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cycle burma challenge, burma ()

Famed for its regal history, unique culture and give you the chance to slip away from the main magnificent temples, Burma (Myanmar) remains one avenues to discover the city's hidden gems – from a of the last unexplored countries in Southeast Asia. gold leaf workshop where the traditional ancient This six-day challenge will take you cycling craft is still practiced, to the breath-taking Mahamuni approximately 350kms through this secretive and . Fall into the pace of life along the Irrawaddy beautiful land. River as you cycle out of the city to visit ancient cities, quiet village shrines and the world's longest The route will take you cycling from the splendour of teak bridge at – a stone’s throw from the the former royal capital of , in the heart of centre of the city and renowned for its bronze the country, with its palaces and monasteries that casting and silk weaving. hark back to a bygone era, to the modern, bustling city of (Rangoon) with its colonial architecture and the golden Shwedagon Paya (pagoda and ) the most sacred site in the country for Burmese Buddhists.

You will also have the opportunity to glimpse the temple-lined landscape of the ancient city of Bagan, and view breath taking sunsets at the site of Burma’s first kingdom, which dates back to the 11th century and remains a popular destination for pilgrims. Along the way, you'll get a glimpse at the real face of Burma, as you cycle through the rural countryside, sample the delicious regional dishes and get the chance to meet and spend time with local traders, farmers, and artisans in one of last Depart from Mandalay on bike as you head to the untouched corners of the region. Buddhist cave complex at Po Win Taung, near

Monywa, to see almost 1,000 ornately decorated caves, some of which date back to the 14th century. You will then continue your journey towards the mighty and visit the plains and the thousands of temples in the ancient city of Bagan.

You will also see what life is like for the city's people, and be part of colourful, vibrant daily life in Myanmar, as you join in the haggling at the Nyaung Oo Market and peek into a lacquer ware workshop to see local artisans at work. Then you will head out of the city, to bike through verdant plains among dozens of gracious (sacred Buddhist monument) and .

International Flights

Flights are not included as part of the challenge Start your Burma cycling tour in Mandalay, the regal th costs. You will need to organise your own former capital of 19 Century Burma. The tour will international flights to arrive in Mandalay on Day 1 (see below). Please contact us at cycle you will end in Yezagyo, where you will have [email protected] BEFORE you commit and lunch. There is the option to cycle the further 30kms to pay for your flights. We can help you organize your Pakkoku today prior to boarding your private boat to flights, and put you in touch with our partners at Flight Bagan. However, this will depend on the time remaining, Centre. and how well the group are doing. You certainly don’t want to miss the sunset in Bagan, which is a truly Day 1: Arrive Mandalay spectacular sight! Once reaching Pakkoku, you board a You should book your flight to arrive into Mandalay private boat for a relaxing, scenic boat cruise down to before midday. A transfer from the airport is not included Bagan (approximately 2 hours). You will then be in the cost of the challenge, but please contact us about transferred to an elevated terrace to watch the sunset organising this. You will meet the rest of the group at a over the town. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in centrally-located hotel. Bagan.

This afternoon you will receive a full trip briefing and bike fitting. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 4: Bagan - Mt Popa – (approx. 62kms cycle and 2 hour climb of Mt Popa) This morning you will rise early for breakfast and then depart for your cycle from your hotel. The first 12kms will Day 2: Mandalay - Monywa (approx. 57kms) be a ride around Bagan on back roads and sandy tracks, After breakfast you will transfer to the small town of Myin allowing you to stop at some of the temples in the Mu where your cycling challenge begins. Today’s cycle beautiful Bagan. You will then head on to Mt Popa, a will introduce you to Burma as you cycle 57kms on volcanic plug (volcanic landform created from hardened paved road to Monywa. En-route you will had time to Magma) standing 1518 metres high. Today’s cycle will stop and visit the Hindu-style Thanbodday Temple and involve a climb up to Mt Popa on the bike, but you will be Boditahtaung Pagoda, and pass through several small rewarded by the incredible views. Mt Popa has played farms and villages where you will have a glimpse of the an important role in Myanmar culture, religion and Burmese way of life. You will have lunch en route, and history since earliest times. Its shrine, located at the top cycle on to the hotel. Dinner at hotel. Overnight in of , is dedicated to the worship of the 37 Monywa. Nats, the Burmese ancient animist spirits. Learn about Nats and -worship as you climb the 770 stairs to the top of the tower with your local guide. This will allow you to see impressive views over the Plain from the top of the volcanic peak. After the hike, you will transfer on to Meiktila, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Meiktila.

Day3: Monywa - Pakkoku – Bagan (approx. 48kms) Now you have a feel of the roads and are a little more acclimatised to the heat, today you will push yourself with a much hillier cycling day. You will start the day by transferring to the town of Chaung-U, which avoids you retracing your steps from yesterday. Today’s gradients are getting tougher, and you will be thankful of your Day 5: Meiktila – Kalaw (approx. 87km) training! After an early start, and an approximately 48km Today your cycle takes you to the former British hill absorbed in the culture of the local villages built on stilts station of Kalaw, passing through pine forest along the over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Here, way. Start your morning with a short transfer out of observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating Meiktila before you embark on a windy route ahead. You gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud will enjoy your first 40kms on the flat before a hill for and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. You will approximately 1km, and another 40kms of undulating take the boat to Indein village, where you will admire the terrain thereafter. The slightly higher elevation up to local silversmiths, as well as the delicate work of the silk 600m today and a more testing hillier cycle than your and lotus flower weavers. From Indein, you will take an previous days means that the air temperature will afternoon boat back before your well-deserved probably be cooler. Lunch will be at a local restaurant on celebratory meal and overnight at . the way. Kalaw is a charming town with a mix of local and colonial-style houses. After checking in to your hotel Day 8: Inle lake – – Yangon Sightseeing you may wish to enjoy a stroll around town or simply After breakfast, transfer to Heho for a flight to Yangon. relax at your hotel. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight You will be met in Yangon by a Charity Challenge in Kalaw. Representative who will be your sightseeing guide for the afternoon. You will stop for lunch before an afternoon tour of , the most revered Buddhist temple in Burma. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the local legend states that the original structure was built 2500 years ago then renovated several times, until taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99 meters tall and gilded with gold leaf and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas and your guide will show you around the massive complex, explaining why this temple is so revered. Enjoy breath taking views of the golden stupa from this vantage point. Then transfer back to the airport for your return flight home. You should arrange flights for any time after 4pm today. Please contact Charity Challenge prior to purchasing flights.

Day 6: Kalaw - Nyaung Shwe (approx. 65km)

Today you will make your way to Inle Lake starting with an uphill ride followed by undulating terrain for approximately 16km. There then follows a series of long downhills before the flat of the Heho plain. On the way you will pass small towns and villages. Following a packed lunch break you will arrive at Nyaung Shwe late afternoon. Nyaung Shwe is located north of Inle Lake, one of Asia’s most beautiful inland waters. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

N.B. The itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to unusual weather patterns, the strength of the group and so on. We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary; however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your challenge leader will have the final say.

Day 7: Nyaung Shwe to Inle Lake (30km) Your final day’s cycle will start along the lake and will be a short 30km cycle to the finishing line. You head first to the village of Khaung Daing, crossing over the town’s main canal to the rice paddies. Take time to explore this village - known for its production of soya bean products. From there we head East along the lake’s shores before reaching Inle village. Here, you will enjoy lunch before boarding your private boat for a tour around Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most beautiful sites. You will be