Hemis National Park, located in eastern part of Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir. In the eastern part of cold desert of Ladakh this high altitude protected area was created in 1981 for conservation and protection of its unique flora and fauna. Total area covered by this place is 600 sq.kms totally in Markha and Rumbak valleys.
The area surrounded by the park is rocky and there exists thin soil which cover supports a poor vegetative growth. Dry grass is present in the sheltered locations which grows comparatively fast during the summer season after the snow melts from the region.
Due to the glacial actions that occurred in the past there are many U-shaped and V-Shaped valleys in the area. Due to continuous flow of rivers and streams there is a thick deposit of sand on their banks.
Rainfall is low in the area but a lot of snowfall. The temperature falls below the freezing point in winter and there is heavy snowfall during that period which remains on ground for several months. Summers here are very short. The best time to visit the place is May to October.
In the region one can find dry forests of Juniper, birch, fir, alpine grasslands and scrunlands. In the hemis national park one can find many rare and endangered animals like fauna for whom this place is home. There are other animals also like snow leopard, Tibetan wild or kiang, ibex, serow and Tibetan antelope. The population of avi fauna has snow partridge and golden oriole.
To reach the place by air the nearest airport is Srinagar. Nearest railway station is Jammu-Tawi and to go by road Leh is well connected with all major cities. For within the state there are buses which move from Leh to hemis natioanl park.
