National park · India
Hemis National Park
Visit Hemis National Park: pay the entry fee (≈ INR 200 per adult), drive 1 h from Leh, hike the Markha Valley trek in June–September; avoid monsoon‑season road closures.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²)
approximate
Established
1965
Best months
Jun–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
At a glance
- Country
- India
- Area
- 4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²)
- Approx. 4,000 km²; figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1965
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Leh
Hemis National Park, Ladakh's high‑altitude reserve, protects snow leopards and other rare wildlife across rugged desert terrain.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1965.
Size and age
4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²) · national park since 1965
Approx. 4,000 km²; figures vary by source (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Leh.
Why go
- Snow leopards and other high‑altitude wildlife.
- Markha Valley trek across dramatic desert landscapes.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarAvoid
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctCaution
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanVery cold, limited access.
- FebCold, roads may be icy.
- MarSnow still present, limited services.
- AprMelting snow, possible road slips.
- MayEarly melt, occasional storms.
- JunClear skies, trekking season opens.
- JulWarm days, good trekking conditions.
- AugStable weather, peak trekking.
- SepCooler, still good for hikes.
- OctEarly snowfall, roads close.
- NovSnow, limited access.
- DecHeavy snow, park closed.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snow leopardJun–Sep · Rare; sightings depend on weather and altitude. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Blue sheep (bharal)Jun–Oct | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Himalayan ibexJun–Oct | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Hemis gate | Main entry, visitor centre, parking. | Open with entry permit. |
| Markha Valley | Trek corridor with campsites and shepherd villages. | Guided or self‑guided with permit. |
| High‑altitude wildlife zone | Snow leopard habitats, restricted access. | Observation from approved trails only. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Wikidata; approximate centre of the park.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult) | INR 200 (≈ US$3) | person | Check official park website for current rate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit permit or guide
Park rules
- Permits
- All visitors must carry a valid entry permit.
- Camping
- Allowed only in designated sites on the Markha Valley trek.
- Fires
- Open fires prohibited; use stoves only.
- Pets
- Not allowed inside the park.
- Drone use
- Prohibited without special permission.
Where to stay
Near the park
Leh hotels
Range from budget hostels to mid‑range hotels; 1 h drive to park.
In the park
Markha Valley camps
Basic camping platforms; booked through trekking agencies.
Safety
Altitude sickness medium
Road closures medium
Cold nights low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Park gate reachable by vehicle; short walks are on uneven terrain.
Visiting lightly
- Use registered guides; avoid littering; support local homestays.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Hemis National Park?
The adult entry fee is about INR 200 per person; children may pay less. Verify the current rate on the park’s official portal.
What are the best hikes in Hemis National Park?
The Markha Valley trek (4–6 days) is the flagship route; shorter day hikes to the nearby high‑altitude passes are also popular.
When is the best time to visit Hemis National Park?
June to September offers clear weather and open trekking routes; avoid winter months when snow blocks access.
Do I need a guide for the Markha Valley trek?
Yes, a licensed guide is required for the full trek; day hikes can be done independently with a permit.
Can I camp inside the park?
Camping is allowed only at designated sites along the Markha Valley trek; you must obtain a camping permit.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Hemis National Park
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