Cycling in Leh

Hemis National Park is a very famous wildlife attraction in Ladakh, renowned for its large population of snow leopards as well as the varied bird species. After the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, it is India's second-largest continuous protected area. The park covers an area of 3,350 square kilometres and is a must-see, not only for animal aficionados, but also for photographers and hikers as well. Since it is positioned in the Himalayan rain shadow area, Hemis National Park receives very little rainfall throughout the year. As a result, the park is scattered with dry forests, with fir growing at lower elevations. The most common flora species are fir, juniper and dry birch as well as several rare and endangered medicinal plants.The park is a part of the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau ecoregion, which includes dense pine forests, alpine plants, and large meadows. The sweeping panoramas of the stream of the Indus River offered here are unmatched and in their raw form. Within the park lies several famous attractions of Ladakh, including the Hemis Monastery as well as the Stok Kangri Peak. Even after having such a huge collection of animals and birds, the Hemis National Park has been providing a route to various trekking trails. Read More: Best Tour Packages to Leh Ladakh

For centuries, Ladakh's Hemis Monastery has been regarded as India's largest monastery. In the Himalayan region, there are over 200 outposts of the monastery staffed by more than 1,000 monks. There are motorable roads leading to the monastery, which is 45 kilometres from Leh. The trip to Hemis Monastery is an adventure in and of itself, but the surroundings further enhance the experience. Among the richest monasteries in India, the Hemis Monastery is renowned for its collection of ancient artefacts, including a copper Buddha figure, gold and silver stupas, and more. Sacred Thangkas, murals, and other items may be seen throughout the monastery. Mahayana Buddhism's Drukpa Lineage (also known as the Dragon Order) runs through this monastery in Tibet which was founded by Tsangpa Gyare Yeshe Dorje in the 13th century by Tsangwang Drukpan. The monastery's colourful Tibetan-style architecture is a visual treat with the assembly hall, called Dukhang, and the temple, called Tshongkhang, having been separated by a wall. Additionally, the monastery's enormous courtyard is well worth the visit as you will find the Buddhist murals depicting Kalchakra cover the verandah. Then there is a dwelling for nuns located beneath the monastery that is well worth a visit besides the Hemis National Park that lies close to the monastery and is one of the country's highest national parks. Snow leopards and wolves are among the park's most notable residents. The Hemis Festival is a huge draw for visitors from all over the world. It's lucky to view the monastery's Thanka during the celebration every twelve years since it signifies spiritual health and power. The Vajrayana school of Tantric Buddhism, which is divided into Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug sects, serves as the philosophical framework for the monastery. They are a direct descendant of the Mahayoga Tantra school's practices.

Since the land resembles that of moon, Moon land near Lamayuru in Ladakh region is fondly called like that. A unique geographical feature appearing here attracts thousands of visitors every year. A traveler comes to Lamayuru will not miss the surprising land. There is also a saying that during full moon, the land becomes exotic and it would be an enchanting sight to behold and rare too. Lamayuru’s fame was dashingly enhanced because of this landscape carved in to the Greater Himalayan ranges. Interested travelers will come to Lamayuru which is located at a distance of 100 kms from Leh on the famous Leh-Srinagar Higway. To watch the glimpses of the moon land so clear and closer, you can climb up to the Meditation Hill in Lamayuru. The monks from Lamayuru gompa are living in this hill, at a greater height. The rough, uneven landscape of Moon land will be an amusing sight from the top of the Meditation Hill. The entire Lamayuru becomes visible from the top. One will come to know why Lamayuru and Moonland are heard as synonyms for each other and the natives here find Moon land as an inevitable part of their lives also.Location: The NH 1-D or the popular Leh-Srinagar Highway is where the Moon land in Lamayuru located. Around 100 kms from Leh is the site. You can reach the destination by bus or jeep. Bikers would get some exciting sightseeing option throughout the journey.Best time to visit: The months from May to September are the best time to reach Moon land.