Hemis High Altitude National Park (3350 sq km) is situated in the northernmost district of Ladakh and lies on the west bank of the Indus. Constituted in 1981 as the best potential area for the protection of Snow Leopards in India, Hemis is the country's first national park to be established north of the main Himalayan Range. The high altitude park derives its name from the Hemis Gompa, a famous Buddhist monastery situated 40 km south east of Leh.

The Hemis National Park is located in the Ladakh division of the Indian  state of Jammu & Kashmir. Situated at a distance of around 40 km southeast of Leh, it takes its name from the world famous Buddhist Gompa situated here. The National Park is situated at the bank of river Indus and includes the catchments areas of Markha, Sumdah, and Rumbak streams. The park extends from the latitude 33º38'-34º11' in the North to longitude 77º00'-77º44' in the East.

The terrain surrounding the park is rocky and the thin soil cover supports a poor vegetative growth. Dry alpine pastures are present in sheltered locations and the grass growth is relatively rapid during the summer season after the snow melts from the region

Dry forests of juniper, birch and fir are found in the region. Also present are the alpine grasslands and scrublands. There are many rare and endangered animal species found in the cold desert area that are also found in the hemis national park, known to be the home of an interesting assemblage of cold desert fauna. Amongst these are the snow leopard, Tibetan wild or kiang, ibex, serow and Tibetan antelope. Amongst the avi fauna population found in the hemis national park are the snow, snow partridge and golden oriole.

The vegetation of Hemis is predominantly alpine and steppe with patchy forests and shrub species at the bottom of the valleys. The moist upper mountain slopes support limited areas of alpine vegetation. The remaining mountain slopes and open hillsides support primarily steppe vegetation. The valleys are typically representative of high altitude desert characterized by sparse grasslands and herbaceous vegetation on mountain slopes

Though most famous for its Snow Leopard and Ibex population, other mammals found in Hemis include the wolf, Wild Dog, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Pallas's Cat, Tibetan argali, Himalayan marmots, Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass), Lynx, Wooly Hare and Pika (Mouse Hare).

Besides snow leopard, the park is home to a number of exotic animal and bird species. Over 16 mammal and 73 bird species have been recorded in the park. Prominent among the animals found in the park include the Himalayan wolf, red fox, Pallas's cat, wild dog, bharal (Blue Sheep), Ibex, Tibetan argali, Ladakh urial, long-tailed marmot and Himalayan mouse hare. 

Hemis Gompa: Situated 49 km south of Leh, the Hemis Gompa is the biggest and one of the most important monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery was built in the 17th century by Chapgon Gyalshas. The monastery has a library and also houses an excellent collection of rare artifacts. In summer, the two-day Hemis Festival is held here to celebrate the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. 

Leh: The center of Tibet-Buddhist culture since ages, Leh is popular for its colorful gompas that have attracted the devout Buddhists and tourists from all over the globe. The main attractions in Leh are the Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Victory Tower, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Shankar Gompa, and Soma Gompa

• Hemis Monastery
• Gotsang Gompa
• Stanka Gompa
• Shang Gompa

Visit Hemis National Park