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- Overland Expeditions
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- Burma Treasures

Burma Treasures
- Itinerary :Yangon - Bagan - Mandalay - Amarapura - Mingun - Sagaing - Yangon
- Tour Id :
- Time : 12 Days-11 Nights
- Price : Contact us
Captures the spirit of Myanmar in this fast-paced adventure. With some longer journeys covered by plane and train this is a wonderful trip for those who want to experience the very best of Myanmar but only have a limited time. The intimate encounters with the gentle and gracious people-every day weavers, blacksmiths, silversmiths, drummers-bring you closer to this land than you could ever imagine.
Day 1: Arrival - Yangon
On arrival at Mingaladon airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon has been the capital city only since 1885 although some settlements in this site date back about 2,500 years. This colorful metropolis features an intriguing mix of the scenes from a bygone era and the modern tempo of bustling streets punctuated by serene temples and impressive colonial edifices. After checking into hotel, we visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, which dominates the skyline of city. This masterpiece houses an intricate complex of smaller pagodas and Buddha images. O/N in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon - Mandalay
Today we spend a half day exploring this charming town. The gilded Sule Pagoda, the impressive Karaweik Hall on the Royal Lake and the National Museum with a display of treasures and artefacts reflecting the richness of Burmese culture are some interesting sights in place. We visit these before continuing on the enormous reclining Buddha of Chaukhtatgyi in a quiet, open-air pavilion. We also have also time wandering around the lively Bogyoke Aung San Market, formerly Scott’s market where everything and anything is for sale. By late afternoon, we board a night train (apr. 15 hours) to Mandalay. The train conditions are basic but this journey is in keeping with the adventurous nature of our trips and allows you to experience a taste of the ‘real Myanmar’. O/N on board. (B)
Day 3: Mandalay - Mingun - Mandalay
The night train journey ends up once arriving in Mandalay. You are met by our guide and transferred to the jetty for a boat trip on the mighty Irrawaddy River. The lively waterfront with working buffaloes offers a spectacular backdrop as we cruise upriver towards Mingun, home to the unfinished huge pagoda, the world’s largest bell, and the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda. We make our way back to Mandalay City past the scenic countryside. This delightful town has plenty to see, some of which are the Mahamuni Pagoda; the fabulous Kuthodaw Pagoda often called "the world's largest book" and the wooden monastery of Shwenandaw Kyaung. This structure is still standing over centuries, despite of all vicissitudes of the city. We include these sights in a half day guided tour, which also gives us a chance to ascend Mandalay hill for a beautiful sunset view of the surrounding areas. O/N in Mandalay. (B)
Day 4: Mandalay - Amarapura - Sagaing - Ava - Mandalay
The great cultural Mandalay City was a former capital of Burma; however many outlaying towns could lay claim to the same title at some stages in the past. Today we head out of the town to visit one of these ancient cities, Amarapura. The spectacular teak bridge of U Bein and the famous Mahaganda Monastery are some of the major attractions in Amarapura. We cross over the mighty Irrawaddy River to the picturesque Sagaing Hill. This lush area is covered in 600 white painted pagodas and monasteries, and is therefore regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar. Afterwards we drive to the ruin of Ava and embark a horse and carriage to explore the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace. O/N in Mandalay. (B)
Day 5: Mandalay - Pyin u Lwin - Mandalay
The famous hill station of Pyin u Lwin, formerly called Maymyo, was established during colonial era, and is now a crossroad for traders coming over from China. Today we drive following a winding road to Pyin u Lwin. The pleasant way to get around this hill station is on a horse carriage. This local transport will take us to the national garden of Kandawgyi and the botanical garden where vegetables as well as " English " fruits still flourish. We spend our time to walk around the downtown seeing numerous colonial buildings and a colourful local market. Close to the town is the picturesque Pwekauk Waterfalls which is also visited before we set off on return journey. O/N in Mandalay. (B)
Day 6: Mandalay - Bagan
An early morning transfer to the jetty for a leisurely trip along the mighty Irrawaddy River north towards Bagan. This enchanting town is one of the world most impressive archeological wonders. The river journey can take anything from 7 or 9 hours depending on water conditions. No matter how long it takes us, but it is still a wonderful experience as we pass by the spectacular landscape and see the rural life close up. There are several stops along the way, allowing passenger to visit the bustling piers and buy local snack. Upon arrival at Bagan pier, you are met by our guide and embark a waiting vehicle for a short drive to hotel, passing through the archeological filed. O/N in Bagan. (B)
Day 7: Bagan
The impressive archaeological wonder in Myanmar is Bagan. This enchanting town flourished from the 11th till 13th century when religious fervors launched a 200 year building of thousands huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Today we enjoy a walk around the vibrant market of Nyaung U and spend our time in the archeological zone. The sightseeing tour enables us to explore many magnificent structures including Shwezigon, Nanbaya, Htilominlo, Ananda, Thatbyinnyu, Sulamani, Dhammyangyi. These temples and pagodas bear statement to a glorious past. The perfect way to round off our day is an observation of the spectacular sunset from the upper terrace of Myaukguni Temple. O/N in Bagan. (B)
Day 8: Bagan - Mount Popa - Kalaw
Heading out of the town we commence our overland trip to Kalaw with the first stop being the imposing Mount Popa. This extinct volcano boasts the region’s highest peak, but the main attraction in this place is the smaller one, Popa Taungkalar, which is dedicated to the local legendary "nat" spirits. After a two hour drive, we ascend the Popa Taungkalar for a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area. There are 777 steps which wind around the outcrop, leading to the gilled stupa and monastery at the summit. We continue our journey to the Shan Plateau, travelling through the stunning countryside and rolling hills to Kalaw, a pleasant hill station. O/N in Kalaw. (B)
Day 9: Kalaw - Pindaya - Inle Lake
The charming town of Kalaw is surrounded by the lush forest and rolling hill which is home of the various tribal groups. Today we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending our time to stroll around this hill station and see the colorful rural market. Upon leaving Kalaw we drive to Pindaya Cave. This landmark in a tranquil setting of limestone outcrops and scenic lakes, houses thousand Buddha images of various shapes and sizes. They are brought there by devoted pilgrims over centuries. On arrival, we enjoy a walk to visit this sacred cave and the traditional production of local paper and parasols at nearby village. We continue our journey to Inle Lake, a famous wonder of Myanmar. Along the way we make stops to stretch our legs and catch some wonderful pictures. O/N in Inle Lake. (B)
Day 10: Inle Lake
The picturesque scenery blending with the sky and floating gardens rising from the clear water of the lake is nothing short of spectacular. We board our boat for a leisurely trip on the lake, which also gives us a chance to visit some gardens and catch a glimpse of the local Intha fishmen famous for their rowing technique. These people power their narrow boats by twisting their legs around their oars, a remarkable feat of agility and control. Along the way, we anchor to visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the Jumping Cat Monastery with a beautiful collection of antique Buddha statues and the local market. This colourful congregation is held in different villages every five days, and also attracts numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the surrounding villages to trade their goods. O/N in Inle Lake. (B)
Day 11: Inle Lake - Yangon
Today we continue exploring Inle Lake as we board a boat cruising through the main water body of the lake to In Dein village, a recently opened area in Shan state. Upon leaving this village we venture into a small canal and pass through the beautiful scenery on the way to a Pa O hill tribe village. The next stop is a local market. We visit this bustling trade center and enjoy a walk to the very impressive ruins containing hundred ancient pagodas, some of which are hidden in the lush vegetation. The main stupa in this place offers an interesting view over the surrounding mountains to the valley and the quite water of the lake in the far distance. By late afternoon you get a short flight back to Yangon and spend the time on your own. O/N in Yangon. (B)
Day 12: Yangon - Departure
There is a free time for your own visit to Bogyoke Market, formerly Scott's Market or walk along the bustling streets of Indian town and Chinatown. The trip ends after transfer to Mingaladon airport for departure. (B)
ends after transfer to Mingaladon airport for departure. (B)
INCLUSIONS: Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver + Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels or similar one + English speaking guide + Entrance fees to indicated sights - Yangon: Shwedagon Pagoda, National Museum - Bagan zone fee , archeological museum - Mandalay zone fee, Mingun zone fee, Sagaing Hill, National garden of Kandawgyi - Pindaya cave - Inle Lake zone fee + Meal as indicated : B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + Domestic flights Yangon – Mandalay, Heho – Yangon + Boat trip in Mingun and Inle lake + Public ferry Mandalay - Bagan + Horse cart tour in Bagan and Ava
EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Myanmar, any optional additional tours or activities during free time + Surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner
TRIP NOTES
-MYANMAR IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMOODATION IS SIMPLE IN REMOTE AREAS.
-THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.
-THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .
-THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.