Yangon - Mandalay - Mingun - Amarapura - Ava - Sagaing - Bagan - Mt. Popa - Heho - Kalaw(Trekking) - Inle [11D10N]

1. English Speaking guide.
2. Meals according to itinerary / Breakfast box in stead of ABF when early morning flight is scheduled.
3. Porter fees at the airport where guide service is booked.
4. Boat (or) Flight ticket according to the itinerary.
5. Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle (complimentary cold towels & drinking water.)
6. Sightseeing include admissions fees according to the itinerary.
7. Accommodation in hotels as mentioned above or equivalent.

1. International and domestic airport tax
2. Visa fees, drinks, personal expenses

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Bangkok - Yangon (Arrival)

Upon arrival at the Yangon International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Yangon initially was a small village known as Dagon. After defeating Mon stronghold in lower Burma, King Alaungpaya in 1755 renamed the village "Yangon" meaning "End of Strife". After annexation of the lower Burma in 1852, the British built up this village into an important sea port, and construction of Rangoon (one of the finest cities in Asia at that time, and services comparable to London) begun in 1870. The well known and magnificent structures still stand today in the center of the city.

Overnight at Summit Park View hotel.

Day 02: Yangon Sight-seeing

After breakfast at the hotel, visit 75 meter long Chaukhtatgyi colossal reclining Buddha Image, and the Kandawgyi Lake, also known as the Royal Lake. This natural body of water located in the city center is an excellent place for a relaxing stroll and picnicking. Be enchanted by the magical spell of this tranquil lake during the sunset hours when the glittering Shwedagon pagoda is reflected in its calm waters.

We will continue to Botataung Pagoda to observe the enshrinement of what is believed to be a hair relic of the Buddha . If time permits, we will go for a walk around Sule Pagoda and surrounding colonial-style residential buildings, and huge administrative & judicial centers constructed by the British during the 1900s.

After lunch, visit National Museum to observe the display of lion throne of King Mindon-- the second last king of Myanmar Kong Bong Dynasty, and a number of other historical and cultural display.

Visit Bogyoke market, a historic shopping center previously known as Scott's Market, and be mesmerized by endless display of Myanmar jewelry, arts & crafts.

Proceed to Shwedagon Pagoda, which without doubt, is the World's most decorated golden stupa. In late February to early March 2012, Shwedagon has celebrated its two thousand six hundred years of foundation. The golden dome rises 98 meters above its base, and is covered with 60 tons of pure gold, along with numerous precious stones such as jade, ruby, sapphire and diamond, including a 76 carat solid diamond on its top.

Just as Eiffel Tower is an important landmark not be missed when visiting Paris, Shwedagon is a must-see when you visit Yangon.

Enjoy a fantastic sunset view from the hilltop. Overnight at Summit Park View hotel. (B)

[ See Inya Lake overlooking Pyay (Prome) Road in Yangon. ]

Day 03: Yangon - Mandalay - Mingun sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your Mandalay bound flight. Mandalay, known as Rathanabon, or "the Gem" city, is the capital of the last Myanmar dynasty. Mandalay is the center of Myanmar culture, tradition, and arts & crafts. It has long been a center of skilled craftsmen commissioned by royal courts in the old days.

Upon arrival at Mandalay airport, meet your driver and proceed to Kyawzun jetty. You may chance upon a local scene of water buffaloes working with Myanmar teak wood (which is considered highest quality in the World.) Watch busy riverside activities from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. Board on a privately chartered boat bound for Mingun across Ayeyarwady river.

Visit old-age home for the poor in Mingun. Observe Mingun Bell which weighs 90 tons and one of the World's largest as well as the oldest ringing bells still in existence. (It was an engineering feat of the time, unlike a modern one in China made with manufacturing techniques of the present day and not much history to go with it.)

Other tour highlights are Settawya Pagoda with a marble foot print of the Buddha; Pahtodawgyi, where an enormous pile of bricks is all that remains of King Bodawpaya's ambitious scheme in which Mingun Bell was supposed to be the final destination, but the temples was left half-way in the construction. Also visit Mingun Village, and Shinbume Pagoda (Spelling variant: Hsinbyume Pagoda.)

Return to Mandalay and head for the foot of the Mandalay Hill to observe "the largest book in the World" at Kuthodaw Pagoda, where an entire Buddhist canon is recorded on 729 stone tablets. Visit Shwekyaungdaw "Golden Palace Monastery" to observe the classic Myanmar wooden architecture. Enjoy a fantastic sunset view of Mandalay after a challenging walk up the Mandalay hill. Overnight at Mandalay City hotel. (B)

[ See shops in downtown Mandalay around Zegyo Market.]

Day 04: Amarapura - Ava - Sagaing sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Payagyi to pay homage to Mahamuni Buddha Image-- one of the most revered in the country.

Continue to the ancient capital of Amarapura, which means, "the city of immortality". This is where the country's largest monastery, Mahagandayon Monastery is located. Observe the daily lunch offering to hundreds of Buddhist monks.

Tour forgotten ancient capital of Ava (Inwa), the 14th century capital located across Myit Nge river. Observe unique monasteries and monuments, including 88 foot high watchtower, Bargaya monastery with its incredible 267 teak pillars, and what remains of the Royal Palace and the fort.

Proceed to the City of Sagaing, and its 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries. Sagaing is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar, and is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers. On the way back, observe a fantastic sunset from unique 200 years old U Bein bridge-- the longest teak bridge in the world. Return to Mandalay. Overnight at Mandalay City hotel. (B)

[ See the view of Amarapura region from U Bein Bridge ]

Day 05: Mandalay - Bagan sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your Bagan-bound flight. The ancient city of Bagan stands on the eastern bank of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy river in an incredibly beautiful setting. Bagan is one of the major tourist attractions in Myanmar.

Upon arrival at Nyaung U airport, meet your driver and proceed to your hotel. Freshen up, rest for a while, and visit Gawdawpalin, one of the largest and the most imposing Monument in Bagan.

Visit Ananda Temple, the best preserved masterpiece of classic Myanmar architecture, and also tour one of a few surviving brick monasteries from the Bagan period located nearby.

Visit Thatbyinnyu, the tallest temple in Bagan standing at 61 meters (201 feet); Nathlaung Kyaung, the only surviving Hindu temple in Bagan. According to the legend, this is where king Anawratha trapped the Nat (Spirit) Idols in an attempt to change the country from animism to Buddhism. Visit Dhammyangyi, the largest temple in Bagan, and we will have a panoramic view of the entire ruin of Bagan from Shwesandaw temple.

In the afternoon, visit traditional Lacquerware workshop to observe the process of making unique Myanmar souvenir. Continue to Myinkaba Gubyaukkyi, an early period Pyu-style temple with old mural paintings of Hindu influence. Visit Manuha temple where king Manuha was imprisoned. Enjoy a sunset view from one of the ruins. Overnight at Thazin Garden hotel. (B)

[ See the sunset view of Ayeyarwaddy River from Bu Paya. ]

Day 06: Mt. Popa- Bagan sightseeing

After breakfast, depart for Mt. Popa approximately 45 km (28 miles) away and 1 1/2 hour journey to the south of Bagan. The core of this extinct volcano is considered the abode for the Spirits called "Nat", once human heroes ended up with tragic death. Mt. Popa is the highest landmark in the central dry zone, and rises 1,518 meter above the sea level.

Now, it's time for the highlight of this trip: climb the stairs with 777 steps leading to the monastery on top of the hill. (Note: this hill is what is known as taung kalat and not the volcano itself, which is much higher.)

Explore Bagan further to places less known to the ordinary tourists. Your visit also includes one the local villages to observe the daily life-style. Overnight in Bagan. (B)

Day 07: Bagan - Heho - Kalaw

After breakfast, head to Nyaung U airport and board on flight to Heho. From Heho, we will drive West to the border of Mandalay district and Shan State where Kalaw is located.

Kalaw was a hill station used by the British as summer residence during the colonial days. It is beautifully situated with surrounding pine trees and hazy blue mountains at an altitude of 1,400 meters above the sea level. Many of the Tudor-style houses and English gardens of the British Empire still remain today. It is located 70 km west of Taunggyi and 2-hour drive from Inle Lake.

You will have free time for the rest of the day in Kalaw. Overnight at Kalaw Hill Top Villa Hotel. (B)

Day 08: Kalaw trekking : Baw Hnin Gone - Kone Hla - Hti Thein

After breakfast at the hotel, depart by coach to Baw Nin Gone (approx. 45 minutes). Hike to Htut Khaung, a Pa O village approximately 30 minutes away, and continue to Kone Hla village for another one and a half hour.

After lunch, keep on trekking to Pa O Village of Pauk Tu for approximately 2 hours. Proceed to your final destination of the day-- Hti Thein village located about 30 minutes hike From there. You will have a perfect view of Nyaung Shwe plane and Inle Lake.

[ See a Pa O Village along Kalaw Trekking ]

Dinner and overnight at local monastery or local home stay. (B,L,D)

Day 09: Kalaw trekking : Hti Thein - Ngoke - Taung Mauk - Nyaung Shwe

After breakfast, trek to Kyauk Su (approx. 30 min) and keep on trekking to Ngoke at the altitude of 1,228 meter, the home of Taung Thu tribes (approx. 1 hour 30 min). This will be a thrilling up-and-down journey of hills and valleys with fantastic scenery along the way.

After lunch and a short rest, resume trekking to Than Daung In Tha village (approx. 2 hours) and finally to Nyaung Shwe jetty (approx. 30 min) where you take a boat ride to Khaungdaing (approx. 45 min). Khaungdaing is situated in Inle Lake not far from the main township of Nyaung Shwe.

[ See more photos of Kalaw Trekking ]

Overnight at Khaung Daing Hotel. (B,L)

Day 10: Inle sightseeing on boat

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day excursion in Inle Lake, which is the second largest natural lake in Myanmar.

Inle Lake is located in the middle of the greatest crater in Nyaungshwe Valley between the two parallel mountain ranges running north to south in the southern Shan State. Don't miss the opportunity to take photos of its famed one-legged boat rowers.

Visit typical floating gardens, and observe local methods of fishing and village life. During your stay in this region, you might come across enchanting regional 5-day market, which regularly rotates between Taunggyi, Nyaungshwe, Ywama [Inle], Heho, Aungban, Pindaya and Kalaw.

During those particular days, the market will usually be crowded with ethnic minorities such as Shan, Palaung, Pa O, Dahnu, etc., trading their local hand-made products with other daily necessities.

Visit Phaungdaw Oo pagoda housing five almost shapeless golden statues representing the Buddha.

Tour cottage industries, floating village of Ywama and its floating market, the weaving village of Inpawkhon, and Ngaphechaung-- a museum-like monastery also known as "Jumping Cats" Monastery, where old possessions of many monasteries are restored.

Overnight at Khaung Daing hotel.

[ See traditional style Golden Island Cottages on stilts.]

Day 11: Inle - Heho - Yangon - Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Heho airport for your Yangon-bound flight. If you are still early for your International connecting flight, we will arrange for a short-term stay at Seasons of Yangon Hotel near the airport.

Transfer to the airport in the late afternoon for your onwards departure. We hope that your trip in Myanmar is a memorable one that you can share with your friends, family, co-workers, and partners on the facebook. End of our services. (B)

NOTE:

Due to heavy rains and potential landslides during the rainy season, Kalaw trekking may not be available during rainy season from mid June to September. However, we still offer this package without Kalaw trekking during those months. Please contact us for rates.

Package Price

The package price depends on several factors such as group size, with or without tour guide, whether or not the tour guide follows you all the way including flights or just a local guide to pick you up at the hotel, whether or not some trips are skipped, latest exchange rate, hotels of your choice, seasonal variations and possibility of special promotions by the airlines and hotels. The package can be customized to fit your needs. Please tell us more about your preferences.

“If you are physically fit and enjoy hiking, this package is just the right one for you.”

Myanmar Tour Packages:

AP1: Yangon - Mandalay - Amarapura - Mingun - Bagan - Nyaung U - Inle [8D7N]

AP3: Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo - Bago - Mandalay - Mingun - Bagan - Heho [7D6N]

AP4: Yangon - Mandalay - Mingun - Amarapura - Ava - Sagaing - Bagan - Mt. Popa - Heho - Kalaw Trekking - Indein - Inle [11D10N]

AP6: Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo - Bago - Mandalay - Mingun - Amarapura - Ava - Sagaing - Pyin Oo Lwin - Bagan - Inle - Pindaya - Indein [10D9N]

AP8: Mrauk U - Sittwe [6D5N]

AP9: Yangon - Mandalay - Mingun - Bagan - Inle [5D4N]

AP10: Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo - Mandalay - Mingun - Bagan - Nyaung U - Inle [11D10N]

AP11: Bago - Kyaikhtiyo - Thaton - Nwa La Bo - Mawlamyine - Bilu Kyun - Gaungse Kyun - Win Sein Taw Ya - Hpa-an - Zwekabin - Baying Nyi Naung Cave [5D6N]

AP14: Yangon - Bagan - Inle [4D3N]

AP15: Yangon - Mandalay - Mingun - Inle [4D3N]

AP16: Yangon City Tour [5D4N]

AP17: Mandalay - Bagan River Cruise [5:30AM - 6:00PM]

AP4 Itinerary Map

Further Reading:

• Amarapura
• Ananda Temple
• Ava (Inwa)
• Ayeyarwady River
• Bagan
• Bodawpaya (King)
• Bogyoke Aung San market
• Dhammayangyi Temple
• Golden Palace Monastery
• Heho Airport
• Hsinbyume Pagoda
• Kalaw
• Kandawgyi Lake
• Kuthodaw Pagoda
• Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda
• Kyaik Pun Paya
• Largest Book in the World
• Mahamni Buddha Temple
• Mandalay
• Mandalay Hill
• Manuha Temple
• Mingun
• Mingun Bell
• Mingun Pahtodawgyi Temple
• Nathlaung Kyaung Temple
• National Museum of Myanmar
• Nyaung Oo Airport
• Nyaung Shwe
• Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda
• Sagaing
• Shan State
• Shwemawdaw Pagoda
• Shwesandaw Temple
• Shwethalyaung
• Taunggyi
• Taung Kalat (Mount Popa)
• Thatbyinnyu Temple
• Shwedagon Pagoda
• Yangon
• Yangon International Airport