Journey to the Land of Enlightenment – Myanmar 7 Days

Prepare to check out and embark on an eight-hour journey to Mandalay. Enjoy the picturesque scenery and the rural landscapes of this captivating country. Upon your arrival in the town, check in to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. You might consider taking a leisurely stroll through the streets of this historic royal capital in northern Myanmar, walking along the banks of the Ayeyarwady River that encircles the town, or exploring the local cuisine at one of the city’s restaurants or street vendors. Overnight in Mandalay.

Prepare for a full day of exploring the sights around Mandalay. Our first stop will be Sagaing, known as the spiritual heart of Myanmar, where we’ll visit Sagaing Hill, a popular retreat for thousands of monks and nuns seeking meditation and reflection. We’ll explore Kaungmudaw Pagoda, famous for its unique egg-shaped design and a must-see pilgrimage site in the Sagaing area, before continuing on to Padamyazedi and Umin Thonze. After lunch (at your own expense), we’ll head to Amarapura, the ancient capital founded on astrological advice, where you’ll have some free time for shopping. On our way back to Mandalay, we’ll stop at U Bein's Bridge, a scenic walkway that crosses Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura. You’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Mandalay.

Explore the most sacred shrine in Mandalay, Mahamuni Pagoda, which houses one of Myanmar's most venerated Buddha images. This seated Buddha, standing 4 meters tall, has been adorned with so much gold leaf by devotees over the years that it now features a distinct lumpy texture. Step inside the temple for an up-close view of the Mahamuni Buddha and take some time to wander around the temple grounds, absorbing the serene atmosphere. After our visit, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Bagan, making a stop at Mount Popa, the spiritual center of Myanmar's famed 37 nats (spirits). Climb the mountain via a winding covered staircase, where you'll encounter the local monkeys curiously observing your ascent. At the summit, you’ll find a monastery and a temple complex with shrines, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We will arrive in Bagan in the late afternoon. After checking in, you’ll have the rest of the day to unwind. You can choose to explore sites that pique your interest or simply relax at the hotel and take advantage of the amenities available. Overnight in Bagan.

We’ll begin by taking in the stunning views of the vast Bagan plains as we head toward the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda, where you’ll learn about the rich history of this remarkable area. Next, we’ll visit the nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple adorned with beautiful jataka mural paintings, followed by the elegant Htilominlo Temple, renowned for its intricate plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decor. In the afternoon, we’ll stop by a traditional lacquerware workshop to observe the crafting of one of Myanmar’s most celebrated handicrafts. Our journey will then take us to Ananda Temple, an architectural gem and one of the most stunning places of worship in Bagan. Concluding our explorations with a beautiful sunset over this ancient town will be the perfect way to end the day. Overnight in Bagan.

Depart from Bagan for a picturesque four-hour drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake. As you travel, take in the peaceful rural life of local farmers and enjoy the lush green scenery. Upon checking into your hotel, you’ll have the remainder of the day to relax and explore this enchanting region at your own pace. The Inle Lake area is one of Myanmar’s most renowned destinations, featuring a vast, tranquil lake surrounded by marshes and floating gardens, where stilt-house villages and Buddhist temples rise above the water. Overnight in Nyaung Shwe/Inle Lake.

Heading out to explore the vibrant local market in Nyaung Shwe, where you can browse an array of fresh Burmese vegetables, handicrafts, and various goods. Be sure to try the local specialty, Tea Salad! Following this, we will embark on a private motorboat to visit Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda, the most sacred religious site in southern Shan State. Next, we'll explore Inpawkhone, renowned for its silk-weaving handlooms, and visit Ngaphechaung Monastery, one of the lake's oldest monasteries, famous for its trained cats that can jump through hoops. You'll also have the chance to learn about traditional fishing techniques and uncover the mysteries of the floating gardens. Along the way, we'll stop at several intriguing workshops, including those for silk weaving, cheroot (mild cigar) production, silverware crafting, and weaving sacred robes from lotus fibers. Overnight in Inle Lake.