Myanmar Highlights, Hills & Soft Trek – 14 Days

Early in the morning, you will board a short flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, your tour guide will lead you through its captivating landscapes and architectural wonders.

Bagan is a truly enchanting destination, beloved by many travelers. Renowned as the city of four million pagodas, it stands as one of the most archaeologically rich sites in Asia. Today, it boasts over 2,000 pagodas, temples, and monasteries, most of which were constructed during the Bagan Dynasty established by King Anawrahta in 1044.

Firstly, we will visit the bustling Nyaung U Market. This market not only offers excellent photo opportunities but also provides a glimpse into the daily lives of the local Myanmar people.

Following that, our sightseeing will include:

• Ananda Temple (a millennium-old architectural masterpiece)
• Hti-Lo-Min-Lo Temple (an impressive double-storied structure adorned with intricate stucco works)
• Shwe-Zi-Gon Pagoda (considered a prototype for all subsequent temples of its kind)

If time permits, we will explore more of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

We'll embark on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Bagan today. Our itinerary includes visits to nearby villages to immerse ourselves in the traditional rural lifestyle of the locals. Our first stop will be the vibrant Nyaung Oo Market, where we'll witness the bustling local trade. Next, we'll proceed to Myinkaba Village to explore the ancient temples of Manuha and Nan Paya. Before lunch, we'll visit a traditional lacquerware workshop to observe the intricate craftsmanship of one of Myanmar’s renowned handicrafts.

In the afternoon, we'll venture to Minnanthu, a secluded village area in Bagan that sees fewer visitors. Here, we'll discover the historic Payathonzu, Lemyentha, and Nandamannya pagodas. Later in the day, we'll embark on a scenic cruise down the Irrawaddy River, soaking in the serene rural landscapes and experiencing the magical sunset over the water.

Overnight in Bagan.

You will travel to Mandalay by private car, where you'll have the opportunity to observe the authentic local life of Myanmar along the approximately 4-hour journey. Upon arrival in Mandalay, you'll have leisure time at your hotel.

In the evening, before sunset, we'll proceed to the renowned U Bein Bridge for a spectacular sunset view. This bridge, constructed around 1850, spans 1.2 kilometers (0.75 mi) and is recognized as the world's oldest and longest teakwood bridge. Walking along the bridge during sunset is truly delightful.

On our way back, we'll visit the Mahamuni Buddha Temple, a must-visit in Mandalay, celebrated for its lifelike Buddha image. 

We will start our journey to the neighboring cities around Mandalay. First, we'll head to Sagaing hills. The key attractions in Sagaing include:

• Saunders’ Weaving and Vocational Institute, dedicated to preserving and advancing weaving techniques.
• U Min Thonze Pagoda, known for its distinctive architecture.

Our next destination is Inwa (Ava), where we'll take a Horse & Cart ride to visit:

• BaGaYa Monastery, constructed with 276 teak pillars.

After the Horse & Cart tour, we'll proceed to Amarapura to explore:

• Tatkyi village, where the local economy centers around crafting clay pottery such as teapots, tea cups, platters, flower vases, and more. Here, you can learn about and engage in pottery-making processes like wheel throwing, handbuilding, trimming, decorating, and more.

Finally, we'll return to the hotel.

We'll commence our sightseeing with a boat excursion along the Irrawaddy River to visit Mingun. Afterwards, we'll proceed with a walking tour in Mingun, focusing on the main attractions:

• Mingun Bell, weighing 90 tons and renowned as the world's largest ringing bell.
• Hsinbyume Pagoda, also known as Myatheindan Pagoda, representing the mythical Mount Meru.

Returning to Mandalay by boat, we'll enjoy lunch and dedicate the afternoon to exploring Mandalay's prominent historical and cultural sites:

• Mandalay Royal Palace, the final residence of Burma's monarchy.
• Kuthodaw Pagoda, recognized for housing the world's largest book.
• Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery), celebrated for its exquisite wood carvings.

An evening highlight awaits at Mandalay Hill, offering a panoramic 360-degree view of the city.

In the morning, board a brief flight to Heho, with a flight duration of approximately 30 minutes. Upon arrival at Heho airport, embark on a picturesque one-hour drive to Kalaw. Upon reaching Kalaw, proceed with hotel check-in.

Once a retreat for British officers seeking respite from the lowland heat, Kalaw is nestled amidst forested hills adorned with hill tribe villages. This culturally diverse town blends Indian, Nepalese, and Burmese influences, featuring vibrant markets, colonial-era buildings, and serving as an ideal gateway to explore the captivating landscapes of Shan State. Today, Kalaw beckons travelers with its fresh air, scenic vistas, and trekking opportunities.

After settling in at the hotel, commence a leisurely trek to explore the hillside villages surrounding Kalaw. Begin with a visit to Myinka village, inhabited by Danu and Taung Yoe communities, offering insights into local agriculture practices. Proceed with a two-hour trek through the picturesque Shan countryside and seasonal plantations, arriving at Painnebin village. Here, encounter the traditional lifestyle of Palaung villagers in this serene setting. Enjoy lunch at a village setting conducive to interaction and exploration. Following lunch, return to Kalaw via an alternative route, arriving back at the hotel before evening.

Morning can be spent leisurely at your own pace. Take a pleasant walk to Kalaw market, bustling with activity in the morning as villagers from nearby hills gather to sell their goods. Browse through local Shan souvenirs and indulge in regional snacks.

In the afternoon, meet your tour guide at the hotel and proceed to the train station. Once luggage and passengers are settled on board, embark on a 50-kilometer, approximately 3.5-hour journey through the countryside from Kalaw to Inle Lake. Myanmar boasts the longest railway network in Southeast Asia, offering a unique perspective on the journey to Inle Lake. Enjoy the gentle pace, allowing ample time to soak in the scenic views. Upper-class carriages with open windows provide natural air conditioning, while stops along the way offer opportunities to stretch your legs and purchase refreshments.

The rail journey concludes at Shwe Nyaung station. From there, a 20-minute drive brings us to Nyaung Shwe town, where we will check in to the hotel upon arrival.

From the vantage point of the Taunggyi road, Inle Lake spreads out beneath, a vast expanse of greenery. Scattered around the lake are stilt-house villages and floating gardens belonging to the Intha tribe. The unique technique of leg rowing, where one leg wraps around the paddle to propel the boat in a graceful, serpentine motion through the water, is characteristic of the Intha people.

Our boat tour on Inle Lake offers a glimpse into this enduring way of life passed down through generations, amidst the culturally rich landscapes of Myanmar. Each person will be provided with a life jacket and comfortable seating aboard the boat.

The Inle Lake sightseeing itinerary includes visits to:

• Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda, the paramount religious symbol of Shan State
• Nga-Phe-Chaung Monastery, an enchanting wooden monastery
• Floating villages such as Inn Paw Khone, Pouk Par, Ywa Ma, and Khar Taw
• Witnessing the unique one-leg rowing fishermen, lotus and silk weaving, boat making, and cheroot making, offering insight into local livelihoods.

After lunch, we proceed to Indein for a short trek to Indein Pagoda. Along the way, soak in the tranquil ambiance as you wander among ancient pagodas dating back to the 8th century, nestled amidst overgrown trees and bushes.

Explore the lives of the Intha tribe in their village and browse the local market along the lakeshore before returning to the hotel.

Today, you have a free day to explore at your leisure around Inle Lake.

Here are some suggestions for your free time => Inle Lake offers a variety of activities – from leisurely bike rides through scenic countryside to opportunities for relaxation or more active pursuits. Rent bicycles and explore the villages and vineyard gardens. Along the way, you'll encounter water buffaloes, farmers tending to their fields, children playing, and trucks transporting young monks. It’s a picturesque area with plenty to see and do. Alternatively, consider a day trip to Kakku.

We'll proceed with your journey by taking a flight to Yangon (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes). Upon arrival, we'll transfer to the hotel for check-in. After a brief rest at the hotel,

we'll begin our city tour by strolling through the bustling city center, observing street vendors, pedestrians, and colonial-style buildings. Throughout the day, we'll visit several renowned landmarks:

• Capture photos at KaRaWeik Hall & Royal Lake
• Explore BoGyoke Market (also known as Scott Market), renowned for its shopping opportunities
• Witness the sunset at ShweDaGon Pagoda, one of Myanmar's most magnificent monuments

We will begin our journey with a 4-hour drive to the KinPun "base camp" this morning. This afternoon, we will visit one of Myanmar’s iconic landmarks, Kyaiktiyo, famously known as the Golden Rock, renowned for its precarious position and religious significance. The ‘Golden Rock’ is a massive boulder entirely covered in gold leaf and delicately perched on the edge of a cliff.

To reach the pagoda from KinPun, a steep 6-mile road ascends to the mountaintop. The ascent is made in open trucks, which may be crowded, but upon reaching the summit, you will be awe-struck by the stunning vistas. Here, pilgrims chant, light candles, and meditate. We will return to KinPun base camp around 6 pm in the evening.

We will commence our journey towards Yangon today. Along the way, we will make a stop in Bago, an ancient capital of the Mon people, to visit the charming Thamanay monastery. This monastery is renowned as a prominent learning center for monks from nearby regions who come to study Buddhism. Our tour will then proceed to the thousand-year-old Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which boasts a spire taller than that of the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Following this, we will visit the Kanbawzathadi Palace, once the residence of King Bayinnaung. Afterward, we will return to Yangon.

During our return journey, we will visit the secluded World War II memorial site near Yangon, Htaukkyan. The Allied War Cemetery here serves as the final resting place for over 27,000 Allied soldiers.

Enjoy breakfast and some free time until it's time to head to the airport for your departure flight. We will then transfer you to Yangon International Airport according to your flight schedule.