Hemis National Park
The largest national park in South Asia, known as the 'Snow Leopard Capital'. Snow leopard tracking in winter and the classic Markha Valley trek in summer both start here.
The park lies south of Leh and covers about 4,400 sq km. It is home to snow leopards, blue sheep, Tibetan wild asses, ibex and other highland animals. Between January and March, you can join a snow leopard tracking tour led by a local guide. Visitors usually stay in homestays in Rumbak village and may need to wait for several days, with a good chance of sightings, though temperatures can drop to -20°C. In summer, the classic Markha Valley trek (about 5 to 7 days) starts here. A conservation fee is required to enter the park, and visits must be booked through a licensed operator.
Opening hours
Open all day (guide required)
Nearby sights
- Stok Palace
- Spituk Monastery
- Hall of Fame, Leh
- Magnetic Hill
- Indus–Zanskar Confluence (Sangam)
- Phyang Monastery
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
- Shey Palace