Burma Backroads
A genuine adventure! We delve into the remote un touristed regions of this mysterious corner of Asia
This journey is for those who crave a deeper understanding of the back country people and the untouched vistas of Burma. Tailored originally for the previous visitor to Burma this trip has found favour as a bonus for first timers in conjunction with either the ‘Burma Explorer’ or the ‘Pushing Back Boundaries’ tours.
What People Are Saying
"This is the 2nd time I've travelled to Myanmar with Global Drift and both trips have been amazing adventures. Myanmar is a photographers dream and on each tour we always enjoyed close contact with the Burmese people. In one case, staying with a family in their mountain home and another time having dinner with a group of students who wanted to brush up on their English. Great memories!"
Paul Delaney, Canada
| 13 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departures: | 11th December 2011 | Season between Oct to Feb |
|---|---|---|
| 10th November 2012 | (Saturday to Friday) | |
| 26th January 2013 | (Saturday to Friday) | |
| Price: | USD$1950 | (or AUD$ equivalent) |
Day 1 - arrive Yangon Arrival day. After our meeting we then board our overnight train heading north. We meander through beautiful fields and pass through timeless villages Day 2 - arrive Mandalay and on to Maymyo We arrive into Mandalay and head up the plateau to the cool hill station of Maymyo. We have a chance to ride the “stagecoaches” and enjoy the colonial feel of this old British haunt Day 3 - Maymyo to Hsipaw We head north in our bus and jump off to board the train before it heads over the famous Goitek Viaduct. A tribute to British engineering and persistence. The views are breathtaking. Further on we arrive at our base in Hsipaw. Once the centre of a Shan Kingdom this sleepy backwater will mesmerize you. Amongst the air of colonial small town there is a feel that you have stepped back in time. If permission is available our intention is to walk to a remote village and spend the night in a Monastery or village house. Bedding will be provided. An unforgettable stay Day 4 - Hsipaw Returning to Hsipaw we will maximize our time in the area with walks, swims and possibly an afternoon whiled away in local tea shops Day 5 - Hsipaw to Mandalay A travel day takes us through lush plateau farmlands back to the cultural capital of Burma. Perhaps a visit to the sprawling Zegyo market or sunset at the Mandalay Hill. We share a wonderful BBQ meal on the sidewalks of town with locals and the night air Day 6 - Mandalay (depart on train) Our train north is an adventure all of its own. We endeavour to snare some sleeper cabins however no matter from which vantage the journey will keep you captivated. The clunky old train rolls through timeless villages all the way to the Kachin hills Day 7 - Arrive Myitkina The train arrives in Myitkina the capital of Kachin state. Historically significant as an outpost of various empires and a hub for the distinctive tribes of northern Burma. We do not plan anything for the remainder of the day as the train is notoriously late and we will settle in for a shower on arrival Day 8 - Myitkina We take a short journey north to the confluence of the Mayhka and Malihka rivers. The great Irrawaddy begins here in this crystal clear merging of two streams. Perhaps a swim in the cool waters Day 9 - Myitkina to Bhamo Departing Myitkina we hope to catch a fastboat for the journey through the upper reaches of the Irrawaddy. Alternatively we may take to the road. We arrive in Bhamo, an old river settlement important in river trade for many a long year. We enjoy a wonderful night here in this very remote backwater Day 10 - Irrawaddy Boat We have plans to depart downriver on our private river boat. If private boats are unavailable we can take the local ferries which is a wonderful experience meeting new friends and sharing stories with local river folk. Drifting down river through the 'defiles' of the Irrawaddy is a journey few people experience. Steep rocky cliffs are common and the vegetation is thick with bamboo. Sleeping on board and pulling into towns and villages we observe, up close and personal, river life as it has existed for many years Day 11 - Irrawaddy Boat During the journey south we plan to stop in the river settlement of Katha. Orwell was posted here in the 1920’s and based his portrayal of an Irrawaddy river town on Katha for his novel “Burmese Days”. A few of the sights from the novel are still here. In the evening we will enjoy dinner on the river bank or on board followed by a campfire and a nightcap as required Day 12 - Arrive Mandalay fly to Yangon A morning flight to Yangon (not included approx U$90-110). We have time today to stroll around the ‘downtown’ district near Sule Pagoda or perhaps even a visit to the astonishing Shwedagon Pagoda. The spiritual heart of Burmese Buddhism. We enjoy a farewell dinner and toast our amazing journey on the backroads of Burma Day 13 - Yangon Departure day. |
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