Day 01 Arrival at Yangon.

You can book your international flight to Yangon on your own or ask us for help. Upon arrival at Mingaladon airport of Yangon (Previously known as Rangoon), we are met by our local guide and we are transferred to hotel.

Today, we visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda-probably the most prominent attraction in entire Myanmar. Towering 326 ft high on Singuttara Hill, the pagoda can be spotted from miles away. The 2,500-year old pagoda is built of 30 tons of gold and precious gems such as diamonds and emeralds. As the pagoda contains the relics of Lord Gautama Buddha, it’s the most revered of all the pagodas in Myanmar. At the pagoda, we will witness the rituals and prayers performed by monks and devotees. We will stay at the pagoda till late to enjoy the beautiful sunset view.Overnight hotel in Yangon.

Day 2 Explore Yangon

After breakfast in the hotel, we set out to explore the wonders of Yangon- the city with glistening Pagodas, old colonial buildings, tree-lined streets, bustling local markets and tranquil lakes. We begin from Botataung Pagoda, located in the east Yangon waterfront, which is a 131 ft high golden spire, containing a sacred relic hair of Buddha. This Pagoda is believed to be the contemporary of Shwedagon Pgadoa. From here, we continue to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda with one of the largest reclining Buddha images in Myanmar. The pagoda is located near the Shwedagon Pagoda and is worth visiting. If you are interested in arts and artifacts and items of historical importance, we will visit the National Museum.  Maha Wijaya Pagoda is relatively newer addition and is a symbolic memorial of the first successful congregation of the Shangha (schools) of all orders, when all the sects of the Buddhist monastic orders came under one supervisory body. We conclude the tour of the day at  Sule Pagoda who is the another remarkable pagoda in Yangon. This 2,000-year old golden image which is 152 feet high makes for an interesting landmark because of its octagonal shape. The pagoda enshrines a sacred hair of Buddha. If you want to know your fortune, see one of the palmist or astrologers which make the pagoda their base.

Day 3 Drive from Yangon to Kyaikhtiyo .

After breakfast, we check out hotel and head to Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, known as "Golden Rock", perches on the edge of a cliff at the top of Kyaikhto Mountain, part of the Eastern Yoma. A small stupa structure rests on top of a big boulder covered in gold leaf, which balances on the cliff thanks to a sacred hair of the Buddha enshrined or preserved inside the stupa. From Yangon, its 119 miles scenic journey up to the base camp and then we switch to a small truck up to the second camp at Yathedaung and then hike about 45 minutes to reach the top. The ride and hike is tiresome but our efforts are well rewarded with spectacular views of the surroundings.

Day 4 Return to Yangon with a stop in Bago.

We will visit Golden rock again for sunrise view and return to hotel for breakfast and then we descend to the base camp and ride back to Yangon. We stop at Bago for sightseeing. Bago is the ancient capital of Myanmar, dating back to the 6th century. At Bago, we visit the beautiful 55m long reclining Buddha called Shwethalyaung and the Mon style Shwemawdaw Pagoda, one of the most venerated in Myanmar. Its spire stands 114m high and is taller than the Shwedagon Pagoda. Also visit the old Palace of Kambozathadi and the huge four sitting Buddhas. Return by road to Yangon, visiting the Allied War Cemetery near Htaukkyan, the final resting place for over 27,000 allied soldiers, and a local woven bamboo factory. Transfer back to Yangon.

Day 5 Flight from Yangon to Bagan.

After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for flight to Bagan. Upon arrival at Bagan airport, we are met by our local guide and then we are transferred to our hotel. Soon we set out to explore the archeological wonders of Bagan town that flourished from the 11th through 13th century and thousands of magnificent stupas and temples were constructed during 200 years; many of which are still standing with all glory along the banks of Irrawady River.

We visit the vibrant market of Nyaung U before and drive to the archaeological zone. We visit the temples and pagodas of Shwezigon, Gubyaukgyi, Htilominlo, Ananda, Thatbyinnyu Sulamani, Dhammyangyi which speak of their glorious past. In the evening, we enjoy the spectacular sunset from the terrace of Myaukguni Temple and conclude the tour of the day.Overnight hotel.(B)

Day 6 Excursion to Mount Popa.

Mount Popa is an extinct volcano which is believed to be home to the "nats", ancient Burmese animist spirits. We climb to the top for stunning views of the surrounding countryside before continuing to the village of Salay, an important Buddhist centre. Visit the ancient wooden monastery before returning to Bagan.

This morning, head southeast 48 km (30 miles) to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with a height of 1518 m (4,979 ft). We climb to the top of the volcano ridge and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding. Mount Popa has played an important role in Myanmar culture, religion and history since earliest times as it’s believed to be the abode of the “Nats”, ancient Burmese animist spirits.As we climb the stairs to the top, we will get to learn about the Nats and Nat rituals.

We will have lunch break in a local restaurant (pay on your own) and then we will head to
Salay, an important Buddhist center with many active monasteries. Salay created a unique style of Bagan-era architecture and that we can witness in Yok Stone Kyaung Monastery-one of the nicest and the oldest one in the area.Today, time permitting; we will also take sunset boat ride on Ayeyawaddy river.Overnight hotel in Bagan.

Day 7 Bagan - Mandalay Flight from Bagan to Mandalay and excursion of Amarapura, Sagaing and Inwa.

After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for flight to Mandalay-Myanmar’s second largest city after Myanmar.Upon arrival at Mandalay airport, we are met by our local guide and then we are transferred to our hotel.

Today, we visit the three former royal capitals, Amarapura, Sagaing, and Inwa, each with its own charm and atmosphere. We begin from Amarapura and visit Mahagandayon Monastery where we watch monks and novices lining up to receive their daily alms and food from faithful Buddhists. We continue on to Sagaing, the spiritual center of Myanmar, abundant with hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries.

We cross the river by ferry to the ancient capital of Inwa-situated on the shores of the Irrawaddy River which is now a quiet rural oasis. We enjoy a leisurely horse carriage ride in the peaceful countryside and visit the beautiful teak wood monastery. On the way, we stop at a workshop where locals make the famous alms bowls out of iron.

We conclude the day at U Bein‘s Bridge in Amarapura. U Bein’s Bridge is a picturesque teak bridge which extends over one kilometer across Taungthaman Lake. At dusk, the bridge is swarmed by monks and local people as they stroll home or linger to enjoy the colors of the sunset. Overnight hotel in Mandalay.

Day 8 Excursion to Mingun by boat.

This morning, we visit Mahamuni Paya enshrined with the Mahamuni Image-covered in over 6 inches of gold leaf. The image is probably the most revered Buddhist image in entire Myanmar. Devotees flock to the shrine at four in the morning to observe the unique face-washing ceremony. En route to the pagoda, we will stop at a workshop to observe the laborious process of gold leaf making. We may also stop by a craft shop.

We continue on to the Golden Teak Monastery, built entirely of golden teak with intricate carving. The monastery was once the part of Mandalay Palace, used by King Mindon and his chief wife as their private chamber. Next, we will visit Kyaukawgyi Paya-known for a seated Buddha, carved out of a single marble block. The Kuthodaw Paya-a huge walled temple complex at the base of the southeast stairway to Mandalay Hill. Kuthodaw Paya was built by King Mindon at about the same time as the Mandalay Royal Palace.

This afternoon, we take a ferry up the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to a laidback riverside village of Mingun and enjoy the serene beauty of the river and the lifestyles of the local people who live and work on these waters. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to arrive at Mingun but we can see the attractions of Mingun luring us from far away.

We will visit the 12 feet high and 87 ton Mingun Bell, which is definitely the world's largest bell. Just south of the bell lies Mingun Pagoda-a giant brick structure which was built in 1700s but was never completed due to economic troubles but it is still an impressive site. Mingun's other attraction that we don’t want to miss is the Hisnbyume Pagoda-a white-washed temple built to resemble Mount Meru. Mingun is full of small neighborhoods crafting traditional basketry and other artistic items and we will have plenty of opportunity to stop by and interact with the craftsmen and friendly locals.

We take the ferry ride back at dusk enjoying the beautiful colors of the water. Overnight hotel in Mandalay.

Day 9 Drive from Mandalay to Kalaw.

After breakfast, we check out hotel and we embark on our overland journey to Kalaw that takes most of the day. We pass by small towns and villages and get glimpses of the rural life away from the cities.

Kalaw, situated at an elevation of 4000-ft on the western edge of the Shan Plateau, served as a popular retreats during British Era. It is still a peaceful and quiet place with an atmosphere reminiscent of those colonial days. The small population here is a mix of Shan, Indian Muslim, Bamar and Nepali ethnics. Overnight hotel in Kalaw.

Day 10 Explore Kalaw and later overland travel to To Inle Lake (B)

After breakfast, we embark on the tour of Kalaw. We begin from Thein Taung Pay, a temple perched on the hill overlooking the main road. There are many Western style building still standing in Kalaw, visit Christ the King Church, founded by an Italian missionary. We will also take a light trek to a nearby hill tribe village. One of the main sources of income is the cultivation of a large leaf used to wrap Burmese cigars.

After your trek, we continue overland to Inle Lake. We stop at Pindaya ( 28 miles from Kalaw)  to visit the lime stone caves with ancient Buddha images made of  various materials like teak wood, marble, alabaster, brick and lacquer, and all enshrined in the nooks and corners of the winding caverns. Pindaya is also known for the Shan paper and monk umbrella makers. From Pindaya, we continue on our journey to the Inle Lake. Upon arrival at the lake, we will take a ferry ride to get to the hotel.

Day 11 Excursion by boat on Inle Lake and flight back to Yangon.

Inle Lake, situated Shan State, is beautiful, with very calm waters dotted with patches of floating vegetation and fishing canoes. The lake is surrounded by high hills from all sides and there are17 villages in the lakeshores and in the islands. The villages are mostly inhabited by Intha ethnic people. We take the boating trip and enjoy the spectacular scenery and observe the skilled fisherman using their leg-rowing technique to propel themselves around the lake. We visit the floating gardens, a floating market and an Intha village around the lake. Please, note that markets do not take place on full moon days. We will also visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery.

Later in the day, we take ferry ride back to the lakeshore and meet our transport and drive to the airport for flight to Yangon. Upon arrival at Yangdon, we are met by our local guide and we are transferred to our hotel.

Rest of the day, you are on your own to pursue your own interests.

Day 12 Departure.

Transfer to the airport for flight back home or next destination.