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Home , Heho, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Kyaung, Shan Hills, Shwegugyi Temple

TRAVELS

EXPLORING : THE LAND OF THE GOLDEN PAGOGA FEBRUARY 22-MARCH 7, 2013

Myanmar, often referred to as Burma, has a long way to go in terms of reforms, yet the progress it has made over the past few years has been surprising. Now is an interesting and exciting time to visit. Even with the recent developments, it seems as though you have stepped back 30 years in time. A treasure trove of cultural wonders undiscovered by the tour-bus crowd awaits exploration. Tribes nearly untouched by outside influence populate the hills, stunning empty beaches lie in anticipation of discovery, and the tinkling of temple bells evokes the ambiance of an earlier age. Indeed, you may hardly believe that such a world exists outside the works of Kipling.

Your journey begins in (Rangoon), a city that has retained the grit, charm, and splendor of old Asia and is the site of the fabulous golden Shwedagon . You’ll stay in a splendid hotel, enjoying the wonderful style and service reminiscent of the days of the Raj.

Next, fly to the ancient capital of Pagan now known as . Today, after a thousand years, numerous earthquakes and the depredations of Kublai Khan, what remains still boggles the mind. Then up the —a lazy, fascinating journey—by chartered riverboat reserved exclusively for the Harvard Alumni Association to , Burma’s last royal capital and now the country’s cultural and spiritual epicenter. There are many fine temples and interesting crafts in the country’s cultural center, Mandalay, and in nearby and , two former capitals.

Finally, visit the Shan Hills, hiking to remote villages populated by Pa-O and Danu tribal people, and spend a dreamy day on , boating to thefloating gardens, and a weaving village on stilts.

For this trip we are working directly with private guides and privately owned hotels and restaurants as opposed to government-run agencies. This grassroots approach results in an insightful, authentic connection to Myanmar’s people and places, and its economics directly benefits locals.

STUDY LEADER: To be announced

GROUP SIZE: 14-28 guests (Harvard exclusive)

PRICING: $7,595 DOUBLE / $9,490 SINGLE

SCHEDULE BY DAY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25 B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, R=Reception YANGON Meals Provided: B L D Start with a walk around Yangon's shaded, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 tree-lined streets, which were laid out by DEPART FROM U.S. TO YANGON the British in the typical colonial grid pattern. Explore the downtown's frenetic SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 markets and fading colonial buildings EN ROUTE TO YANGON aboard a trishaw or on foot. Pass Buddhist , Hindu shrines, Chinese temples, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Islamic mosques, Anglican cathedrals, and ARRIVALS / YANGON a Jewish synagogue. Meals Provided: L D On arrival in Yangon this morning turn Late this morning visit the Kalaywa Tawya your watches back 30 minutes (from where over 1,300 monks and Bangkok), or is it 60 years! After clearing novices reside. Witness the monks Immigration and Customs formalities gathering to partake in the midday meal transfer to your centrally located luxury which is the last of the day. hotel for check-in. You will have a few hours to rest and relax before reconvening After lunch on your own, visit the National for lunch followed by an afternoon Museum, housing interesting exhibits on orientation tour of the former Burmese Burmese history, culture and ethnic capital. groups. Of great interest in the museum is the glittering Lion Throne of King Thibaw, Start your tour with a visit to Yangon's an extraordinary work of art, which stands Reclining Buddha, one of the largest in the over twenty feet tall and is covered with World followed by a visit to Scott carvings depicting scenes from Burmese (Bogyoke) Market, the city's busiest and mythology. most colorful bazaar. It gives a wonderful feel for the daily life of Yangon's citizens, Late this afternoon enjoy a private music and offers a huge variety of everyday recital at the Gitameit Music Center. In items and souvenirs, such as lacquer ware, and Burmese “gita” means music, and gems, gold and gold leaf, textiles, and “meit” means friendship. Gitameit Music marionettes. Center was started in 2003 by pianist Kit Young and colleagues from Myanmar in Spend the late afternoon and sunset hours order to build a supportive community of at the awe-inspiring . musicians and audiences locally, and to This glistening golden pagoda, which encourage sustained, meaningful contact stands over 350 feet tall, is the most with international institutions, teachers and revered shrine in the country and is a site performers. Gitameit Music Center is a non- that all Burmese Buddhists aspire to visit at profit community center and music school least once in their lifetime. in downtown Yangon devoted to music teaching and nurturing, performing, Overnight at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel exchange possibilities for Burmese students to study abroad, and inviting This elegant property enjoys a splendid location, international artists and teachers for overlooking tranquil gardens, a beautiful lake, performances and workshops in Yangon. and the fabulous Shwedagon Pagoda. It is a sanctuary in traditional style that excites the Overnight at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel senses and soothes the soul.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 YANGON / BAGAN BAGAN Meals Provided: B L D Meals Provided: B L D Early this morning take a quick breakfast A generation before William crossed the before transferring to the airport for your English Channel, King ascended flight to Bagan. to the throne of Bagan, conquered the formidable Mon kingdom of lower Burma Fly Yangon to Bagan on Air Mandalay 6T and founded a dynasty that prospered 401, departing 06:30, arriving 07:50 until 1287, when it was overwhelmed by Economy Class the forces of Kublai Khan.

Upon arrival in Bagan, you will be met and Following breakfast depart on another full transferred to your hotel. After settling in, day tour of Bagan beginning with the depart on a full-day exploration of the village of Myinkaba, with the opportunity ancient monuments and temples of Bagan. to explore the local market. From Myinkaba, head to the 12th century During its golden age in the 12th century, Gubyaukgyi temple, an Indian-style Bagan was known as “the city of four monument that features exquisite interior million pagodas." While Kublai Khan and murals. On your way back to Old Bagan, several massive earthquakes have reduced visit the Shwesandaw, a graceful 11th that inflated number drastically, what century temple. Climb the terraces and remains is quite incredible. enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding temples, including the 14th century Explore the principal pagodas and temples . of the archeological zone by private vehicle. Built in 1090, the whitewashed and After lunch continue on an afternoon gilded Ananda is among the finest and exploration of Bagan. Begin with the best preserved of the temples, with beautiful 12th century Suliman pagoda, a delicate decorations in glazed tiles along classic example of Bagan's late, its base and terraces. Late in the afternoon, sophisticated temple design. Notice the climb to the summit of a tall, serene plethora of windows that allowed for structure and watch the sun drop into the improved natural lighting. Also, look for distant hills. the monastic niches carved into the temple walls, a feature unique among Bagan's Over the next two days visit the principal ancient . pagodas, some rarely seen , several small villages and a museum. Your expert At sunset, visit another temple as you tour leader and local guides will provide climb high to witness the magnificent insightful explanations of all you see. This sunset. afternoon is free to relax, or take a bicycle or horse cart and lose yourself amidst the Overnight at the Hotel at Tharabar Gate crumbling spires.

Overnight at the Hotel at Tharabar Gate THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 BAGAN / EMBARK IRRAWADDY PRINCESS II The Hotel at Tharabar Gate is located in the Meals Provided: B L D heart of one of 's most unique Following breakfast, transfer to the Bagan historic areas, the ancient capital of the Jetty to board your privately charted river Burmese Empire, Old Bagan. Surrounded by boat for a two-night journey up the more than 4000 ancient temples and Pagodas, majestic Irrawaddy (Ayerwaddy) River to you will be enchanted by the breathtaking Mandalay. views. The Irrawaddy gives Burma its life. Named after the Hindu eravati or "elephant river," the river (like the Ganges is to India) is a Late this afternoon, ascend spiritual entity and the provider of life, at sunset for spectacular views of the city happiness and material as well as spiritual and the Irrawaddy River. well-being. Rising in the southern , it dissects the land from north Overnight at the Sedona Hotel to south for 1,350 miles, emptying through a nine-armed delta into the Indian Ocean. This lovely property offers elegant rooms with In colonial times, before railways and land superb views of the Mandalay Hill and the Royal roads, the river was known as the "Road to Palace. All the rooms are graciously designed Mandalay." To follow the Irrawaddy's entire with an aesthetic eye for both contemporary course, from its undiscovered source lost elegance and traditional grace. in the Himalayas to the Delta, would be to run the gamut of Burma's varied climatic zones. SUNDAY, MARCH 3 MANDALAY / AMARAPURA Enjoy the day as you cruise down the Meals Provided: B L D mighty Irrawaddy River, passing magical This morning, begin the day with a visit to scenes of old Asia—women pounding their the Zegyo market, with its endless panoply laundry on rocks, old paddle steamers of color, hustle and heady aromas. If you're churning the muddy waters, ox carts feeling adventurous, try a bowl of mohinga inching down rutted roads and small (fish curry over noodles). children waving gaily at your passing vessel. Then it is off to the lovely countryside around Mandalay to explore Amarapura, Overnight onboard the Irrawaddy Princess II which has fine pagodas, ruins of the old (Private Charter) palace, a Chinese joss house, shops specializing in cotton and silk longyis (the Burmese-style sarong), as well as wood FRIDAY, MARCH 1 and marble carvings. Also visit local IRRAWADDY RIVER handicraft villages where paper and Meals Provided: B L D terracotta pottery is still made using Today enjoy stops in small, remote villages traditional techniques. that see few visitors. Meet the locals, and explore their villages and beautiful Then proceed to the Sagaing Hills, which pagodas. For many, encountering the sit above the Irrawaddy and are the site of warm, welcoming people on these stops is crumbling pagodas and many active the highlight of the journey. shrines. When Mandalay was Burma’s capital, Sagaing was the “annex” town that Overnight onboard the Irrawaddy Princess II housed hundreds of Buddhist monks. (Private Charter) Explore its beautiful pagodas and the nearby kilometer-long, 16-span Ava Bridge that was built during British rule. SATURDAY, MARCH 2 MANDALAY En route back to Mandalay, stop at the U Meals Provided: B L Bein Bridge, a long meandering structure On arrival this morning in Mandalay, built of teak, spanning a seasonal lake. At transfer to your centrally located hotel and sunset, a stroll here is an absolute delight. begin exploring Mandalay's main sights. Interesting sites include the Shwenandaw Overnight at the Sedona Hotel Pagoda, the – featuring hundreds of marble slabs inscribed with the entire Buddhist Canon, and the venerable Mahamuni Pagoda where Buddha is covered with gold leaf. MONDAY, MARCH 4 seldom-visited group of stupas, yet MANDALAY / BAGAN / HEHO / INLE LAKE another aspect of Burma’s vast cultural Meals Provided: B L D wealth. Enjoy lunch at Nam Pan village and Following breakfast, transfer to the airport explore the area’s interesting local market. for your flight to Heho, the airport that Visit with silk weavers, boat makers, services Inle Lake, Pindaya, Kalaw and cheroot makers and blacksmiths. other areas in Southern . This afternoon board a boat to explore Fly Bagan to Heho on Air Mandalay 6T 504, beautiful Inle Lake, surrounded on all sides departing 08:05, arriving 08:40 by high hills. See the famous Intha Economy Class fishermen rowing their fishing boats with a swirling move of their leg. Pass the floating Upon arrival in Heho, you will be met and gardens, where villagers actually grow tidy driven to the town of Nyaung Shwe on the rows of vegetables on the lake’s surface. shores of spectacular Inle Lake. Notice Stop at a weaving village and visit several instantly how much cooler the air is here. Shan temples. Then visit the Mine Thauk Nights in the Shan State at this time of Orphanage. year can get quite cool so be prepared. Overnight at the Inle Resort In Nyaung Shwe, board a longtail boat which will be your chief means of transportation to explore this beautiful WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 area. This afternoon will be spent exploring INLE LAKE / HEHO / YANGON the breathtaking lake, which is surrounded Meals Provided: B D on all sides by high hills. Here you will see This morning transfer back to Heho for the famous Intha fishermen and their your late morning flight to Yangon where floating gardens. Stop at a weaving village you will spend your last day and night and visit several Shan temples. before returning home or heading to your next destination. Late in the day, check into your deluxe lakefront resort followed by dinner. Fly Heho to Yangon on Air Mandalay 6T 402, departing 09:50, arriving 11:00 Overnight at the Inle Resort Economy Class

The delightful architecture of this hotel draws On arrival in Yangon, transfer back to your on the history, tradition and culture of the Shan familiar hotel with the remainder of the people. A stylishly appointed interior is afternoon free to explore the city on your complimented by colorful surrounding gardens. own.

Early this evening reconvene for cocktails TUESDAY, MARCH 5 before enjoying a farewell dinner at Le INLE LAKE Planteur. Meals Provided: B L D During your stay in the Inle Lake area, visit Overnight at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel the ’ tribal market, which rotates through towns in this region. It is a fascinating hodgepodge of brightly THURSDAY, MAR. 7, 2013 colored flowers, flopping fish and tribal DEPART YANGON FOR U.S. people, each in their distinctive traditional Meals Provided: B dress. It is a feast for the sense and there This morning transfer back to the airport will be photo opportunities galore. for your flights to Bangkok and Singapore for connections home. This morning travel by boat to Indein, a 16th-century temple to explore the