This is a stunningly beautiful, rewarding and challenging 15 day Road tour into and through one of India's most remote Himalayan Buddhist regions. From the green hills of Shimla, to the dry desert-scapes of the Lahaul-Spiti valley, with pinnacle-topped monasteries resonating with the sound of 1200-year-old horns, bells and drums.

Wildlife abounds, we'll see deer, marmots, birds of prey and if we're lucky, blue sheep. We stay in Kaza the largest centre of population in this wild and unexplored land. Before the final two passes – to be ridden in one day, the distant Kunzum La and way beyond Rhothang La at 3,950m.

Touring locally we will discover crumbling monasteries and the spectacular

monastery at Ki. If time and altitude permit, we will stay in a traditional and unspoilt high mountain village in a small and simple guest house. Approaching the first pass we leave the road behind us and all your skills for off-road riding come into play but despite there being no road, we make it down to hot baths and comfort in Manali town, with its bustling bazars and smart clean restaurants.