Hemis National Park, National park in Ladakh, India
Hemis National Park is a protected reserve in the Leh district of Ladakh that covers mountain peaks, gorges, and alpine lakes across the Himalayan massif. The terrain includes steep rock faces, dry grasslands, and glacier streams spread between 3,300 and 6,000 meters (roughly 10,800 to 19,700 feet) in elevation.
The Indian government established the reserve in 1981 to protect endangered species in the high-altitude region. It became the largest protected area in northern India, securing migration corridors for snow leopards and Tibetan wolves.
Named after the nearby Buddhist monastery, the area holds spiritual meaning for local communities who regard the mountains as sacred. Pilgrims and herders still cross its valleys along old trade routes that now serve researchers and park rangers.
Access is only safe during the summer months from May through September when passes are open and weather conditions stable enough for trekking. Hikers should prepare for thin air and rapid temperature shifts, bringing warm layers and allowing time to adjust to the altitude.
The area holds the highest concentration of snow leopards anywhere on Earth, drawing biologists who observe the animals in their natural range. Researchers have installed camera traps and tracking systems here that reveal new insights into migration patterns and hunting behavior.
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