Destination: Yangon/Bagan/Pakokku/Mindat/Ayesakan/Mt. Victoria Summit/Kanpalette/Kya Do/Aye Village
This special package takes you to Chin, the hilly province of north-western frontier of Myanmar, the land of rhododendron. If you wish to breathe the greenery of Myanmar and awe yourself with the spread of the mighty mountains, then this is the place. In addition, you get to experience a temperature that often goes below 0°C and which is why believed to be a best place to experience the coolness in a tropical country.
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide
Day 1: Yangon arrival (G)
Arrive in Yangon where you will be welcomed by your local tour guide and transferred to your hotel to drop off your luggage. If you arrived by mid day flight, we may proceed for lunch. After lunch, a walk through “downtown” Yangon, a diverse mix of faded colonial architecture from the British times, and high-rises built by more recent investors; Sule Pagoda, built in the early 3rd century is a landmark in the city centre. Late afternoon visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda of Rudyard Kipling fame and one of Myanmar’s most sacred places. The massive bell shaped stupa is plated with gold and the tip of the stupa is set with diamonds and rubies, sapphires and topaz – a stunning sight as the sun sets and a most fitting place to begin our trip in this “Golden Land”. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 2: Yangon/Bagan by flight (B, G)
This morning we head for the airport to get the early morning flight to Bagan. Check into the hotel and depart for a sightseeing excursion around the Bagan Archaeological Zone World Heritage Area. A comprehensive exploration of Bagan includes Nyaung Oo market; Shwezigon Pagoda, the prototype of later Myanmar stupas; Kyansittha Umin; Wet-kyi-inn Gubyaukgyi Temple with exquisite mural painting of 13th century and Htilominlo Temple. In the afternoon, after a visit to lacquer ware workshops; continue to Manuha Temple built by exile King Manuha; Nanphaya, said to have been the residence of King Manuha; Ananda Temple, architectural masterpiece and Oak-Kyaung monastery decorated with multi colour mural paintings. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset from one of the temple of Bagan. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.
Day 3: Bagan/Pakokku/Mindat by Jeep (B, L, G)
After breakfast, our jeep drive us to Pakokku crossing the river Ayeyarwaddy by ferry at Kyun Chaung and continuing to Mindat about 7hrs drive from Bagan. We will be taking the direct route from Pauk to Mindat, initially crossing the rain shadow plains of Ayeyarwaddy and through teak forested hills towards Mindat. Arrive Mindat and check in at a simple guest house available with very basic accommodation. Overnight at Mindat.
Day 4: Mindat (B, L, G)
Today we plan to relax in Mindat and meet some of the local identities. Chin culture is renowned for its strong ethnic identity with a similar tattoo culture to that of Polynesian people. What to see there are Chin ladies with tattoo faces, a primitive Chin playing a bamboo flute with his nose, a charming local market. Overnight at the guest house.
Day 5: Mindat/Kya Do/Aye Village (Jeep + Trek) (B, L, G)
There is no rush today, our jeep will drive us to Che Chaung and continue our journey by trek towards Ayesakhan village about 5 hrs trek through Kya Do village with its strong Chin culture. Along the way there are colourful villages and great views towards. Mt Victoria. At Aye village our crew will set us up in simple communal accommodation. Overnight at Aye in simple village accommodation.
Day 6: Ayesakan/Mt. Victoria Summit/Kanpalette by Trek + Jeep (B, L, G)
Our route takes you up the forest around the contour of the mountain valley. Jeep will drop you off and then trek up on a relatively steep way for about 2hrs follow by the decent climbing up. Don’t worry! The beauty of Rhododendron forest and the sound of silence will drive away your exhaustion. There you are on the summit of Mt. Victoria. It is originally known as Na Ma Taung and named Mt. Victoria after the memorial present to England Queen Victoria in the British time. In local language, it is called Khaw Nou Toung (The Great Mountain or The Mountain of Spirit or The Mountain of Female). It has an area of 432 acres well-preserved by the forestry department. Lunch on the summit. Trek down to the meeting point where your jeeps wait. Continue drive down the hill and arrive you resort, Mt. Oasis, beautifully perched on the hill. Overnight in the resort with very simple accommodation.
Day 7: Kanpalette sightseeing (B, L, G)
Today we start sightseeing on a light trek down the hill around Kanpalette. Visit some villages – Oak Pho, Ma Kyauk Ah & Saut Larn etc. Life there is simple…..in fact the simplest! Animism is an on-going practice. Agriculture & livestock are the life-blood. Ritual is omnipresent. Pretence is unknown. Anxiety & worry can’t be found in their dialects. What you are to eye is simplicity beautified with hospitality. Lunch-box on one of the village and end the day when you arrive in Kanpalette. The jeep will transfer you up to the hotel. Overnight in the resort with very simple accommodation.
Day 8: Kanpalette/Chauk/Bagan by Jeep (B, L, G)
Morning after breakfast, say good-bye to all the staff in the resort and the beautiful Chin Hill. Drive down the hill leading to central Myanmar. Lunch on the way in a local restaurant. View and landscape are completely changed. Getting warmer with sparse forest. Around Chauk & near Bagan, you see many oil mines in the semi-desert flat plain dotted with acacia, cactus and low bushes. Arrive Bagan – the pulsating vein of Myanmar culture and civilization. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.
Day 9: Bagan sightseeing (B, L, G)
Your morning’s sightseeing starts with Lawkananda Pagoda on the river side; continue on to East and West Phet Leik with its clay plaques depicting Jataka scenes; then Thatbyinnyu Temple, the tallest in Bagan; Shwegugyi Temple; the Palace site and Tharaba Gate. In the afternoon your tour includes Apeyadana Temple with its paintings of Mahayana; Nagayon Temple; the Archaeological Museum; Dhamayangyi Temple, a massive Temple with some of the finest brickwork. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.
Day 10: Bagan/Yangon by flight (B, G)
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Nyaung U airport for your flight to Yangon. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. After lunch, we plan to visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) for souvenir shopping. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon.
Day 11: Yangon sightseeing (B, G)
After breakfast at the hotel, continue exploring Yangon cityscape. Tour highlights include Karaweik, a royal barge for fantastic photo shot along the “pilgrims” causeway across the Royal Lake with stunning view of Shwedagon Pagoda; ; Chaukhtutgyi, a huge reclining Buddha image and National Museum where precious collections are displayed. After lunch, visit to non-touristic site of local glass making factory and late afternoon stroll around China Town. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon.
Day 12: Yangon departure (B, G)
After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to Yangon International airport for your return international departure flight.
