Desires of travelers, whether it's getting up early for sunrises or spending extra time in markets or festivals. The trips are rugged in nature and some are exploratory. But there is a chance to glimpse one of the last unspoiled, exotic areas of the world. Its incredible pagodas, temples, and monasteries are elegant reminders of earlier ages, and its vibrant peoples and cultures are still deeply rooted in century old traditions.

DETAILED ITINERARY

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 start our city tour, seeing the gilded Sule Pagoda and the impressive Karaweik Hall on the Royal Lake. We follow these with a visit to 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
Today we spend a full day exploring Yangon. The enormous reclining Buddha of Chaukhtatgyi in a quiet, open-air pavilion and the National Museum with a display of treasures and artefacts reflecting the richness of Burmese culture are some interesting sights. We visit these before continuing on to Mahabandoola Park where the colonial courthouse and the city hall are standing. Upon leaving this landmark, we enjoy a rickshaw excursion through the colonial area and the famous Strand road to the bustling harbour, giving us a chance to explore the town close up. We follow it with a visit to the oldest Chinese temple of Kheng Hock Keong in China Town and a walk to the lively Bogyoke Aung San Market, formerly Scott's market where everything and anything is for sale. O/N in Yangon (B)

Day 3: Yangon - Bago - Kyaiktiyo
An early morning start to drive towards to Kyaiktiyo. We make stop en route at Bago, which was once the capital of a former Mon Kingdom. The colossal reclining Buddha of Shwethalyaung boasts the most impressive sight in this town while the pagoda of Shwemawdaw is extremely venerated. We visit these sights and continue to Kyaiktiyo. On arrival at the base camp of Kinpun, we board an open truck for a rugged drive before we take a walk on a very steep pathway to the famous Golden Rock, one of Myanmar great pilgrimage sites. This huge boulder covered by gilded leaves and delicately perched on the cliff has a very interesting history. The walk uphill is strenuous; however the spectacular sunset view from the summit makes the hardship all worthwhile. O/N in Kyaiktiyo. (B)

Day 4: Kyaiktiyo - Taungoo
The journey north begins as we depart Kyaiktiyo and pass through sleepy villages linked to the road, which is the main artery of trade between the north and south. This is our first glimpse of rural Burma and sets the tone for the days ahead. We arrive in Taungoo by mid or late afternoon depending on road and traffic conditions. This tranquil town does not retains much interesting sights of its glorious past, but many travellers spend the night here to break their long overland trip to the Inle Lake or Mandalay. On arrival we have time to walk around this seldom visited town and explore the different local way of life. O/N in Taungoo. (B)

Day 5: Taungoo - Kalaw
Upon leaving this town, the roads begins to deteriorate; however many hill villages dot the hillside and the undulating terrains makes for an interesting journey. There are some enjoyable stops en route to visit various hill tribe groups. They still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognizably distinct from each other by their dress. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Myanmar. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. We arrive in Kalaw by late afternoon and check in a centrally located hotel. The weather in place is much cooler due to the high altitude. O/N in Kalaw. (B)

Day 6: Kalaw – Pindaya – Inle Lake
The pleasant hill station 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. O/N in Inle Lake. (B)

Day 7: 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 rotating rural market. This colourful congregation is held in different villages every five days, and attracts numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the surrounding villages to trade their goods. O/N in Inle Lake. (B)

Day 8: Inle Lake – Meikhtila - Mandalay
Today we continue driving through some verdant and rugged mountain scenery of the Shan Plateau to Mandalay, the second largest city in Myanmar. We pass by many hill villages and are sure to attract attention since this part of the country receives very few visitors. The journey is very long, but we can make stop as we please, to stretch your legs and get in touch with local people. On arrival in Mandalay, we stroll around to catch our first glimpse of the town. The interesting option is a fascinating local puppet show, which tell the stories of myth and days gone by. O/N in Mandalay. (B)

Day 9: Mandalay - Mingun – Mandalay
The sightseeing tour of Mandalay begins with a boat trip along 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 passing by 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. The perfect way to round off the day is to climb up the Mandalay hill for a beautiful sunset view of the surrounding areas. O/N in Mandalay. (B)

Day 10: Mandalay - Amarapura - Ava - Sagaing - 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 travel by roads 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 attraction 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 center of Myanmar. Afterwards we continue driving to the ruin of Ava and embark on a horse and carriage to explore the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace. O/N in Mandalay. (B)

Day 11: Mandalay – Mount Popa - Bagan
Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to explore the imposing Mount Popa. This extinct volcano boasts the region’s highest peak, but the main attraction in this site is the smaller one, Popa Taungkalar, which is dedicated to the local legendary "nat" spirits. On arrival, we embark on a climb to the top of Popa Taungkalar for a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area. There are 777 steps which wind around the outcrop and lead to the gilded stupa and monastery at the summit. The overland journey continues towards Bagan past the stunning mountain scenery and various sleepy villages. Along the way we have several stops to stretch our legs and catch pictures. O/N in Bagan. (B)

Day 12: 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. We pay a short visit to the vibrant market of Nyaung U before spending our time in the archeological zone. The sightseeing tour enables us to explore many magnificent sights including Shwezigon, Nanbaya, Htilominlo, Ananda, Thatbyinnyu, Sulamani, Dhammyangyi. These temples and pagodas bear statement to a glorious past. The perfect way to round off the day is an observation of the spectacular sunset from the upper terrace of Myaukguni Temple. O/N in Bagan. (B)

Day 13: Bagan - Pyay
Today we have an option to get up early to catch the sunrise over the archeological filed. The following destination of our trip is Pyay, formerly called Prome. This lively town is situated near the ancient capital of Srikse Ksetra, which dates back from the 5th to 9th century. We make our way past the landscape dominated by towers and pagodas. The journey is long and road conditions are very poor in some places. A part of the pleasure of travelling in this region is the simple joy of seeing the rice fields and the smiling faces of the people. On arrival in Pyay Town we enjoy a walk to have a look around this riverside town. O/N in Pyay. (B)

Day 14: Pyay – Yangon
The ancient capital of Thayekhittay becomes a popular attraction in Pyay although remains only few pagodas of glorious past. We stroll around this nearby ruin and see the most accessible pagoda of Payagyi as well as the significant Bawbawgyi Pagoda. This landmark has a cylindrical shape like most of the pagodas at Pyay. We follow it with a visit to the sacred Bebe Gyi, Lemyethna Temples. And the Archeological Museum at the Hmawzar Village. Upon leaving this town we make our way back to Yangon and complete our expedition. O/N in Yangon. (B)

Day 15: Yangon - Departure
There is free time for your own exploration of the city or catching up on some shopping areas. The trip 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 - Mandalay zone fee, Mingun zone fee, Sagaing Hill zone fee, National garden of Kandawgyi - Pindaya cave - Inle Lake zone fee - Pyay: Sri Kshetra Museum - Kyaikhtiyo zone fee - Bago zone fee + Meal as indicated : B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + Boat trip in Mingun and Inle lake + 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 NOTE

-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.

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