Hemis National Park, Leh: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Hemis National Park

Hemis National Park was established in 1981 to protect the Rumbak and Markha catchments, about 600 sq km at the time. It was expanded in 1988 and 1990 to its present area of roughly 4,400 sq km. Since 2019, checkposts at Skiu, Zingchen and Shang Sumdo have restricted motor vehicles, so tourists walk inside.

Useful facts

Hemis National Park facts at a glance

Location

Leh district; gates at Stok, Zingchan, Martselang and Chilling

Experience type

Trekking and wildlife in a high-altitude park

Known for

Snow leopards, bharal, Rumbak and Markha valleys

Established

1981; area about 4,400 sq km

Access

On foot beyond checkposts; permit and wildlife fee

Time or schedule

Trekking mid-June to mid-October

Why it matters

Why Hemis National Park is worth your time

Hemis National Park is the largest notified protected area in India and holds a breeding population of snow leopards, concentrated in the Rumbak catchment. It is also where villagers, wildlife and trekkers share the same mountains.

For visitors it turns Ladakh from a monastery circuit into a wildlife and trekking trip. The homestay model has given village households income from conservation. It is demanding, but few places in India offer comparable high-altitude wilderness within reach of a town.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Rumbak homestays

   A village-based stay with meals, part of a community conservation scheme begun in 2002.

2. 02

   Markha Valley trek

   The park's best-known multi-day route, crossing high passes.

3. 03

   Snow leopard country

   The Rumbak catchment has a high density of the cats, best sought in winter.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Decide first what you want. A day visit usually means entering from the Stok or Zingchan gate and walking part of the way towards Rumbak, which Outlook Traveller describes as a moderate four to five hour trek. A longer trip is the Markha Valley trek, which crosses high passes and needs several days, tents or homestays and a reliable guide.

Motor vehicles are restricted at the checkposts, so be ready to walk. Book through a Leh operator, and ask the wildlife office in Leh about the permit and fees for your dates. Stay in a Rumbak homestay if you can; the community scheme there began in 2002 and provides meals and a bed, but rates and availability change.

Snow leopard sightings are best in winter, roughly December to March, but temperatures can fall to minus 30 degrees C and sightings are never guaranteed. In summer, birds, bharal and marmot are more realistic. Acclimatise in Leh for at least three days before any trek.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Gates at Stok, Zingchan, Martselang and Chilling, about 13-60 km from Leh

Time needed

Full day, or 2 to 5 days for treks

Best time

Mid-June to mid-October for trekking; winter for snow leopards

Walking level

Demanding

Senior comfort

The park is high, remote and walked on foot, with no paved roads inside and few facilities. It suits fit seniors with prior acclimatisation; others may prefer the lower gate areas or a day visit to Hemis Monastery instead.

Tickets and access

A wildlife fee is charged and activities need permission from the wildlife department; from November to May a permit from the Wildlife Office in Leh has been required. Current fees and rules are not published, so confirm in Leh.

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