After almost 40 years of isolation Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) has come a long way during the past few years. The days of one week visas and government hotels are long gone. "This is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any land you know about". This famous phrase written by Rudyard Kipling in 1898 is true, even today. Myanmar is a fascinating mix of Eastern cultures, ethnic minorities, scenic diversities, magnificent beaches, Buddhist traditions, golden temples and pagodas. In the main cities, especially in Yangon some inhabitants have gone from hut to high-rise, school children have accelerated from pencil to power-point. But step back one street and it is a charming time warp, step outside the towns and time stands still, and many things remain same as the have been for decades or even centuries.
About the tour Xtrip combines driving amongst impressive scenery and world heritage sites, authentic villages and peaceful monks. Experience something that cannot be found in guide books.
This is a "different" Myanmar, and is more than just a 4X4 tour. You'll get the chance to stroll and get a glimpse of the culture while enjoying nature.
Prior to the adventure 10 days prior to the tour, you will receive an email that will contain full information regarding your tour: Name & telephone number of our representative, who will meet you at the airport. General information, weather condition & recommended list of “what to bring” Hotels list with full address, telephone & fax numbers Professional equipment list if necessary Suggested literature list to enhance your knowledge Detailed program, rooming list & 4x4 participants list
Detailed Program
Day 1. Yangon Our representative will meet you at the airport upon your arrival flight, and escort you to the hotel. At 13:00 we will meet for lunch & meeting the other group members. In the afternoon we will enjoy a quick orientation tour of the city. In the evening, we will meet our guide for briefing about the driving route, 4X4 convoy procedure, safety instructions and more essential information. Overnight in Yangon
Xperience • Xploration • Xpedition • Xtreme • Tel +972-3-5102025 • Fax +972-3-5102027 • [email protected] • www.Xtriptravel.com
Day 2, Yangon – Heho – Taunggyi – Kakku – Inle Lake After breakfast, transfer to airport for domestic flight to Heho. Upon arrival at Heho airport, collect the Myanmar-made Shan Star Jeeps will be waiting for you. Set off in your jeep and drive the first portion of today’s trip on a country road to Taunggyi. Continue driving to Kakku on a more and more challenging road; the hilly scenery dotted with ethnic minority villages on the other hand is magnificent. Visit the unknown Shan Buddha images in the Htan-Pha-Ya Cave. Visit the Kakku Pagoda complex of over 2,000 pagodas. Drive to Tha Lei Oo village. Transfer by boat to hotel. Overnight in Inle Lake
Day 3, Trekking Inle Lake We will spend a day on Inle Lake. See the famous leg rowers, typical floating gardens, local methods of fishing, village life and the magnificent scenery. Visit Phaungdaw oo Pagoda, the weaving village of Inpawkhon and one of the local markets in the Inle Lake region.In the afternoon, depending on the water level, proceed to the western shore of Inle Lake, to the unknown Inn Thein Pagoda complex. Visit one of the most amazing historical sights on the lake consisting of hundreds of small stupas overgrown by moss and greens. Return to your hotel by boat through lush vegetation scenery. Overnight in Inle Lake
Day 4, Inle Lake – Baw Saing – Kon Lon - Pindaya Boat Transfer to Khaung Daing village and drive off road along the shore of the lake back to Nyaung Shwe and onward to Heho. From Heho we head again off road through bamboo and pine forests to Baw Saing, a small and sleepy mining town. This region of the country is very remote, even for Myanmar people. We visit the residence of a former Shan feudal lord and soak in the atmosphere of the British Colonial time. Continue off road to the holy retreat of Kon Lon where every hilltop is covered with pagodas and monasteries. The last driving stretch of the day will be to Pindaya. Overnight in Inle Lake
Day 5, Pindaya – Ya Gyi – Ywa Ngan – Myo Gyi - Mandalay Start our trekking tour (approx. 2 hrs) with various stops at villages to see their traditional way of life. Visit Pindaya Caves, a unique site housing thousands of Buddha images placed there by pilgrims over the centuries. Head again off road - very challenging path through a mountainous and forested region.From Ya Gyi continue on a mountain road to Ywa Ngan for lunch. Follow the oldroad used by gold and opium smugglers in ancient times until you reach the fertile plains.Visit coffee and mango plantations. Join the traffic on the Yangon to Mandalay highway and upon arrival at Mandalay, check in at hotel. Overnight in Mandalay
Day 6, Mandalay Drive to the Ayeyarwaddy River and head off road along the river bank,visiting several remote local villages and organic farms. Some of the villages include Nandaw Kaun, Thon Se Pay, Sule Gon and Tha Phan Daw. Visit to the most famous sprits (Nat) house in Myanmar passing through green paddy fields. If time permits,
Xperience • Xploration • Xpedition • Xtreme • Tel +972-3-5102025 • Fax +972-3-5102027 • [email protected] • www.Xtriptravel.com
continue to east up to the base of the Shan Plateau and visit Min Gan Bot villages. Return to Mandalay. Upon arrival at hotel, say good-bye to the jeeps. Overnight in Mandalay
Day 7, Mandalay - Bagan Today we will experience the sights and sounds of Mandalay including some of the most revered religious monuments in Myanmar, Mahamuni Pagoda; Shwe Inbin Monastery; Golden Palace Monastery, a superb example of a traditional wood work and Kuthodaw Pagoda, with the world’s largest book, made of marble. Mandalay is also a major arts and crafts center. A visit to Kalaga tapestry craftsmen’s shop before proceeding to Mandalay Hill. After sightseeing, transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Overnight in Bagan
Day 8, Bagan Cycle tour to significant pagodas and temples of Bagan including Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious shrine; Ku Byanuk Gyi, a temple with superb murals of Jataka scenes; Khay Min Ga Temple, noted for its panoramic view of the area's numerous monuments and Ananda Temple, with four standing Buddha images. Return by bike to hotel. After lunch at local restaurant in Bagan, a colorfully decorated ox-cart (if available) will show you more of Bagan's ancient temples in the traditional way of transportation. Enjoy sunset over the plains and mountains of Bagan while cruising on the Ayeyarwaddy River. Overnight in Bagan
Day 9, Bagan - Yangon Transfer to airport for domestic flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, visit Sule Pagoda, dating back over 2,000 years ago; the magnificent reclining Buddha at Chauk Htat Gyi; and after a photo stop at the Karaweik Hall, a 'hamsa-bird-shaped' floating barge on Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake. Visit the Jewish Synagogue and complete your day in Myanmar with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda. Farewell dinner and overnight in Yangon. Overnight in Yangon
Day 10, Yangon After breakfast, transfer to the airport to connect your international flight back home.
Dates: September to May
Price (based on 2 travelers in a 4x4 vehicle): From US$ 2500 per person in double room occupancy From US$ 500 Single room occupancy supplement
If you desire a twin share room and for any reason we are unable to obtain a roommate for you, the single occupancy supplement will apply.
Xperience • Xploration • Xpedition • Xtreme • Tel +972-3-5102025 • Fax +972-3-5102027 • [email protected] • www.Xtriptravel.com
About the price: Our adventure is all inclusive! You just have to pay for your drinks & shopping...
Price includes: Arrival & Departure transfers 9 overnights in hotels as mentioned in the program (or similar) Full board basis (Breakfast, lunch & Dinner) Domestic flights (Yangon/Heho, Mandalay/Bagan, Bagan/Yangon) Tea / Coffee break with snacks Arrival / departure transfer by A/C car, from airport to hotels Air conditioned bus/minibus transfers Self drive on days 2 – 6 Portable radios for each jeep Fuel expenses Parking fees Xtrip expert English speaking guide Leading & support 4WD vehicle First aid kit Qualified mechanic & repair tools Gratuities for restaurants & hotels Admission fees for all sites along the tour Xtrip T-shirt and a hat
Price excludes: International flights Pre & post land arrangements Departure taxes Entry visa fee if needed Travel and luggage insurance (compulsory) Drinks & personal expenses
Remarks: The tour schedule can be changed according to darkness time, weather condition, mechanical problem, route condition & guide's decision. Terms & conditions as written and specified in our web site Cancellation fees as written and specified in our web site Guaranty departure with minimum 8 travelers Group size will not exceed 24 travelers
Xperience • Xploration • Xpedition • Xtreme • Tel +972-3-5102025 • Fax +972-3-5102027 • [email protected] • www.Xtriptravel.com