Destinations to Visit: Yangon - Mandalay - Amarapura - Sagaing - Monywa - Pakkoku - Bagan - Mount Popa.
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 café, or stand in awe as the sun strikes the gold-leaf covered Shwegadon 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 Irrawaddy 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 Monya, filled with glittering temples in whose shadows the farmers gather to sell their produce. Continue your journey down the mighty Irrawaddy 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. Come join us on this fascinating voyage. No one knows Myanmar's secrets like us.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Yangon - Upon your arrival at the Yangon airport, you'll be welcomed by your guide, and transferred to your hotel. You'll have the day on your own, to discover this fascinating multicultural city however you'd like, whether browsing at the market or sipping coffee in a Chinatown cafe. Includes: (L, D).
Day 2: Yangon - Mandalay - Depart early from Yangon on a morning flight to Mandalay, the royal capital of old Burma. You'll be welcomed at the airport and have a day to explore the city as you wish. Visit the delicate teak temple of Shwenandaw, the massive marble slabs at Kuthodaw Pagoda, or take in the local atmosphere as you wander alongside the moat that surrounds the palace of this regal city. Overnight in Mandalay. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 3: Mandalay - Amarapura - Mandalay. You'll be climbing onto your bike this morning and heading out of Mandalay to the nearby town of Amarapura. After crossing the longest teak bridge in the world, ride further to the Mingun, whose enchanting temple ruins are situated amongst peaceful villages. A languid boat ride down the Irrawaddy River will take you back to Mandalay, where you'll get back on your bike for a ride to a gold leaf workshop, Mahamuni Pagoda, and Mandalay Hill. Overnight in Mandalay. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 4: Mandalay - Sagaing - Monywa. Continue your adventure this morning as you set off on your bike through the Chindwin Valley to the riverside town of Monywa. A typical Burmese town, Monywa is a major trading center for local farmers. There, you'll visit the Thanbokde Pagoda, where you'll gaze at its 6,000 Buddha images, and the Boddhi-tataung Pagoda, home to a grove of ancient banyan trees. Overnight in Monywa. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 5: Monywa - Pakkoku - Bagan. After breakfast, bike to Myitche, a small hamlet where local handicrafts are produced. Learn about Myanmar's cottage industries as you witness woven baskets, Burmese slippers, and paper-mache animals being crafted. Continue on to Pakkoku where you will catch a private boat and traverse the Irrawaddy River downstream to Bagan, just under 50 kilometers away. Overnight in Bagan. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 6: Bagan. Prepare to be astounded by Bagan, a grassy plain scattered with pagodas. A full day of cycling will take you to the city's most fascinating sites, including the teeming Nyaung Oo Market, the glittering Shwezigon Pagoda, and the atmospheric cave temple of Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi. In the afternoon, you'll peek into a traditional workshop to observe how lacquer ware is made, then visit the architecturally magnificent monastery of Ananda as the sun is setting. Overnight in Bagan. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 7: Bagan - Mt. Popa - Bagan. After breakfast, you'll cycle through groves of palm trees, where men climb the soaring trunks to collect juice to make liquor. Your destination is Mount Popa, home to Myanmar's spirts, the Nats, and along the way you will venture through villages and scenic countryside perfect for taking photos. Upon arrival at Mount Popa, climb to the top of this former volcanic peak and learn about the religious customs at the spirits' shrine. After enjoying the commanding view from the top, return down for a road transfer back to Bagan. Overnight in Bagan. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 8: Bagan - Yangon. Your last day of cycling takes you around more of Bagan's neighboring towns. As you pass through the villages of Myinkaba and Minnanthu you'll get a glimpse into an artisan's workshop, visit several local temples, and continue across the plains. These rarely visited towns are home to some of the most unusual temples in Myanmar. In the late afternoon, return to Bagan for your flight to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 9: Depart Yangon. After breakfast, enjoy the day free at your leisure until it is time for your departure flight. We will transfer to the airport, and wish you farewell. Includes: (B).
Price Includes:
* 8 nights accommodation in 0,5 double/twin at selected hotel category with ABF
* Meals as indicated in the program (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
* Entrance fee for the visit mentioned in the program
* 2 domestic flights RGN/MDL and NYU/RGN on Air Mandalay or Yangon Airways or Air Bagan including insurance surcharge and current fuel surcharge
* All transfers and excursions with private air-conditioned vehicles
* Supporting van/bus (with space for bikes) during the biking trip
* 2 pax: Town Ace van
* 3-4 pax: Hice Ace van
* 5-6 pax: 22 seater minibus
* 7-10 pax: 29 seater minibus
* 11-12 pax: 33 seater coach
* Transportation of the bicycles RGN – MDL and NYU - RGN
* English-speaking throughout biking guide from Mandalay – Bagan (who will bike with the group together) and English-speaking station guide in Yangon
* Private boat from Pakkoku- Bagan
Price Excludes:
* Other meals not indicated in the program (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
* Entrance fees for the sites not mentioned in the program
* Bike rental (USD 70/pax)
* International flights to/from Yangon
* Other transfer for visits
* International Airport departure Tax: 10 USD/pax as per 01/04/2002
* Visa fees
* Tips and porters at the hotels
* Drinks and Personal expenses
* Any other items not mentioned in the included services
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- The price is a guideline and will vary according to travel dates and room availability. The price is based on two people traveling together and sharing a twin or double room.
- This price is valid until 30 April 2009.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Myanmar
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
