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The Hemis High Altitude National Park includes the catchments of two valleys, which drain into the River Indus. It is named after the famous monastery -- Hemis, and sprawls over 600-sq-km in the Markha And Rumbak valleys. The conditions are very bleak and desolate in this park. The terrain is rocky and the thin soil cover supports a poor vegetative growth. Dry alpine pastures are present in sheltered locations. Grass growth is relatively rapid during the summer season after the melting of the snow.
The area is barren and rocky, covered only sparsely with vegetation. Most of the ten species of mammal here are extremely rare -- Shapu, Bharal, Great Tibetan Sheep, Ibex and Snow Leopard. The avifauna too comprises species, which are not seen at lower altitudes, Himalayan Snow Cock, Snow Patridge and golden oriole.
The best season for mammal viewing is September to May and for bird viewing March to May and September to December. Approachable by road from Leh , this national park contains several camping sites too.
For Passes Contact: The Wildlife Warden, Leh