Explore Northern Myanmar,  13 days

MY-T-02

Overnight in Yangon.

Transfer

Overnight in Myitkyina.

By vehicle from Myitkyina to Lake Indawgyi

Overnight in Indawgyi Lake.

Excursion by boat on Indawgyi Lake

Indawgyi Lake, stretching over 16 miles in length, is home to many ethnic minority groups as well as an extraodinary diversity of wetland birds. Sightseeing on the lake includes a visit to the floating Swe Mintsu Pagoda, the Mote Soe Ma Pagoda, and an old teakwood monastery. Stop for a walk around Nyaung Pin Thar village to observe the daily life of the villagers before continuing for a birdwatching tour and a boat trip back to the hotel.

Overnight in Indawgyi Lake.

By vehicle from Indawgyi Lake to Myitkyina

Drive through dramatic mountain scenery in the remote north or Myanmar. On the way, there is the possibility to stop at an elephant camp and observe the elephants and mahouts at work (elephant camp visits may not always be possible, depending on the season).

Overnight in Myitkyina.

Putao and the surrounding area lie above the Tropic of Cancer, in a zone characterized by subtropical, broadleaf, evergreen forest up to 2000m; temperate, broadleaf rainforest from 2000m to 3000m; and evergreen, coniferous and subalpine snow forest above 3000m. Putao itself is a small, picturesque town also known as Fort Hertz. With good visibility there is a clear view to the surrounding snowcapped peaks.
MAHAMUNI PAYA:This paya is located in an area populated by the Shan in Pan Hlaing village, one of the very few Buddhist ethnicities in the region. The bell was constructed from propeller scavenged from a World War II plane crash.
MARKET: Located in town, this market's wares include medicines made from local plants. On Sundays, most of the shops are closed.
OTHER SIGHTSEEING: Putao is a very Christian village. Most churches are built in a style similiar to the local houses. A small pagoda is located close to the market. Near the office of Myanma Airways you can find Fort Hertz, founded by the British during the colonial period.

Overnight in Putao.

Excursion to Ma Chan Baw and Khaung Mu Lone Pagoda

MA CHAN BAW: Set against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains, Ma Chan Baw is reached by foot over the Maylihka Suspension Bridge. The Maylihka River itself is one of the two sources of the Ayeyarwady. Most of the inhabitants in the area are ethnic Lisu and Rawang. The Gubar Guesthouse commands an excellent view of the surrounding scenery.
DRAGON STONE: A short trek (half an hour) leads to the mysterious Dragon Stone outside the village. According to local superstition, this stone was once a snake which was petrified after being struck by lightning.
KHAUNG MU LONE PAGODA: Reached by pleasant hour's boat ride along the Malikha river.

Overnight in Putao.

Excursion to Mulashidin with soft trek to nearby villages

MULASHIDIN: This area is mainly populated by Rawang and some Lisu ethnics. A small market is located close to the impressive
MULASHIDI SUSPENSION BRIDGE. This huge suspension bridge can only be crossed on foot. Depending on the time left, there are several villages that may be visited on the other side of the bridge.
TREKKING TO ETHNIC VILLAGES: If time permits, follow wide paths through the jungle to other villages with ethnic Lisu and Kachin.

Overnight in Putao.

Sightseeing in Myitkyina

Myitkyina is located in a flat valley that is extremely hot in the dry season and very rainy during the monsoon. It is a good starting point for visits to the many Kachin villages in the area.
CENTRAL MARKET: a good place to see the local hill tribe people and the wide variety of fruit produced in this state.
HSU TAUNG PYE ZEDIDAW: a pretty, gilded, 'wish-fulfilling' stupa on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River.
ANDAWSHIN PAYA: larger paya which boasts a silver-plated zedi said to contain tooth relics and a Buddha footprint.
PRAYING MOUNTAIN: a sacred site for Kachin and Lisu Baptists and the location of a bible school and seminary.
KACHIN STATE CULTURAL MUSEUM: built in 1994 it includes displays of costumes and Kachin and Shan artefacts, such as pipes, baskets, fishing nets, looms and musical instruments.

Overnight in Myitkyina.

Excursion to the confluence of Maikha and Malikha River

Drive north to the confluence of the Maikha and Malikha rivers, that form the beginning of the Ayeyarwady River.
Afternoon at leisure

Overnight in Myitkyina.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Excursion to Mingun, Sagaing and Inwa with boat trip

This day's tour visits three former royal sites, each with its own unique atmosphere.
Travel upriver by boat to MINGUN, enjoying the views of river life - fishing villages, market boats, women attending to their washing, and children playing in the water. Explore the ruins of the vast MINGUN PAYA, a monument to human ambition - never finished, its size would have dwarfed all contemporary pagodas.

After visiting other nearby pagodas, re-board your boat and start downriver towards SAGAING, a former royal capital and the spiritual center of Myanmar. Hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries are to be found in Sagaing Hill, sometimes known as a living Bagan. Thousands of monks and nuns retreat here for meditation and contemplation. Stop at some of the most famous temples, such as TUPAYON PAYA and HSINMYASHIN PAYA (the Pagoda of Many Elephants).

Continue by vehicle to INWA, another formal royal capital, now a quiet rural oasis situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Enjoy a leisurely HORSECART RIDE around the peaceful countryside, briefly visiting BAGAYA KYAUNG, a beautiful teak wood monastery, MAHA AUNGME BOZAN KYANG, and NAN MYINT TOWER. On the way, stop and observe how local artisans make the famous alms bowls out of iron.

Overnight in Mandalay.

** Reduction for 3rd pax in triple room Var. A:USD6;ar. B:USD2;ar. C:USD34