When a government makes a policy based on gross national happiness, you know it has its priorities straight. This new mountain biking route is your visitor's pass into this mysterious Himalayan kingdom.

Global Adrenaline is one of only a few companies allowed to operate inside a country sandwiched between India and China, where individual tourism has always been highly restricted. Global Adrenaline's mountain biking trip is a 15-day, 453 mile adventure from Thimpu to the Indian border post at Samdrup Jongkhar, this single track road crosses a total of seven mountain passes. The route encounters a great variety of terrain, ranging from high alpine passes to hot tropical valleys. The vast rural landscape is dotted with monasteries and ancient fortresses.

As you ride, you will accumulate a total of 53,000 feet of ascent and a mind-boggling 60,000 feet of descent, crossing five major passes and two minor ones along the way. The maximum altitude at any point along the route will be 12,160 feet. Bikers will experience challenging climbs on easy angled switch-backs and long descents that last for hours, but - more than that - they will enjoy those climbs and descents while traveling through some of the most beautiful and unspoiled scenery in the world. This traverse, which has been completed by only a handful of foreigners, has now gained acclaim as one of the "great cycle journeys of the world."

The road itself is approximately 90% paved. As you climb higher, crossing the mountain passes, the road can become quite rough in places, which makes for interesting "off road" conditions. However, even in such passages, reasonable biking speeds can be maintained. For example, the descent from the Thumsing La (12,160 feet) to Limithang (1,920 feet), covers a distance of 53 miles and takes only 3 hours of riding time! On this downhill and for days after, you'll bask in the giddy satisfaction of rising gross personal happiness. A unique feature of Bhutan is the almost total lack of traffic on its roads, which makes you feel that the route was created just for mountain bikes.

No prior experience is needed for this mountain biking adventure. To enjoy this trip, you should be physically fit and a competent mountain biker. At all times they will have the security and back-up of support vehicle(s). These vehicles will carry your camping equipment and your food, as well as your personal luggage. Should the need arise, the support vehicles can adequately accommodate all of participants and their bikes. The itinerary has been designed to cater both to those who want to cycle the entire route (including the climbs) and those who want to make use of the support vehicles that will follow through the climbs. Either approach will allow time for sightseeing in the numerous dzongs and villages that you will pass along the way. It goes without saying that a high level of fitness is essential for those desiring to cycle the entire route without use of the support vehicles. However, vehicle support is always available. If you choose to avail yourself of this means of transport, it should not in any way detract from your enjoyment of the trip. You will still be able to enjoy all 60,000 feet of downhill riding, which is particularly memorable.

Global Adrenaline does not indicate the cost [you'll have to contact them] but expect it to run around $4,700. You'll also have to pay for your flight to Kathmandu, Nepal [where this trip starts]. Then you'll take a flight to Paro, where the mountain biking begins.