Classic Myanmar Adventure
14 days
From
$ 2149
Duration14 days
As a relative newcomer to adventure travel, exploring the mysterious nation of Myanmar (also known as Burma) often feels like setting foot on a foreign, untouched planet. With few other travellers to contend with, the natural and man-made wonders of this underexplored part of Southeast Asia often feel like they’ve been placed here just for you. And what wonders they are: Inle Lake’s unique floating gardens, the staggering imperial ruins of ancient Bagan, the incomparable palaces of Mandalay, and enveloping forests throughout. Unknown pleasures await — come find them.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 14 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Yangon/Kin Pun
Travel through the delta and over the Sittang River to Kin Pun. From Kin Pun, the pilgrimage road runs for 10km to the 1200m high pagoda on the famous Golden Rock. Ride a typical Myanmar passenger truck up the mountain, then hike a short distance to the summit to reach the Golden Rock Pagoda.
Visit the incredible Shwedagon Pagoda before heading up to Golden Rock and its pagoda at the top of Mt Kyaiktiyo. Take in a bird's eye view of the surroundings, before returning back to Kinpun.
Meals: B
Day 3: Kin Pun/Yangon
Travel back to Yangon, stopping in Mingaladon to see a reclining Buddha or the Htauk Kyant War memorial.
Meals: B
Day 4: Yangon/Mandalay
Fly to Mandalay and visit the famous Golden Monastery (Shwenandaw), the only building still standing from the one hundred plus that once stood on the palace grounds. From here, visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda and look at its 729 marble slabs displaying the entire Buddhist canon.
After lunch, explore the Mahamuni Temple which houses the country´s holiest Buddha image, the 3.5m tall Arakan Buddha, made of bronze and gold leaf.
Later, visit the workshops of gold leaf and marble carvers. Opt to climb to the top of Mandalay Hill for a bird´s eye view and a visit to the Shwe Kyin Monastery for sunset.
After lunch, explore the Mahamuni Temple which houses the country´s holiest Buddha image, the 3.5m tall Arakan Buddha, made of bronze and gold leaf.
Later, visit the workshops of gold leaf and marble carvers. Opt to climb to the top of Mandalay Hill for a bird´s eye view and a visit to the Shwe Kyin Monastery for sunset.
Take an early flight to Mandalay and explore its ancient temples and sights, like the Golden Monastery.
Meals: B
Day 5: Mandalay
Head out in the morning to visit the former capital of Amarapura (Sanskrit for "Beautiful Town"). Walk over the world´s longest teak bridge, U Bein, and visit Sagaing Hill for fascinating views over the pagodas and monasteries dotting the landscape down to the Ayeyarwady River.
In the afternoon travel by boat along the mighty Ayeyarwady River, enjoying sights of washerwomen, buffalo carts, and daily life along the riverbank. Visit the village of Mingun before returning to Mandalay for the evening.
In the afternoon travel by boat along the mighty Ayeyarwady River, enjoying sights of washerwomen, buffalo carts, and daily life along the riverbank. Visit the village of Mingun before returning to Mandalay for the evening.
Visit the nearby ancient royal capital of Amarapura. Opt to traverse the world's longest teak bridge. Visit the village of Mingun before returning to Mandalay.
Meals: B
Day 6: Mandalay/Bagan
Transfer from Mandalay to ancient Bagan. Enjoy free time on arrival.
Meals: B
Day 7: Bagan
In the morning, wander through the marketplace of Nyaung Oo and get a glimpse of the lifestyle of the Myanma people. Next, visit Shwezigon Pagoda, the only golden pagoda in the Bagan area. Continue to the caves of Kyanzittha Umin.
In Gubyaukgyi, a perfect Indian-style temple, view hundreds of frescoes illustrating stories of the Buddha. Finally, visit the huge Htilominlo Temple.
In the afternoon, explore Manuha Temple before checking out the elaborate stone engravings at Nanpaya Temple.
Head south to witness the beautiful Abeyadama Temple and finally the Lawkananda Pagoda, a landmark of Ayeyarwady fishermen.
Visit traditional manufacturers of unique Bagan lacquerware and relax at one of the pagodas as the sun sets over Bagan.
In Gubyaukgyi, a perfect Indian-style temple, view hundreds of frescoes illustrating stories of the Buddha. Finally, visit the huge Htilominlo Temple.
In the afternoon, explore Manuha Temple before checking out the elaborate stone engravings at Nanpaya Temple.
Head south to witness the beautiful Abeyadama Temple and finally the Lawkananda Pagoda, a landmark of Ayeyarwady fishermen.
Visit traditional manufacturers of unique Bagan lacquerware and relax at one of the pagodas as the sun sets over Bagan.
Enjoy a packed day learning about the culture and history of this once great civilization. Visit ancient sites that host hundreds of temples and stupas. Visit the Nyaung Oo market.
Meals: B
Day 8: Bagan
If you plan to take a hot air balloon ride in Bagan, this is the best day to do it. Keep in mind this should be reserved in advance and the ballooning season is from Oct 1 to March 31 every year.
Enjoy a free day and continue your exploration of this gorgeous area or take some time to relax.
Meals: B
Day 9: Bagan/Kalaw
Leave early to reach Kalaw. Journey through sun-parched plains sprinkled with Palmyra palms to the 'Mountain of Deities', Popa.
Climb a staircase (about 20 mins) up the huge volcanic rock to see shrines for Nats (celestial spirits of Myanma mythology) and small temples dedicated to the Buddha. On the climb up, pass many food stalls and shops selling herbal remedies.
Continue to Kalaw for the evening.
Climb a staircase (about 20 mins) up the huge volcanic rock to see shrines for Nats (celestial spirits of Myanma mythology) and small temples dedicated to the Buddha. On the climb up, pass many food stalls and shops selling herbal remedies.
Continue to Kalaw for the evening.
Drive to the cooler air of Kalaw, a former British hill station, visiting Mt Popa en route.
Meals: B
Day 10: Kalaw
Explore the countryside whilst enjoying the cooler air at 1320m above sea level. Pass through tea plantations, citrus groves and tribal villages. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Kalaw.
Stretch your legs with a hike through the scenic hills of Kalaw and enjoy an included lunch.
Meals: B, L
Day 11: Kalaw/Inle Lake
Enjoy a free morning to explore Kalaw's vibrant market or visit Aung Chan Tha Zedi, with its sparkling gold and silver glass mosaics, or the Hnee Pagoda with its 500-year-old bamboo Buddha.
After lunch, jump on board the local train to Lake Inle for an immersive journey through rural stations, stunning mountain scenery, and village life.
After lunch, jump on board the local train to Lake Inle for an immersive journey through rural stations, stunning mountain scenery, and village life.
Enjoy a free morning exploring Kalaw. In the afternoon, board the local train for a scenic journey to Inle Lake.
Meals: B
Day 12: Inle Lake
Travel through a small creek by longtail boat to enjoy one of the most scenic boat tours in Inle Lake. The boat tour will go to Indein, at the western end of the Lake, where farmers can be observed cultivating their produce. Visit some of the intriguing floating villages and investigate the great Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda with its five holy Buddha images.
Explore the lake by boat and visit some of its floating villages. Try to spot the famous Intha leg-rowers during the tour.
Meals: B
Day 13: Inle Lake/Yangon
After breakfast, board a flight back Yangon. The afternoon is free to explore the markets and sights of Yangon with plenty of time for some last minute shopping before dinner together at a G Adventures-supported project.
Fly back to Yangon for a final chance to explore and shop in the old capital. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a G Adventures-supported project.
Enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported project.
Meals: B, D
Day 14: Yangon
Depart any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: LinkAge Training Restaurant, Yangon Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Shwedagon Pagoda visit (Yangon)
- Mandalay combo entry ticket (includes most sights in Mandalay)
- Golden Rock visit
- Reclining Buddha
- Htauk Kyunt War memorial
- Amarapura visit
- Sagaing visit
- Bagan Archaeological Zone guided tour
- Inle Lake boat tour including floating villages (half-day)
- Shwemawdaw Stupa visit
- Mingun boat trip
- Local slow train
- U Bein Bridge visit
- Mahagandayong Monastery visit
- Sagaing Hills Meditation Centre visit
- Mt Popa visit
- Hilltribe hike (half-day)
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private bus, Public bus, Plane, Boat, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (13 nts) -
Meals
13 breakfasts,
1 lunches,
1 dinners