
The great Gotsang Gumpa is the other name for serenity. Merely breathing in this land will feel like a meditation. In fact, reaching Gotsang Gumpa is nothing short of a retreat in itself. It lies at a distance from the Hemis Monastery, and it’s suggested that you take a solo trek to reach here.
The Hemis National Park trek rejuvenates you and prepares you for the tranquil time you are about to spend at Gotsang Gumpa. The best part about the trek is that you get to stay at Gotsang Gumpa for as long as you want. It will cleanse your soul and ease your mind.
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4. Go For The Hemis National Park Safari
Call it a safari or a wild trail, but you have to cover it on your own, using your able feet. No motor vehicles are allowed inside the park premises. This is a beautiful touch to leave the park pollution-free and make the animals feel at home.
Hence, the Hemis National Park Safari is absolutely animal cruelty-free and pollution-free. However, oddly enough, there is a Hemis National Park jeep safari that will show you places around the park but not inside it.
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Best Time To Visit Hemis National Park
The most suitable time to explore the Hemis National Park area tends to be between May and October. However, if you plan your visit during mid-summer, you can check out the famous festival organized by the Hemis Monastery. It is not advisable to visit this place after October as the roads are closed due to rain. So, you can neither go for jeep safaris, not trekking.
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Entry Fee Of Hemis National Park
The entrance fee of this National Park is set as INR 20 per person for Indians; however, foreigners have to pay INR 100.
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Travel Tips For Hemis National Park
- The Hemis National Park is open on all days of the week.
- The food here is edible, but it is advised to bring packaged food as one can find it hard to adapt to the tastes and flavors of the mountain.
- Bring a first aid kit with all the medications you might need on your travel as they might not be available here.
- No vehicles are allowed inside the park.
- Solo treks are fun, but they should be avoided at night as this national park is full of wild animals that come to prey in the dark.
- Keep a Hemis National Park map with you at all times.
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Facilities At Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park can offer you thrilling adventures, but it won’t provide you a parking spot and an exotic breakfast. However, you can stay inside the monastery. There are backcountry camps near the park. Hotels can be found at a distance from the park.
The locals offer lodging at low rates. Food is made available to visitors. However, restaurants are not a common sight here. Butter tea is provided to visitors by the villagers. Leh is the nearest city, and you can travel down there to find better food and stays.
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Hemis National Park has got everything to fill you with amazement. You can expect a life-changing experience from this place. Be it visiting the monastery with your family or the classic Hemis National Park trek, Ladakh will fill you with all the happy hormones. The colorful Tibetan flags that you can spot at every step in the park and around it are known to bring good luck on your trip. You can certainly feel the sanctity of this land the moment you reach there.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hemis National Park
What is the easiest way to get to Hemis National Park?
The easiest way to get to the Hemis park is through Leh. You can fly to Leh Base Station from Delhi, Srinagar, or Chandigarh and then reach there by roads through a rented vehicle or a bus.
What is the best time to visit Hemis?
Hemis is beautiful throughout the year. If you want to trek, then you should visit from the middle of June to the middle of October.
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Anjana is a writer, journalist, and a full-time wallflower. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Mass Communication and firmly believes that travel blogging is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for globetrotting, she brings to you some amazing tips on traveling perfectly, be it any season of the year! In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to obscure indie bands, and writing poetry – all of this while being a crazy dog lady.
