Pushing Back Boundaries
All of Burma Explorer plus a week in the Mon State. A comprehensive taste of Burma.
A very comprehensive tour taking in Taungoo in the central heartland and Tribal communities near the hill station of Kalaw. Ample time is allocated for Inle Lake, Mandalay and ancient Bagan. The third week of the journey takes us south to the spiritually significant pilgrimage site of Kyaiktiyo (The Golden Rock). Time to wander through the decaying British colonial streets of Mawlamyaing. Sunset from Kipling’s viewpoint at the Ol’ Pagoda is unforgettable.
"Burma is a photographer's dream. From the beautiful temples and pagodas to the friendly smiles of the Burmese people......Global Drift and their knowledgeable and friendly Burmese guides are the best.....your trip to Burma will never be forgotten"
Bob Dyke, Canada
| 21 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departures: | 24th November 2012 | (Saturday to Saturday) - Includes Taunggyi Fire Balloon Festival |
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| 5th January 2013 | (Saturday to Friday) | |
| Price: | USD$2150 | (or AUD$ equivalent) |
***The November 2012 departure includes a visit to one of the most unique and amazing festivals in the world. We have a full day at the Taunggyi Fire balloon Festival. This one is not to be missed!*** |
Day 1 - Yangon Arrival day, no activities planned. Day 2 - Yangon to Taungoo Depart early. Stop at Taukkyan War cemetery as we depart Yangon. Evening spent in central Burma town of Taungoo. The main staging post between Yangon and Mandalay. Day 3 - Taungoo to Kalaw. A scenic drive climbing up the Shan plateau. Day 4 - Kalaw Day trek/visit to tribal Palaung villages. Day 5 - Kalaw to Inle Lake We take the train winding through the hills and forests of the Shan plateau. Afternoon options include a relaxing canoe journey through backwater canals. A Shan banquet awaits. Day 6 - Inle boat day trip Visit tribal markets, beautiful pagodas and the famous floating gardens. Day 7 - Day of options in Nyaungshwe There are numerous options to pursue in your free day here at our base. Hire bicycles and explore the surrounding area, wander through the local tribal market, visit the recently discovered grandeur of Kakku archaeological area or maybe a journey to the Shan capital of Taunggyi. Day 8 - Inle to Mandalay Rugged mountain views as we descend to the cultural capital of Burma. An optional visit to the famous Mandalay Marionettes is recommended. Day 9 - Mandalay Visit Zegyo market, U Bein’s bridge and the revered Mahamuni Pagoda. Later possibly enjoy an optional visit to Mandalay Hill and the Shwe Ein Bin teak monastery. Day 10 - Mandalay to Mingun (overnight boat on some tours) Morning visit to the ancient capital of Mingun. The afternoon is free to explore the variety of pagodas and neighbourhoods of this bustling cultural melting pot. *Some departures, depending on the river and group size, stay on the boat from Mingun and head towards Bagan enjoying a wonderful night on deck or under the stars on the riverbank. Bedding is provided but you may wish to bring your own sleepsheet Day 11 - Mandalay to Bagan A full day on the ferry enjoying the river life and villages en route. An evening arrival is planned. Settle in to this amazing location amongst 1000 year old pagoda Day 12 - Bagan Horsecarts are the best way to explore one of the most astonishing archeological sites in the world. Day 13 - Bagan You will need a second full day in this astonishing place to experience its majesty. Optional side trip to Mount Popa. Day 14 - Bagan to Yangon A morning flight to Yangon (not included approx U$90-110). We will arrive in time to visit the spiritual heart of Burma. The astonishing Shwedagon Pagoda. Day 15 - Yangon to Kyaiktiyo We head out early morning for an enjoyable country drive through central Burma. Late afternoon we will arrive at the base camp to the famous ‘Golden Rock’ pagoda. Day 16 - Kyaiktiyo Full day to trek to the mysterious ‘Golden Rock’. A very important spiritual journey for all in this country. Day 17 - Kyaiktiyo to Mawlamyaing Early morning drive to the seaside capital of Mon state. Afternoon free to explore this town only recently opened up to foreigners. Sunset at the “Ol’ Mawlamyaing Pagoda” is not to be missed. Day 18 - Mawlamyaing An optional morning visit to remote Ogre Island is available. Visit old village settlements and enjoy local Mon cuisine for lunch. In the afternoon we include a visit to the nearby astonishing Mudon reclining Buddha under construction. There will still be time to take a wander through the old colonial streets of this beautiful town. Day 19 - Mawlamyaing to Yangon A long days drive north returning to Yangon. We stop in Bago and depending on the roads may have some time to explore some of the sights of this central crossroad town. Day 20 - Yangon In the morning there is time to visit the delta town of Twante (optional) famous for pottery throughout Burma. A farewell meal together to complete a wonderful journey. Day 21 - Yangon Departure day |
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Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | USD$300 | Details |
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| Extra Accommodation: | USD$25 Single | Details |
| USD$30 Double | ||
| Arrival Airport Transfer: | USD$25 | Details |
Please Note: Weeks 1 & 2 of this itinerary are also sold as the "Burma Explorer" tour. Passengers who choose the 2 week option will depart the tour in Yangon on day 15.