Itinerary
Overview:
Embark on a journey through Myanmar’s rich heritage and diverse landscapes. Beginning in Mandalay, a gateway to Myanmar’s historic kingdoms and a center of culture, religion, and local traditions. You will continue through the ancient temples of Bagan, the serene hill towns of Kalaw and Pindaya, the unique floating villages of Inle Lake, and conclude in the vibrant city of Yangon. This itinerary offers a perfect mix of spiritual exploration, cultural immersion, scenic trekking, and traditional village life.
Your adventure starts in Mandalay, a city of rich culture and history, where majestic temples, grand palaces, and hilltop views showcase the heart of Upper Myanmar. Following, we will explore Bagan, home to over 2,000 ancient temples scattered across the plains. Discover the architectural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site, climb Mount Popa, and soak in the tranquil rural surroundings.
Next, you will visit Kalaw, a picturesque hill town known for its cool climate and lush landscapes, before heading to Pindaya, famous for its limestone caves and welcoming local communities. Enjoy trekking through scenic trails, interact with ethnic villages, and experience the serene countryside.
The journey continues to Inle Lake, where life unfolds on water. Take a boat ride to witness traditional fishing techniques, explore floating gardens, and visit stilted villages and vibrant local markets. The tour concludes in Yangon, where you will admire the awe-inspiring Shwe Dagon Pagoda, explore colonial architecture, and soak up the city’s lively atmosphere before departure.
Note: When visiting sacred religious sites, please dress modestly. Shoes and socks must be removed before entering pagodas and temples.
Day 1: Mandalay Arrival
Activities: Mandalay arrival, Hotel check-in, explore Mandalay City
Mingalaba!
Welcome to Mandalay! After hotel check-in and some time to relax, enjoy a flavorful introduction to traditional Burmese dishes.
Kick off your journey in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and last royal capital. Marvel at the 2,000-year-old Mahamuni Buddha Temple, one of the country’s most revered Buddhist sites, where layers of gold leaf create a radiant, almost mystical shimmer on the statue.
Later, we will explore the Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, earning it the title of the world’s largest book. Then wander through Shwenandaw Palace (the Golden Palace Monastery), a remarkable teak structure adorned with intricate carvings, and stroll along Mandalay Fort to soak in the city’s historical atmosphere.
As evening falls, climb Mandalay Hill to take in sweeping vistas of the Shan Plateau, the Irrawaddy River, and the surrounding paddy fields, all glowing under the warm sunset light.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 2: Mandalay - Bagan
Activities: Drive to Bagan, discover Bagan: a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Drive to Bagan and begin a wonderful day exploring this mysterious land of over 2,000 ancient temples, where visitors can delve into Burmese history, architecture and the development of Buddhism.
Start with a visit to Shwezigon Pagoda, the holiest pagoda in Bagan, commissioned by King Anawrahta in the 11th century and once the center of prayers. Continue to Htilominlo Temple, renowned for its massive 46-meter-high, two-story red brick structure with intricate stucco carvings, and notable as the last major temple built in the traditional Myanmar style.
Next, we will explore Ananda Temple, a well-preserved architectural masterpiece known as the “Westminster Abbey of Burma.” It is one of Bagan’s finest and most venerated religious sites, reflecting the pinnacle of ancient Burmese temple architecture.
Stroll through other nearby temples and pagodas, taking in the timeless beauty of Bagan’s temple-studded plains, before ending the day by admiring the enchanting sunset from a small hill, one of the most unforgettable highlights of Bagan.
Day 3: Bagan - Mount Popa
Activities: Short drive to Popa, exploration around Mt Popa
One of the highlights of visiting Myanmar is exploring Mount Popa, a 1,518-meter-high extinct volcano. Begin with a visit to Popa Taungkalat Monastery, perched atop a sheer volcanic plug and home to the 37 Mahagiri Nats (Burmese spirits) located at its base. Climb 777 steps barefoot to reach the monastery and temple complex, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding central Myanmar plains. Along the way, you’ll encounter playful macaque monkeys inhabiting the steps, adding a touch of local wildlife to your journey.
After descending, visit a village palm sugar factory to experience local culture and traditional craftsmanship and continue to Minnanthu and Pwa Saw villages to observe daily life in rural Myanmar and enjoy the peaceful landscapes surrounding Mount Popa.
Following lunch, return to Bagan and continue your sightseeing with: Sulamani Temple, known as the “Crown Jewel” of Bagan, a striking two-story temple adorned with intricate frescoes. Next, we will move to Dhammayangyi Temple, the largest temple in Bagan, famed for its massive structure and exceptional brick craftsmanship and Gubyaukgyi Temple (Myinkaba), renowned for its vibrant Bagan-period murals, featuring one of the finest and oldest collections of original frescoes in the region.
End the day with a relaxing boat ride on the Irrawaddy River, enjoying the breathtaking sunset and glimpses of local life along the riverbanks, creating a perfect close to your Bagan adventure.
Day 4: Bagan – Heho - Kalaw
Activities: Flight to Heho, drive to Kalaw
Remark: Bagan to Heho flight only operate for thrice a week Monday, Wednesday & Friday Estimate Flight Time: 08:15 – 08:55 (M&F) / 11:40 – 12:20 (W)
Begin your day in Kalaw, a charming former British hill station known for its scenic beauty and cool mountain air. In the morning, we will take a domestic flight to Heho, then journey into the heart of Green Hill Valley to visit Green Hill Elephant Camp, a safe haven for elephants retired from the logging industry. Here, a dedicated family provides care, protection, and a loving home for these majestic animals who have lost their natural habitat. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on experiences, including feeding, bathing, and assisting the caretakers.
In the afternoon, we will arrive in Kalaw to check in at the hotel, and unwind while soaking in the peaceful ambiance of this serene hill station.
Day 5: Kalaw - Pindaya
Activities: Sightseeing in Kalaw and Pindaya
Embark on an energetic day by exploring the bustling local market, then visit the Old Catholic Church, also known as Christ The King Church, famous for its historical significance as one of the oldest Catholic churches in the region, with striking colonial-era architecture.
Next, we will admire the charming colonial-style Kalaw Railway Station and visit Hnee Paya, renowned for housing a 500-year-old, gold-lacquered Buddha image crafted from bamboo.
Drive to Pindaya and explore the Pindaya Caves, a unique Buddhist pilgrimage site and popular tourist attraction, home to over 8,000 Buddha images of varying sizes and materials, all set within a limestone ridge. Continue to the Shan paper workshops, where artisans create traditional handmade paper from mulberry bark, carefully drying it under the sun.
Spend the night in Pindaya, immersing yourself in the small town’s serene atmosphere.
Day 6: Pindaya
Activities: Pindaya overnight trekking
Begin your day with an early, relaxing walk to Htut Ni Village, a traditional Danu community where you can observe local tea production, an important part of the region’s culture and economy. Afterward, continue on foot to Hsee Kya Inn, another Danu village about 6 km from Pindaya, nestled amid lush tea plantations and rolling hills. Here you will have a chance to explore the village and enjoy lunch either at the local monastery or with villagers.
After lunch, proceed to Yazakyi, a typical Palaung village where you can experience rural village life and meet friendly locals. In the late afternoon, make your way to the monastery in the hills for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, surrounded by serene Shan landscapes.
Day 7: Pindaya
Activities: Pindaya trekking, back to hotel
After breakfast at the monastery, begin your trek back toward Pindaya via a different scenic route. Your path winds through Maene Taung, a charming Pa‑O village, where you can observe how cheroot leaves are cultivated, a traditional agricultural practice of this ethnic group. Continue walking to Hti Shuu Gone, a peaceful Danu village, and enjoy breathtaking views as you descend through lush hillsides.
Later, arrive at Taung Paw Gyi Village, one of the larger local communities where many families make their living from growing tea and coffee among expansive plantations. Take time to explore the village and learn about daily life in the Shan countryside. From here, continue your walk back toward Pindaya, surrounded by rolling landscapes and tranquil nature. End the day with a relaxing evening and overnight stay at your hotel in Pindaya.
Day 8: Pindaya - Inle lake
Activities: Drive to Inle Lake, visit Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, Ayetharyar Vineyard & Red Mountain Winery
Drive back to Heho in Shan State, the gateway to Inle Lake after the delicious breakfast. Upon arrival, settle into the hotel before visiting Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, a graceful 19th-century teak monastery raised on stilts, admired for its striking oval windows and delicate wood carvings.
The journey continues through scenic countryside to Aye Thar Yar Vineyard, Myanmar’s pioneering vineyard. Nearby, Red Mountain Vineyard & Winery is beautifully set among rolling red hills. From the hilltop winery, take in sweeping views over Nyaung Shwe and Inle Lake while enjoying a relaxed wine tasting in a truly picturesque setting.
Return to Nyaung Shwe and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 9: Inle Lake
Activities: Inle Lake Boat Tour & Indein Village
Today, we will discover the magic of Inle Lake, Myanmar’s second-largest natural lake, renowned for its one-legged rowing fishermen, floating gardens, and stilt-house villages set against a backdrop of serene hills.
Board a private boat for a full-day exploration across the calm waters. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, home to five ancient Buddha images that have been covered in gold leaf for centuries, now appearing as glowing golden forms. Continue to Nga Hpe Kyaung Monastery, a historic teak monastery once famous for its trained “jumping cats”.
Along the way, we will stop at local workshops to observe traditional silver smithing, lotus and silk weaving and cheroot rolling. We will also able to gain insight into the culture and traditions of the Padaung (long-neck) women who live in the region.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Indein Village to explore the atmospheric Shwe Indein Pagoda, where hundreds of ancient stupas rise from the hillside in quiet beauty. Wander through the surrounding village, admire the weathered architecture, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before returning to the hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 10: Heho - Yangon
Activities: Flight to Yangon, Yangon City sightseeing
Remark: Heho to Yangon flight only operate for every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
Estimate Flight Time: 09:10 – 10:25 (M&F) / 08:55 – 10:05 (W&S)
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoying the stunning views of Inle Lake, take a flight back to Yangon.
We will begin our city tour with a visit to Sule Pagoda, a 2,000-year-old golden stupa at the heart of downtown, offering a glimpse into Yangon’s spiritual and colonial heritage.
Stroll through the colonial quarter to Maha Bandula Park, a lively public space, and admire nearby Yangon City Hall, a stunning example of traditional Burmese architecture with ornate tiered roofs. Also take in the grand High Court Building and Yangon General Post Office, iconic reminders of the city’s colonial past.
We will visit Bogyoke Market (Scott Market), where vibrant lanes filled with gemstones, handicrafts, and fabrics offer a perfect taste of Yangon’s bustling atmosphere and perhaps find a unique souvenir.
End the day at the peaceful Kandawgyi Lake, then enjoy a memorable dinner of fine Burmese cuisine at Karaweik Palace, overlooking the Royal Lake with views of the Shwedagon Pagoda, accompanied by a captivating traditional cultural performance. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 11: Departure
Activities: Visit Shwe Dagon Pagoda, depart
In the early morning, visit the iconic Shwe Dagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist site. Marvel at its breathtaking golden stupa, believed to be over 2,500 years old and enshrining sacred hair relics of the Buddha, while enjoying the peaceful and picturesque morning atmosphere.
Afterwards, transfer to Yangon International Airport for your departure flight.
Thank you for traveling with us—Tat Tar! (Bye Bye in Burmese way)
