While Leh itself is a bustling urban center, it is surrounded by a breathtaking high-altitude desert ecosystem.
* **Hemis National Park:** Located a short drive from Leh, this high-altitude national park is globally famous for having the highest density of snow leopards in any protected area in the world. It is a premier destination for wildlife tracking in the winter. * **Local Flora and Fauna:** The arid landscape is dotted with resilient vegetation like sea buckthorn and juniper, and wildlife enthusiasts can spot blue sheep (Bharal), Tibetan wild asses (Kiang), and golden eagles in the surrounding valleys.
