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Established: 1981 Total Area: 4,400 sq. km (Largest in India) Elevation: 3,300 to 6,000 meters above sea level Location: Eastern Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir Best Time to Visit: May to September (for trekking) and January to February (for spotting snow leopards) Unique Fact: It is the only national park in India located north of the Himalayas
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Hemis has one of the highest densities of snow leopards in the world. Best time for spotting: Winter months (January–February) when they descend to lower altitudes.
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Tibetan Wolf – A rare predator in the Himalayas. Eurasian Brown Bear – Found at lower altitudes in summer. Red Fox – Often seen near trekking routes. Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal) – A key prey for snow leopards. Asiatic Ibex – A wild goat species adapted to high altitudes. Ladakh Urial (Shapo) – A type of wild sheep native to Ladakh.
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Golden Eagle Himalayan Griffon Vulture Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) Tibetan Snowcock
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Markha Valley Trek Rumbak Valley Trek Stok Kangri Trek
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One of the richest and largest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. Hosts the famous Hemis Festival in June/July, celebrating Guru Padmasambhava.
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By Air: Nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh), about 40 km away. By Road: Accessible from Leh via Leh-Manali Highway or Leh-Srinagar Highway. Permits: No special permit required for Indian tourists; foreigners need an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
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