Day 1: Yangon Arrival (D)
Welcome to
Yangon. Visit to Shwedagon Pagoda this evening at sunset .
Welcome dinner
at Monsoon Restaurant.
Overnight in
Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon - Putao (B)
Early morning, catch a flight to Putao in the
far north of Myanmar.
You’ll be greeted at the airport by our guide and transfer by car to your guesthouse to check in.
You’ll be greeted at the airport by our guide and transfer by car to your guesthouse to check in.
This
afternoon is free at your leisure but we highly recommend stretching your legs
with a walk through town. Putao is a quiet, charming town filled with old
British colonial buildings, including Fort Hertz where you can climb to the top
for superb views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Dinner this
evening is at your leisure. There are two good Chinese restaurants in town or
you may wish to dine at your hotel.
Overnight in Putao.
Day 3: Putao
– Trekking – Nam Khan Village - Putao (B/L)
Today we’ll
take a full day trek to the villages around Putao, passing spectacular river
and mountain scenery, crossing suspension bridges and meeting local hilltribes.
We’ll have lunch in a family house along the way.
Overnight
homestay in Nam Khan Village.
Day 6: Putao (B/L)
Today we
offer two options for exploring the waterways of Putao: Whitewater Rafting or
motorboat trip. Both journeys venture along the Mula River which then joins
with the Malikha River.
Option 1: White Water Rafting
Transfer by
jeep to the town of Mulashidi, 14 kilometres south of Putao, for the start of
your white water adventure. We put the boats in the water near the Mulashidi
suspension bridge and set off downstream. The clear waters are fast-flowing and
we will encounter gentle rapids along the way. We’ll reach the point where the
Malikha River joins the Mula, one of the most beautiful spots along the way.
Midday we stop the boats on a riverside beach for lunch and a chance to swim
inside a gorge. Continue upriver this afternoon back to Machanbaw town where we
will take out the boats and return to Putao by land.
Option 2: Motorboat tour
This tour by
motorboat explores the river and the many villages along the water’s shores.
We’ll spend the day motoring along the Mula and Malikha Rivers, stopping
several times to go ashore and visit villages on the banks. Midday we’ll arrive
at Nat Kyaung Island fr a delicious picnic lunch and chance to swim in the
clear, cool waters. Continue in the afternoon by boat to the exit point and
transfer back to Putao by car.
Overnight in
Putao.
Day 5: Putao - Bagan (B)
Today starts with a visit to Putao’s local
market where villagers from around the area gather to buy and sell their goods.
Be sure to bring your camera as this is usually a busy scene filled with vibrant
colors and people from many different ethnic groups.
Return to
Putao, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for the 10.55 Flight
to Mandalay and on to Bagan. We’ll arrive around 17.00 in Bagan.
Overnight in Bagan
Day 6: Bagan (B,L,D)
OPTION: Start your morning with a hot-air balloon flight over the plains of
Bagan. Enjoy the fabulous views as the
sun rises over the stupas and Irrawaddy River.
This is truly an unforgettable and unique experience! (Note: available
only from October to March)
After breakfast set off for a day of sightseeing. Your journey begins
with a visit to the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction in to
Bagan’s rich history. Then, visit to nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple
with exquisite jataka mural paintings and the elegant Htilominlo Temple
noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
This afternoon, begin with a visit to Ananda Temple, an architectural
masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples. Built in the early
Mon-style, Ananda contains two unique Buddha images whose expressions seem to
change depending on the distance from which the statue is viewed. Neighboring Ananda Okkyaung is one of the few
surviving brick monasteries from the early Bagan period and is filled with
intricate paintings.
From here, travel by horse cart for a tour passing Thatbyinnyu, the
highest temple in Bagan, massive Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable
brickwork, and Sulamani Temple.
As the day comes to a close, board a local boat for a cruise along the
Irrawaddy River watching the sun set over the riverside villages and temples.
This evening enjoy a performance of traditional Burmese dance and music
while dining at The Beach Bagan.
Overnight in Bagan.
Day 7: Bagan - Heho – Inle Lake (B,D)
Today take a break from temple touring in the morning with a visit around
Bagan’s local villages. Start at the Nyuang Oo morning market where locals
gather every day to buy and sell everything from fresh produce and meats to
flowers and pottery. There are many food stalls around as well as tea shops, a
great vantage point for watching the busy morning market. Then learn the interesting process of
creating “Poneyay” (pea powder paste) and see how local plum jam is made and
packed. In addition, visit workshops of two of the region’s best known
products: handmade lacquer ware and wooden handicrafts. In addition, you will
visit the villages and observe about how Cartwrights make a traditional bullock
carts, still used by farmers and locals throughout the country.
Around 11.30
transfer to the airport this afternoon for the flight to Heho. From Heho it is
a 1 hour drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway for Inle Lake. Upon reaching the
edges of Inle Lake, transfer by boat or car (depending on time) to the lakeside
hotel for check in.
Dinner this evening is at leisure at the hotel.
Overnight at
Inle Lake.
Day 8 : Inle
Lake – Sagar Excursion – Inle Lake (B,L)
Set off this morning for your lakeside hotel for Sagar, the far southern
region of Inle Lake. Very few tourists make the trip down to this region yet it
is one of the most beautiful places in the Shan State with the mountains
forming a backdrop for the small villages and fishermen on the water. The area
was only recently opened to tourists in 2003.
The boat journey takes 2.5-3 hours but is full of fabulous views and home
to many unique species of birds, both indigenous and migratory. Sit back, relax
and enjoy the ride! If there is a 5-day market en route, a stop will be made to
explore the morning activity.
Upon arriving in Sagar area there are several stops that will be made
(the order will depend on the time, other tourist boats and activity in the
villages) The main highlight for many travelers are the ‘sunken’ stupas of
Sagar- 108 stupas from the 16-17th centuries that are partially
underwater for a few months a year. There is also a local monastery and village
that can be visited here.
Continue to the village of Thaya Gone, home to Pa-Oh, Shan and Inthar
people and known for its production of local rice wine. Watch the process of
distillation and then sample some of the local brew if you wish. In Thaya Gone
there is also the chance to climb to the top of a small hill which there are
great views of the lake and surrounding villages.
Another stop will be made in Sae Khaung Pottery Village to see the
crafting of oil and water pots as well as the natural, underground kilns used
by the villagers. On the western shores of the Sagar area is Tar Kaung, a
series of more than 200 stupas which also make a fabulous photo stop.
Lunch will be arranged along the way (either picnic lunch or local lunch
at a small restaurant)
Around 2.30 the boat will begin its journey back to the main section of
Inle Lake. Traveling back in the afternoon the light has shifted and the route
looks much different on the return, with different activities occurring on the
water and in the villages. Rice noodles can be seen drying in the sun, spun
cotton is hung out to dry and kids are returning from school at this time of
day.
Return to the hotel early this evening in time to freshen up and watch
the sunset.
Overnight at Inle Lake.
Day 9 : Trek
& Train & Kakku & Wine (B,L,D)
Fuel up for
a trek into the hills east of Inle Lake, where few tourists have ventured. We
pass through several small villages of Pa-Oh and Shan people, terraced farms
and untouched forests all the while having views of Inle Lake in the
background. There are so few tourists coming this way that the kids often run
away or stare in confusion!
Overnight
will be near the village of Hti Tat, a total of 7 hours walking.
Day 10: Trek
& Train & Kakku & Wine
(B,L,D)
Wake up
early this morning, say bye to our host family and start a 2 hour walk to
Kakku. Kakku is a hidden treasure: hundreds of Buddhist stupas tucked amid the hills
in the Shan State. We’re likely to be the only people there.
After
exploring Kakku we head to the local train station. Around 10AM the train
should arrive, filled with local farmers and their goods heading to Taunggyi
for one of Myanmar’s most impressive markets. The journey takes around 2 hours
and the scenery outside is as fascinating as the people-watching inside the
train! Arriving in Taunggyi we’ll spill out of the train with the locals and
watch the spontaneous market set up. Then we head to the home of a Pa-Oh family
for lunch.
Your hard
work is rewarded as we transfer to Aye Tha Yar vineyard. Tucked in the hills
near Taungyi, Aye Tha Yar has been growing wine grapes for more than ten years
and produces a decent drop. One of Myanmar’s top chefs is now working here so
you’ll be treated to a fabulous dinner, glasses of wine, sunset views and a
comfy bungalow for the evening.
Overnight at
Aye Tha Yar winery (*NOTE: Bungalows are supposed to be ‘casual luxury’ but are
not yet completed. Should be ready for 2011 high season)
Day 11:
Taungyi- Heho -Yangon
(B,D)
Transfer
back to Yangon this morning by flight.
The
afternoon is free at leisure to relax and do any last minute shopping.
Then, as the
sun is setting, transfer to the riverfront for a cocktail at the famous Strand
Hotel then take a trishaw to Chinatown, passing the illuminated Sule Paya en
route. Chinatown’s lively 19th street is a great place for a taste
of local life- there are dozens of street stalls selling barbequed meats and
vegetables and serving draft beer. Locals and expats gather here every night to
relax and socialize. Stop for a draft beer and a short walk around before
transferring to Pandomar Restaurant (or similar) for a farewell dinner.
Overnight in
Yangon.
Day 12: Yangon – Departure (B)
Depending on flight time, there is an option to take a ride on Yangon’s
Circle Train in the morning.
You will transfer to Yangon Railway station to take local circular train
journey to the outskirts of town (45 minutes ride). The slowly traveling train
gives you a unique opportunity to observe the lively and colorful life of the
rural Burmese people. Disembark to visit
Insein market where a variety of street vendors sell colorful wares. Enjoy exploring the market and meeting the
friendly locals before returning by road to Yangon.
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