Day 01: Flight to Yangon.

You can book your 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 our hotel. After some rest in the hotel, we embark on the tour of this capital city of Myanmar which is 2500 years old.

We begin from the gilded Sule Pagoda and the impressive Karaweik Hall on the Royal Lake. We follow these with a visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, which dominates the skyline of city. This masterpiece houses an intricate complex of smaller pagodas and Buddha images.  Overnight hotel.

Day 02: 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 03 Excursion to Mount Popa - Overnight in 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 4: Flight from Bagan to Mandalay.

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. After some rest, we set out to explore the wonders of Mandalay.

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 5 Explore Mandalay in the morning and afternoon excursion to Mingun with boat trip - Overnight in Mandalay

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 6 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 07 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 the trek, we continue overland to Inle Lake. Upon arrival at the lake, we will take a ferry ride to get to the hotel.

Day 8 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 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 9: Yangon-departure

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