The park Ecosystem

The Park EcosystemThe Animal BeingsThe Park is the habitat of the endangered Hangul or the Kashmir stag - the only species of red Deer to be found in India. Winter is the best time to view the Hangul, when they congregate in the shelter of the lower valleys. Other inhabitants include the Himalayan Black Bear, species of wild Goat like the Markhor and Ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds.
The leopard, which is the only predator in this paradise, is rarely seen as also the elusive snow leopard, which is found in the higher altitudes. Other animals include the rare musk deer and the Himalayan marmot.
The Winged BeingsThere over 150 species of birds inhabiting park's vicinity. Colourful pheasants include the Crimson Tragopan, the iridescent Monal Pheasant with its glittering plumage, the Blood Pheasant and the Koklass Pheasant. The golden Eagle and the bearded Vulture or Lammergeier are seen circling the brilliant blue skies.
The Major Fascinations at Dachigam National ParkAmidst forests of silver birch and conifer roams the Hangul. Rare and on the verge of extinction till a few years ago, the national park at Dachigam contains the last viable Hangul population in the world. Related to the red Deer of Europe, this breed is characterised by its white rump patch and impressive spread of antlers.


Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Sanctuary Overview Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is just 48 km from Srinagar, to its southwest. The reserve has an area of 180 sq km, and an altitudinal range of 2,400 - 4,300 meters above sea level. Fauna includes Himalayan musk deer, red fox, brown and black bear. among avifauna are upland birds, both resident and migratory. The best time for animal viewing is September to March and for bird viewing March to May. It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer, and a rich and varied avifauna.
Arriving At Gulmarg Biosphere ReserveBy Flight : The Srinagar airport is 57 km away. By Trackways : Nearest railhead is Jammu (342-km). By Roadways : Regular buses ply from Srinagar, which is 48-km away from the reserve areaBook a tour to Gulmarg Biosphere ReserveThe Park EcosystemThe Animal BeingNature has gifted this Biosphere Reserve with multiple species of rare, endangered and protected species. The main species found over here are Hangul, Musk Deer, Serow, Brown Bear, Leopard, Black Bear and Red Fox, etc.
The VegetationThe area holds a rich cover of vegetation, the dominant forest consisting of conifers, which account for over 90% of forest. The principal species are Cedrus Deodara, Pinus Griffithii, Abies Pindrow, Aesculus Indica, etc. The major shrubs are Indigofera Heterantha, Sorbaria Tomentosa, etc. The ground cover over here is also very rich and Dicotyledonus herbs dominate the area, comprising of Rumex Patientia, etc.
The Winged BeingsThe area houses a good population of pheasants and upland birds apart from other species, both resident and migratory. The common birds are Griffon Vulture, Monal, Snow Cock, Koklas, Blue Rock Pigeon, Kashmir Roller, European Hoopoe, Jungle Crow, etc.

Sanctuary OverviewThe 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.
Hemis High-Altitude National Park is the largest high-altitude reserve of India. Very close to Leh, in the area of Markha and Rumbak Valleys, the area in general is rocky and sparsely covered. The park comes under the district of Ladakh and represents the Trans-Himalayan ecosystem. The park was established in the year 1981 to preserve the dwindling population of wildlife in Ladakh region with an area of 600 sq km. The park has been earmarked as one of the snow leopard reserves under a central government project to conserve the species, its prey population, and fragile mountain habitat.Book a tour to Hemis High Altitude National ParkArriving At Hemis High-Altitude National ParkBy Flight : The nearest airport is Leh, which is connected by Indian Airlines to Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar, and Jammu.By Trackways : The nearest railhead is Jammu, situated at a distance of around 690 km. Jammu is connected to all parts of India.By Roadways : The Leh - Srinagar National Highway officially opens from May 15 to November 15 every year (depending on weather condition). The distances of some important destinations from Leh by road are : Srinagar, 434 km; Kargil, 230 km; Manali, 497 km; and Keylong, 380 km.
The Park EcosystemThe Animal BeingsMost of the endangered species of Ladakh have their home in Hemis. Some 11 species have been recorded, including wolf (Canis lupus), Pallas' cat (Felis manul), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), ibex (Capra ibex), bharal (Pseudois nayaur), Tibetan argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni) and Ladakh urial (Orientalis vignei). Some snow leopards have also been recorded in the national park. There is a good population of bharal and urial in the park, as well as some ibex west of the Zanskar River.
The VegetationThe vegetation in the Hemis High-Altitude National Park can be characterized as high-altitude desert with sparse grasslands and herbaceous vegetation on mountain slopes and in harmony with rest of Ladakh. In the lower valley of the park, one can find scrublands and patchy forests. The dominant species include woundwort (Stachys tibetica), cinquefoils (Potentilla spp.), worm weeds (Artemesia spp.), Bistorta spp. and Agrostis spp. The meadows on valley bottoms are dominated by sedges, namely Carex spp. and Koresia spp.
The Winged BeingsAround 30 species of avifauna have been identified in the park, including Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis) and chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar).