This trip is far more of an adventure than it is a holiday. Following the world’s highest roads we will be travelling through remote valleys, climbing lofty passes and visiting scenes of heart rending natural beauty in what is also a fascinating cultural setting.

We at Blazing Trails have been running Himalayan tours since 2000, concentrating thus far on the Spiti Valley area. Due to customers' requests – and our own love of the Indian Himalaya – we have decided to open this new route, taking in the highest roads it is possible to ride. Our years of experience in running Himalayan trips, precise organisation, local knowledge and contacts allow us to take motorcyclists to places like no other… and never before visited by a motorcycle tour. Riding high Ladakh will be a truly unique experience in an utterly awesome setting.

As with all our trips an experienced leader and support crew are with you every mile, providing expert guidance and mechanical or medical assistance should it be required. But despite our enormous local knowledge and thorough preparation, a ride through the Himalayas is never going to be...er...plain sailing.

While we do everything within reason to make your trip as safe and enjoyable as we can, there are challenges implicit to travelling in the world's mightiest mountains that we could not remove, even if we wanted to. The environment is very much in charge here, the natural forces so great that human endeavours to tame them barely register. The Himalayas are still growing, and at the same time falling down – often overnight and across our route. For this reason, no itinerary is ever set in stone.

Each morning your tour leader will gather information and assess conditions ahead. If our planned route is blocked, we may have to detour around, or wait until a passage through can be forced. This can happen, and is usually overcome, but there's always the possibility that routes and accommodation will have to change. If you want a normal package holiday, this ain't it! But if you're looking for the ultimate biking adventure, with the best back-up available and most fitting overnight accommodation, then please read on…

For 2008, we are planning two High Himalaya tours. One will start in Shimla (in the Himalayan foothills) and run up to Leh (the capital of Ladakh); the other will run in the opposite direction. We have not simply reversed the tour, however. Many ex-clients have expressed a wish to ride both ways over the course of the month, so we have varied the venues and length of hotel stays for the upward and downward trips (please check the provisional details below).

So, as a participant in either (or both) of our High Himalaya tours, you will begin your riding in either Shimla, or Leh. There you will be handed 'your' bike, a carefully prepared, standard 500cc Enfield Bullet (with the addition of a front disc brake, plus large tank) and given instruction on its eccentricities. There will be a full briefing on the fun ahead...

Whenever riding there will be a leader at the fore, guiding and trouble-spotting, a 'sweeper' to the group's rear and at least one 'outrider', helping to guide the group. All have extensive Himalayan experience. A support vehicle will follow, carrying spares and a qualified medic, plus extensive medical kit, including bottled oxygen to assist anybody suffering from the effects of altitude.

Road conditions are often rough. Or very rough, including dirt. With corners – lots and lots of them. So we recommend that you have at least two year's riding experience before taking on this challenge. You will also need a reasonable fitness level and there are certain medical conditions that preclude travelling at high altitude, so check with your doctor if in any doubt. Weather ranges from very warm in the lower valleys, to conditions similar to an early winter's day in the UK at higher elevations – sometimes colder, very occasionally including snow.

Travelling here by bike brings you close to the environment and its inhabitants; close to the nature of this incredible place. 'The trip of a lifetime' is an expression most overused – but not in this case, we can guarantee.

Just some of the trips' highlights:

Leh Where your riding trip will either begin, or end. This large, history-drenched town was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Ladakh. It is set at nearly 12,000ft above sea-level in the upper Indus Valley and like all Ladakh its culture is principally Tibetan Buddhist. There are, however, also Muslim, Christian and Hindu communities in Leh and throughout Ladakh. Overlooking the town is the huge, nine-storey Leh Palace, long since abandoned, but still impressive and worth a visit. There are many more ancient temples and monasteries to visit and the old Leh market is a fascinating experience. There are also more modern influences in what is a busy tourist area, including a plethora of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. Leh receives almost no precipitation (50mm annually, on average). Despite its elevation, summer temperatures can reach 40ºC; in winter the mercury can fall lower than –30ºC.

Khardung La Khardung La ('la' meaning 'pass' in Tibetan) is reputed to be the world's highest 'motorable' road, its crest said to be at 18,370ft – on maps, in guidebooks etc. However, recent measurements suggest it is more like 17,550ft. This still makes it one of the world's three highest accessible roads – the other two are also included in these tours. Those on the Shimla to Leh leg will cross Khardung on the way over to Nubra; on the Leh to Shimla route we will ride to the top to take in the scenery and justify the T-shirt. The views back to the west over Leh and the Kangri mountains are among the finest on the planet.

Nubra Valley A remote and less-visited valley, requiring a special 'inner-line permit' as it runs right up against disputed territories with both China and Pakistan. On the Shimla-Leh trip, we will cross Khardung and follow the Shyok Valley into Nubra. Towering above is Saser Kangri, which at over 25,000ft is one of India's highest mountains. Nubra is also home to several fine monasteries and the endangered Bactrian camel (the shaggy two-humper).

Chang La Another of the three highest passes (the third being Taglang La, on the main Leh to Manali road), at a similar elevation to Khardung. It is crossed in order to reach Pangong and, with a north-facing summit, there is likely to be roadside snow.

Pangong Lake More correctly called 'Pangong Tso', 'tso' being Tibetan for 'lake', this is one of the world's highest. The brackish water is at nearly 14,000ft above sea level and is around 83 miles long, three miles wide and stretches away into China. This is an incredible place, with snow-capped beige mountains reflected in the clear, blue water.

Tso Moriri A deep blue brackish lake up at 13,780ft, reached via very remote roads.

Shimla The summer capital of British India, Shimla retains colonial architecture, but is now predominantly an India holiday destination. There are dozens of markets to explore and hours of people-watching to do.

The Shimla - Kalka Railway This narrow-gauge 'toy' train of ancient 'first class' coaches, made famous by Michael Palin in his 'Himalaya' series, climbs nearly 7000ft in five hours, taxing the engine as the track loops through 103 tunnels and across numerous viaducts to cover the 96km to Shimla… and back. Its reliability permitting, the train will be ridden on both legs of the trip.

Jalori Pass (Shoja) At 'just' 10,500ft this is far from the highest pass we'll encounter, but with the mountains covered in lush, green fir forest, it's a stark contrast to the altitudinous desert that comprises much of the trips. It is also very steep, twisty, and a fabulous ride.

An adventure stretching from Shimla in the Himalayan foothills to the lakes, high passes and desert plains of Ladakh, deep in the Great Himalaya. This trip follows some of the world's highest roads, many with elevations exceeding 16,000ft… and higher! It includes two of the world's three highest 'motorable' passes.

Day 1: Delhi to Shimla. You will be guided to the comfortable, air-conditioned train from Delhi to the town of Kalka, where the Himalaya first rears from the Gangetic Plain. Here you will join the 'Toy Train' up to Shimla, where you'll arrive in time for tea. At the hotel in the evening, you'll be given dinner and a thorough briefing on the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Shimla to Shoja. We leave early, taking the 'highway' out of Shimla at a leisurely pace as the group gets used to the bikes. A half-day's ride takes us along deep, river-cut valleys, before we leave the main track, heading upwards through the forest to Jalori Pass. Just 5km down the other side we find our night's accommodation at Shoja, some 2000ft lower than the 10,500-foot pass.

Day 3: Shoja. A day's altitude acclimatisation, including a short ride back up to the pass and a walk to visit a fort, caves and lakes in the area. We will remain in the comfort of our Shoja hotel for a second night.

Day 4: Shoja to Manali. A day's altitude acclimatisation, including a short ride back up to the pass and a walk to visit a fort, caves and lakes in the area. We will remain in the comfort of our Shoja hotel for a second night.

Day 5: Manali to Jispa. Today we scale the Rohtang Pass, gateway to the high desert mountains and plains. After crossing at 13,000ft, we will stop for the night at the tiny settlement of Jispa… which has a surprisingly good hotel, considering its remote location. Jispa sits at the foot of the mighty 16,000-foot Baralacha Pass at an altitude of some 13,000ft – again providing valuable acclimatisation time before heading up to the really high stuff.

Day 6: Jispa to Sarchu. The day begins with the climb over Baralacha La, riding a sinuous ribbon of tarmac. Having crested the pass, views open up over the arid Mare Plains and on to the snow-capped mountains beyond. We will set up camp for the night on the edge of the plains at Sarchu, sleeping again at around 13,000ft.

Day 7: Sarchu to Tso Moriri. Today we leave the main Manali to Leh road and head for Tso Moriri. Again we will camp in the most spectacular of settings, with a backdrop of yellow desert rock and snow-capped mountains reflected in the aquamarine water.

Day 8: Tso Moriri to Leh. A full day's ride back to the main Manali to Leh road and on to the capital of Ladakh, via Taglang Pass – at over 17,000ft, one of the world's three highest 'motorable' roads.

Day 9: Leh. A well-earned rest day in this fascinating town. For people with excess energy, there are forts and temples aplenty to explore; those who fancy an easier time will find lots of interesting shops, restaurants and bars.

Day 10: Leh to Nubra Valley. Today we leave Leh to climb over Khardung Pass, reputed to be the world's highest motorable road; to the east lies our equally eye-pleasing destination, the less-visited Nubra Valley.

Day 11: Nubra Valley. A day of rest and exploration, with an optional half-day ride along this picturesque (an understatement) river valley to the last checkpoint before China … and back.

Day 12: Nubra Valley to Leh. Having explored Nubra, there is nowhere to go but back over Khardung and down to Leh.

Day 13: Fly Leh to Delhi. Board the aircraft from Leh to Delhi. The short flight is no chore as you'll have views over the high Himalaya and be able to re-trace much of your route.

Day 14 : Fly Delhi to UK. Take home a head full of 'lifetime' memories.

Not quite the reverse of the above journey, but sharing many elements. On this trip, all of the world's three highest achievable passes – Khardung, Chang and Taglang – are on the agenda. We do not visit the Nubra Valley here, but instead venture to Pangong Tso.

Day 1: UK to Delhi to Leh. Fly from the UK to Delhi, where you'll be met by a Blazing Trails representative for the short hop over to the domestic flights terminal. A brief flight over the snow-caps takes us to our hotel base in Leh, the capital of Ladakh.

Day 2: Leh. As you'll be flying in to an altitude of over 11,000ft, a full day's rest is a must. A gentle walk into town to shop, eat and visit the sights should see you well on the way to acclimatisation.

Day 3: Leh to Khardung to Leh. In order to acclimatise further, both to the altitude and the Enfield, we'll take a post-lunch ride up to the Khardung Pass for a cup of chai and some stunning views. At over 17,500ft you'll be short of puff, so it will be a quick turnaround back down the twisties to Leh for teatime.

Day 4: Leh to Pangong. An early start for a six-hour ride over Chang Pass, which is all but the same height as Khardung. The surprisingly good, curvaceous tarmac continues down the other side until Pangong Lake comes into view. We will watch the sun go down in this most spectacular of settings before spending the night here in our tented accommodation.

Day 5: Pangong to Hemis. The return over Chang Pass should take in the region of five hours and ends in the small town of Hemis.

Day 6: Hemis. A well-earned rest day in which to explore the fabulous monastery, which is one of Buddhism's most sacred places and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 7: Hemis to Tso Moriri. Another early start for the long day's off-the-beaten-track ride from Hemis to our overnight camp at Tso Moriri.

Day 8: Tso Moriri to Jispa. More remote riding over huge scenery and high passes will bring us to our Jispa Hotel.

Day 9: Jispa to Manali. A half-day hop over the Rohtang Pass and down to Manali.

Day 10: Manali. Rest your rear. There is every kind of activity to be found in Manali, from shopping to paragliding and trekking. Eating is another favoured pastime, as is relaxing at the hotel with a bottle of wine.

Day 11: Manali to Shoja. After what has gone before this will feel like a relatively easy ride. A latish, brunchtime set-off leaves time to pick up shopping before we ride down the Kullu Valley's smooth tarmac, accompanied by views of gorges and waterfalls. Turning from the main road, we will soon be spiralling up into forested mountains to our overnight stop at Shoja and a relaxing drink with the sunset.

Day 12: Shoja to Shimla. From our overnight stop we climb over the Jalori Pass and down to the Sutlej Valley where the main road back to Shimla is joined. All becomes relatively busy, and deliciously smooth and twisty, on this last ride of the trip.

Day 13: Shimla to Delhi. All aboard the choo-choo down the hill to Kalka and then onto a more modern version to Delhi.

Day 14: Delhi to UK. After coaxing your 1950s single-cylinder time machine through scenery that hasn't changed for millennia, the airport (even Delhi airport) will probably appear like a futureshock dream. Then you get to sit in a chair for about nine hours.