Hemis National Park

This high altitude national park is located in eastern Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The north of this protected area is enclosed by the banks of the Indus River. The area is an abode to an immense population of snow leopards. It does not receive heavy amount of precipitation; therefore, the flora present in the park comprises arid woods of juniper, birch, fir, and Populus-Salix. Apart from snow leopards, the flora includes bharal, argali, Asiatic ibex, Eurasian brown bear, Tibetan wolf, red fox, etc.
The Hemis National Park is the second largest contiguous protected region of the country after the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The park incorporates a trekking route that is one of the prime attractions for tourists. The factor that draws wildlife lovers the most is the sight of snow leopards. There are around 200 snow leopards in the region and witnessing them amid the fascinating snowy panorama gives great pleasure.