Mystical Myanmar

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Myanmar Most Romantic Trip

Experiences 12 days romantic trip.

Myanmar, or Burma as it was known until 1988, has been one of the least accessible countries in the world up until very recently. The fact that the country has been inaccessible for so long has meant that Myanmar has been relatively untainted by the excesses of modern life and retains an aura of a bygone age. As a destination Myanmar offers great natural beauty, magnificent archaeological sites, stunning pagoda and temple architecture, warm and hospitable people. For the majority of the population, Buddhism is the center of individual life and the monastery is the center of the community. Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar, has the world largest and most impressive Buddhist pagoda – the gold -plated Shwedagon Pagoda. Bagan, a World Heritage Site with over 20000 pagodas, is an archeological haven for those seeking to explore remnants of centuries past. Additional, the country’s diverse landscape offers a stunning backdrop for the architectural marvels including the major riverine highway of the Ayeyarwady, the mystifying Inle Lake situated in the middle of the Shan State, the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the north, and the pristine white sand beaches of the coastline. Another fascinating aspect of Myanmar is its cultural diversity with as many as 135 variety of ethnic groups, each with their unique language and dialect. The Burmese are graceful and gentle people, whose welcoming hospitality leave a memorable impression for visitors. Traveling to Myanmar is a mystical journey into the past where traditional customs and rituals come to life.

Tour Program

Mystical Myanmar

12 Days/11 Nights

Yangon – Inle Lake – Pindaya Caves – Mandalay – Bagan – Mt. Popa

Explore the rich Burmese culture and religious traditions on this expedition to the old capitals and ancient cities of this magnificent former kingdom. We visit some of Myanmar’s most impressive historical and religious sites including the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the amazingly beautiful Inle Lake, the cultural center of Mandalay, Bagan with its thousands of temples, the extinct volcanic Mt. Popa. During our expedition, we’ll stop at teashops, colorful markets, and temples offering opportunities to interact with the local people.

Day 1

Yangon

-Arrive in Yangon and transfer to the hotel. Explore the city including Myanmar’s holiest monument – the Shwedagon Pagoda with its golden stupa covered with 60 tons of pure gold leaf.

Day 2

Inle Lake

-Flight to Heho followed by a drive to Nyaung Shwe (Inle Lake). Enjoy a traditional long-tail boat ride on the famous Inle Lake and observe the unique “one–legged” rowing style of the local fishermen. Other sights include the floating market of Ywawa village, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the weaving village of Inpawkhon, and the “Jumping Cat Monastery”. This evening enjoy a traditional Shan dinner features musical and dance performance.

Day 3

Inle Lake

– Morning excursion by boat “off the beaten track” to In Dein, a small Pa O ethnic minority village in the South West of the lake. Hike through an old covered pathway to a 13^th century monastery and impressive ruins of hundreds of ancient pagodas hidden in the vegetation.

Day 4

Pindaya/Mandalay

–Morning scenic drive through the picturesque countryside of Shan State to Pindaya to visit its limestone caves with maze of chambers displaying more than 8,000 Buddha statues. Afternoon drive to Heho Airport for flight to Mandalay.

Day 5

Mandalay

– Full day tour including Mahamuni Pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery, the old Palace grounds, gold leaf hammering center and Mandalay Hill.

Day 6

Mandalay (Amarapura/Mingun)

– Full day excursion to Amarapura, one of Myanmar’s ancient capitals. Highlights include a visit to a school for young monks and the world’s longest teakwood bridge. Visit the Mingun pagoda before returning to Mandalay.

Day 7

Bagan

– Morning departure by local ferryboat to Bagan, a nine-hour trip down the fabled Ayeyarwaddy River offers a fascinating view of life on the river. Stopping along the river to visit the rural village of Sameikkon with its old houses and monasteries, and the bustling town of Pakokku with its weaving workshops and markets.

Day 8

Bagan

– Full day exploring Bagan’s many distinctive pagodas including Ananda Temple – an architectural masterpiece of the early-style temple with four impressive standing Buddha images, Shwezigon Temple with its magnificent golden stupa. Visit the colorful Nyaung Oo Market and Myinkaba village and observe the process of traditional lacquerware, one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts and a speciality of Bagan. Enjoy a panoramic sunset view over the temples from the upper terrace of Myauk Guni Temple. Dinner at a local restaurant with traditional puppet show.

Day 9

Mt. Popa

– Morning drive to Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano over 1,500m high, which rose from the ground in a massive earthquake in 442 BC and provides a scenic view of the surrounding tropical region. Climb the 10,000 steps to the top of Mt. Popa for a prayer session to the “Nat Gods”, a Burmese ancient animist spirits.

Day 10

Bagan

– Early morning drive back to Bagan. Upon return to Bagan, take a leisurely ride by bicycle/ponycart amidst the pagodas scattered throughout the city. Enjoy the sunset from the top of Tayoke Pyay Temple.

Day 11

Yangon

– Morning flight to Yangon. Finish the tour of Yangon with a visit to downtown Yangon with its faded colonial atmosphere, Sule Pagoda, Mahabandoola Park, Indiantown and Chinatown. The afternoon is free to explore the city or for shopping at Bogyoke Market, formerly Scotts Market.

Day 12

Departure

TRIP DETAILS

Duration: 12 Days/11 Nights

Accommodations: Standard/Superior/Deluxe hotels.

Meals: Daily Breakfast, 6 Lunches, 4 Dinners

Land Cost: See inserts