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Though it is famed for its regal history, unique culture and
magnificent temples, Myanmar remains one of the least visited
countries in Southeast Asia. Come discover this secretive land
for yourself on a thrilling bicycle journey that will take you
from the former royal capital of Mandalay to the temple-dotted
landscape of Bagan. Along the way, you'll get a glimpse at the
real face of Burma, as you cycle through rural countryside,
sample flavorful regional cuisine, and chat with local traders,
farmers, and artisans. Touch down in Yangon, a riverside city that teems with a diverse population of Burmese, Indian and Chinese inhabitants. Enjoy a day rummaging for souvenirs at Scott Market, sip strong tea in a street-side cafι, or stand in awe as the sun strikes the gold-leaf covered Shwedagon pagoda. A flight north will transport you to Mandalay, the regal former capital of 19th Century Burma where your cycling journey begins. Slip away from the main avenues to discover the city's hidden gems- from a gold leaf workshop where the traditional craft is still practiced, to the breathtaking Mahamuni Pagoda. Fall into the pace of life along the Ayeyarwady River as you cycle out of the city to visit ancient cities, quiet village shrines and the world's longest teak bridge. Depart from Mandalay on bike as you head into the Chindwin Valley, a place of deep jungles and lofty mountains. Visit the villages of Myitche and Monywar, filled with glittering temples in whose shadows the farmers gather to sell their produce. Continue your journey down the mighty Ayeyarwady river to the plains of Bagan. See what life is like for the city's inhabitants as you join in the haggling at the Nyaung Oo Market and peek into a lacquer ware workshop. Then head out of the city, to bike through verdant plains among dozens of gracious stupas and pagodas. Suddenly turn east towards Shan Mountains, filled with a rolling landscape of green plateaus and jade lakes, home to numerous ethnic minorities still practice a way of life that has been passed down for generations. Enjoy the crisp air, view spectacular lakes, and visit tribal villages to learn more about the local inhabitants. Brief Itinerary Day 01 Yangon arrival Day 02 Yangon - Mandalay (flight + bike) Day 03 Mandalay - Mingun - Sagaing - Mandalay (bike) Day 05 Myain Gyan - Mt. Popa (bike) Day 06 Mt. Popa - Bagan (bike) Day 07/08 Bagan (bike) Day 09 Bagan Meikhtila (bike) Day 10 Meikhtila Kalaw (bike) Day 11 Kalaw - Pindaya (bike) Day 12 Pindaya Inle Lake (bike) Day 13 Inle Lake (boat) Day 14 Inle Heho Yangon (flight) Day 15 Yangon departure Detailed itinerary Sample itinerary, actual may very Day 01 Arrival, Yangon Arrive in Yangon, meet and greet by your assigned guide and transfer to your hotel. Arrive in Yangon where you will be welcomed by your local tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon visit Shwedagon Pagoda "rising 326 feet, glittering with gold like sudden hope in the dark night of the soul" write by Somerset Maugham in his Gentlemen in the parlor certainly claimed to be the world richest golden stupa of two thousand five hundred years old. The golden dome rises 98 meters above its base and is covered with 60 tons of pure gold along with numeric precious stones such as jade, ruby, sapphire and diamonds. Overnight in Yangon. Day 02 Yangon - Mandalay Early in the morning transfer to airport for your flight to Mandalay, the city of bicycles. Upon arrival at Mandalay airport assemble your bikes and start biking to the city. The supported pick-up will be waiting you and following you on the way to hotel. Check in at hotel and afternoon bike to some highlights in Mandalay. Evening have beautiful sunset from Mandalay hill. Overnight in Mandalay. Biking distance: 30 Km approx Day 03 Mandalay - Mingun - Sagaing - Amarapura - Mandalay (boat + bike) Breakfast at hotel and bike to the jetty, board on a local fishermen boat for Mingun, located across Ayeyarwady River with a journey about 45 minutes. Observe the world's largest ringing bell casted by Bodawpaya in 1080 weighing 55555 viss which calculated equal to 90 tons and Mingun Pahtodawgyi, an enormous pile of bricks is all that remain of King Bodawpaya ambition to make it the world's largest Buddhist stupa. From here bike to Sagaing along the Ayeyarwady River, covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing hill is widely regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar and is home of 6000 monks and nun, 100 meditation centers. On your way visit traditional bronze casting, silver smith works which Sagaing is famous for. Return by your support vehicle or continue cycling along the avenue via the river bank. Arrive back Mandalay and overnight at hotel. Biking distance: 50 Km approx Day 04 Mandalay Myit Thar - Myin Gyan Breakfast at hotel and transfer out of Mandalay to avoid the congested traffic. Bike southward along the superb high-way for about 40km and arrive Krause, the rice bowl during the Bagan period. This thriving small town is assumed to be the birth place of Burmese, according the British scholar G.H Luce. Then, turn right to Myit Tha, a small charming town. You and your bike will be transported separately part of the journey to cover this with in one day. The road at this part is usuall y flat, narrow
and roughly tarred. Pass through many villages along the way.
Overnight at local guest house.Biking distance: 154 km Day 05 Myin Gyan Taungta Mt. Popa Today shall be the most beautiful day to bike. The road is typical to the central dry zone. You will pass many un-bridged sand creeks winding the toddy forest towards Popa Mountain range with picturesque scenery taking away your exhaustion. On arrival to the foothill, continue bike up to your resort. Overnight at Popa Mountain Resort which offers great view towards the Popa Taungkalat and Summit. Biking distance: 84 km Day 06 Mt. Popa Bagan Breakfast at resort and bike down to the pilgrimage site. There is time for the energetic to walk up 777 steps and reach the summit of extinct volcano, the abode of Nat (spirit). Outset with your bicycle to Bagan through narrow but smooth road labyrinths in the toddy palm trees. Observing how the local wine and candy is made from toddy seed. Arrive in Bagan where 2000 Pagodas and temples are rest. Overnight in Bagan. Biking distance: 50 km Day 07/08 Bagan Have a fantastic biking Bagan fro rest two day. You will wander its dusty tracks visiting magnificent temples and towering pagodas with ancient and beautifully painted murals dating back over a millennium. One can easily imagine in the mornings mist a parade of gilded elephants passing between the white pagodas, laden ox-carts raising a cloud of dust as they slowly plod towards the horizon, or a line of saffron robed monks collecting their daily food in black lacquered alms bowls. The elephants were gone, but the rest remains. Witness of major monuments and traditional lacquer ware workshop to observe the process. Sunset from one of the ruins. Overnight in Bagan. Day 09 Bagan Meikhtila After breakfast, bike to Meikhtila via Kyauk Padaung. Land is flat and tarred lying amidst the toddy forest. Half of the way will be transfer by car and biking across the gently rolling hills and very arid land that make up this central part of Myanmar. Overnight at the hotel in Meikhtila. Biking distance: 120 km Day 10 Meikhtila Kalaw This significant day of climbing starts with a gorgeous ride out of the flat valley and into the foothills. Through the early afternoon we follow a winding road along a small stream, finally entering Shan mountain ranges and the serious climb is the final 30 or so km. A cool, quiet town that was formerly a British Hill Station located at 4300 feet above sea. Overnight in Kalaw. Biking distance: 100 km Day 11 Kalaw - Pindaya Breakfast and bike to one of the near by villages where unique 5 day ethnic market take place. On these market days the hill tribe people usually come down from the mountains to buy and sell their goods, the market place is alive with activity with colorful hill tribe people, uniquely woven national costumes decorated with artistically designed jewelry. Start bike to Pindaya, situate at the foot of Mene-taung range is known to the world as the home of the countless Buddha Images in its extensive lime stone caves and picturesque lake. The road to Pindaya winds over the rolling hills of the Shan plateau through colorful mustard and whet field which makes your biking an interesting one. Explore around wonder of the mystery cave and near by Po O traditional paper umbrella making process. Overnight in Pindaya. Biking Distance: 48 km Day 12 Pindaya Inle Lake Breakfast and bike to Inle Lake, the second largest natural lake in Myanmar with 14 miles long and 7 miles wide, situate 2800 feet above the sea level among the hazy blue mountains. Upon arrival at Nyaung Shwe village a private boat transfers to your hotel. Biking distance: 91 km Day 13 Inle Lake Breakfast at hotel and board on a traditional long and tall motorized boat for a sightseeing tour of the lake. Traveling on the lake is an exhilarating experience for nature lovers and a chance to observe the unique traditions of the Intha people. Wonder unique leg rowing fishermen, floating firm, houses and monasteries on the stilt etc. Visit Indein ruins complex with pagoda and stupas built in the 8th century. Enjoy rows of shops along the corridor up hill. Return to Inle and continue visit floating village of Ywama, the lake's downtown and largest village on the Inlay Lake, 11 century Phaungdaw Oo pagoda housing five sacred Buddha Images, the weaving village of Inpawkhon, famous for traditional silk-weaving, Se Gaung village, famous for the blacksmith work and Nan Pan Village with cheroot making and boat-building dockyards etc and end your day with a visit famous Ngaphechaung, a museum like monastery where old belongings of many monasteries are restored. Overnight in Inle Lake. Day 14 Inle Heho Yangon Transfer to Heho either by bike or by car depending on the time available for your flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Walk around the harbor and a glance at historic Strand hotel and down town Yangon with central post office, custom house and high court to observe the colonial heritage in Yangon, Bogyoke market, formally know as Scott Market, a sprawling 75 year old shopping complex noted for its variety of handicrafts and other items which provide an excellent opportunity for a shopping spree. Overnight in Yangon. Day 15 Yangon, Departure Morning is reserved for packing our bicycles etc. In the evening, transfer to airport for your onward departure flight to conclude this unique experience. |
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