Explore Myanmar Tour

Tour Code : MTS-EMT-141 Duration : 14 days / 13 nights Route : Yangon - Putao - Malikha Lodge - Upper Sangaung - Wanglai Dam - Ziya Dam - Upper Sangaung - Putao- Malikha Lodge - Putao - Mandalay - Mingun -Mandalay - Heho - Inle - Heho-Yangon Vacation Type :Tour and Trekking

This trek provides spectacular views of the mountain ranges along the border of India and Myanmar as we trek through jungle and Rawang tribal villages. Starting from just beyond Upper Sangaung our picturesque trek takes us through old growth forest over the main pass that separates the Putao valley from the pristine Nam Lang river valley, then further North West as far as Ziya Dam village, the last settlement before the Indian border. On the return leg we take a scenic and little used alternative route through Wanglai Dam across to Upper Sangaung. On our first and third nights on the trek we stay at our Nam Lang riverside campsite. This campsite has a separate covered dining area with an open fireplace, as well as toilets and solar showers, so we can camp out in style. Kindly note that fixed arrival on every Mondays.

Day 01: Arrival Yangon

Arrive Yangon international airport, welcome by tour guide. Transfer to the hotel for check in. After that start City tour in Yangon, includes Sule Pagoda in the heart of the city, Chauktatgyi Pagoda, one of the biggest colossal reclining Buddha image in Myanmar. Special evening visit to the massive Shwedagon Pagoda - famous worldwide - its golden stupa is the ‘ Heart ’ of Buddhism Myanmar. The Pagoda is believed to be 2,500 years old and the central stupa in surrounded by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues. There are always many Myanmar People praying and making offerings. Overnight at hotel in Yangon.

Day 02: Yangon Putao - Malikha Lodge

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Putao. Snow capped mountains tower above the runway as the flight touches down at Putao, the northern most airstrip in Kachin State. At this frontier town you’ll be met by staff from the Malikha Lodge followed by a short scenic drive through small villages to the luxury of the Malikha Lodge. After a leisurely lunch at the lodge, it is 90 minutes drive to upper Sangaung at the end of the road. Overnight at Upper Sangaung.

Day 03: Upper Sangaung - trekking to Wanglai Dam (approx 13 miles trek)

After an early morning breakfast, head on up the trail into the forest. Trek at a leisurely pace to the camp just over the pass beside the Nam Lang River. This day is about six to seven hours of trekking with one or two steep sections. In traditional style the porters carry all the expedition food and equipment leaving us free to enjoy this scenic trek through untouched forest. If the weather is clear the views of snow-capped peaks towards the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Mt Phonekanrazi are spectacular. The final couple of hours walk downhill through impressive forest of giant trees brings us to the camp near Wanglai Dam village beside the river. We stay overnight in comfortable tents and enjoy a great dinner near the campfire.

Day 04: Trek 9 miles to Ziya Dam

After an early wake up and strong coffee at the camp, start a day of trekking towards Ziya Dam. This day promises to offer great views toward Mt. Phonekanrazi and other snow capped mountains and gives impressions of village life in this remote area. Pass several villages and try to stop at a school or a local house to get an insight in the local traditions. This part of Myanmar sees little tourism, and the villages and farms along the way are much the way rural Myanmar has been for hundreds of years. In this remote part of Myanmar, the villagers have seen only a handful of westerners and their smiles and friendship are genuine. Ziya Dam is the last settlement before going further into the forest, and is our final destination on this short trek.

Day 05: Trek 8 miles to our exclusive river camp near Wanglai Dam

After breakfast, trekking back towards the Nam Lang Valley and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way. The first river canyon at the top of the Nam Lang River near Wanglai Dam is marked by a rattan and bamboo bridge across the river; the stunning riverside camp for the night is just below the bridge. The canyon is an impressive place with deep pools of turquoise water and some premium swimming holes. Arrive in the afternoon where we stay overnight and enjoy a hearty meal next to a campfire in the comfortable surrounds of the private camp.

Day 06: Trek 10 miles to Upper Sangaung - Putao by car

On the last day we take the same scenic and less used path back to the main Putao Valley and the road head at Upper Sangaung. The last part of the trek is a flat road leading towards civilisation. Transfer by our jeep car to Malikha Lodge where a warm bath and a cool glass of champagne are waiting for you. Dinner at the main lodge.

Day 07-08: Malikha Lodge

pend two full days discovering Putao valley by joining one of the guided activities like mountain biking, a boat trip on the Malikha river or a trip on the back of an elephant. We’ll provide a picnic lunch or dine at the Lodge depending on what you feel like. Alternatively just relax at the lodge enjoying the views or ease aching muscles and soothe your soul with a complimentary massage. Evening dinner in the main lodge near the open fireplaces and a final chance to absorb the special ambience of the Malikha Lodge.

Day 09: Putao Mandalay

After breakfast, transfer to the Putao airport to connect with the flight back to Mandalay (Domestic schedule flight, approx: 3 hour 15 minute flying). Arrive Tada U Airport, direct excursion to Sagaing and visit Kaung Mu Daw Pagoda which is the copy of Mahaceti Pagoda in Siri Lanka and Sagaing Hill - the center of Meditation. Then proceed to Amarapura and enjoy sunset from the U Bein Wooden Bridge (1.2km long) across Taung Tha Man Lake. You can enjoy boat trip on the lake. Return to Mandalay and overnight.

Day 10: Mandalay Mingun Mandalay (B)

After early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the jetty to take a boat trip to Mingun. Visit Mingun Unfinished Pagoda, Mingun Bell, one of the world largest hanging bronze bells and Myatheindan Pagoda. After sightseeing in Mingun, sail back to Mandalay. Afternoon visit Mahamuni Buddha Image, Zegyo Market and some of Mandalay’s cottage industries, such as weaving and tapestry making, Burmese candy making, Bamboo fan making near Eindaw Yar Pagoda, Atumahsi Monastery and Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery), Kuthodaw (Maha Lawkamarazein Pagoda) which is famous as the world largest book of many stone slabs on which is inscribed the whole Buddhist Literature.. Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from Mandalay Hill. Overnight stay at hotel in Mandalay.

Day 11: Mandalay Heho Inle (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to leave for Heho. Arrive at Heho Airport and drive to Nyaung Shwe and transfer to hotel by boat to Inle Lake. Being located at the 900 meters above sea level, Inle Lake is the second largest natural lake in Myanmar with hazy blue mountains as backdrop. After lunch, visit Indein Village, located at the western side of the lake. Passing Nyaung Ohak Monastery and follow a stair path lined up with many hundreds o wooden columns, you finally will reach the impressive Shwe Indein Pagoda Complex. From the hillside you have great view over the lake area. On the way back to the boat, walk through a romantic bamboo forest at the riverside, where you may observe local people having a bath. Overnight in Inle lake region.

Day 12: Inle (B)

In the early morning, breakfast at hotel and visit Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda, the most famous pagoda of the Shan State. Ywa-Ma village, gold and sliver smiths’ workshop. After lunch, visit Jumping Cat Monastery and floating gardens, local methods of fishing, village life and the famous leg rowers. In the evening, enjoy the sunset while visiting the Inle Lake by boat. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Inle Heho Yangon (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the Heho Airport and flight back to Yangon. On the way to the hotel, visit Kabar Aye (the World Peace pagoda) and Maha Pasana (the great cave for Buddhist synod) and check in at the hotel. After lunch shopping at Bogyoke Market (Scott’s Market) of hundreds of shops where you can find local products such as Gems & Jewelry , slippers, cloth, and so on. Evening stroll along the China Town and study the ways of living of Yangon citizens (which can observe the tradition and modern costume). Overnight stay at hotel in Yangon.

Day 14: Departure Yangon (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Leisure till the flight time. Transfer to Yangon International Airport for your departure flight to conclude this unique experience.

Personal Items to bring for Rafting and Trekking

Since rafting expeditions include at least one trekking day, clients will also need to bring items as prescribed on our trekking list.
As a general rule when packing for one of our wilderness expeditions please keep personal gear to a minimum. Clothing should be lightweight, dry quickly, and provide insulation even when wet. Synthetic fibers are preferable to cotton on the river for this reason. For any other personal items not included on our detailed equipment list below, please feel free to contact us directly.

1. For camping and traveling:

• A sleeping bag. Your sleeping bag should be at least a three-season bag, either down or synthetic filled. If you do not have a sleeping bag we do have them for hire or purchase. A Therma-rest (inflatable sleeping mattress) is provided by Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions for your comfort.
• Light weight pants and jacket. The brushed nylon pants and windbreakers made by a variety of companies are ideal for trekking and general travel wear.
• Long sleeved thermal, top and bottoms (long underwear). These are synthetic clothing such as Patagonia Capaline which maintain their insulating value even when wet, and are therefore ideal for wearing around the campsite and on the river. The zippered turtleneck is particularly handy, as it can be vented and keeps the sun off the back of your neck. Light and medium weight weaves are the handiest.
• Socks: Two pairs of polypropylene or polypro mix athletic socks.
• Cotton underwear.
• Lightweight long sleeved shirt. These are particularly useful as sunscreen in camp. In addition temperatures in the shade remain cool throughout the season
• Two cotton T-shirts.
• A fleece jacket. Polypropylene is preferable.
• A Gore-Tex or similar material raincoat and pants. This will keep you warm and dry in a variety of situations. A simple shell design is preferable, as they can be packed away into very small bundles.
• Small towel big enough for bathing.
• Toiletries: keep it to a minimum. Bring plenty of moisturizing lotion.
• Spare glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.
• Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
•  Water bottle
• Toilet paper and lighter –We do provide it on all trips, but also advise you carry your own supply for convenience. The lighter is for burning the toilet paper after you’ve used it.
• Insect Repellent: Our Nam Lang river camp has screened areas where insects are not a problem, but while trekking and rafting in the jungle bring plenty of insect repellent.
• Lightweight cotton gloves are also handy as additional insect protection.

2. River Wear:
    

• River sandals or wet suit booties are the preferred footwear on the river. Tevas, Alps, or other high quality river sandals or booties should be brought from home. It is essential that all rafters have footwear that they can wear in the raft, which will not come off in the event of a swim, as this is considered standard safety equipment. One of the best options is simple wetsuit booties used for diving or windsurfing. These also offer additional protection from insect bites.
  River shorts Good quality, such as Patagonia Baggies or Guide Shorts. These are by far the best all around river wear, as they are durable, dry quickly, and provide the pockets you will need for little items you’ll want to keep close. Two pairs are enough.
• Swimming costume – (or you can just get by with river shorts).
• A sarong for women (a long piece of cloth wrapped around your waist) is another good option, and can be purchased cheaply in Myanmar. This is invaluable for visiting villages and respecting local custom for dress. It can also be used to replace your towel for drying after washing.
• A baseball style cap and good sunglasses equipped with a retaining device to keep them on your face where they belong.
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater and waterproof) is essential
• Lip Balm, SPF 15 minimum

3. Trekking:

• A daypack. It should be a medium volume daypack without a frame, and again, the most important criteria are how well it fits and works.
• Lightweight hiking boots or running shoes of good quality and preferably worn in are a must. For people who do not routinely walk in the mountains, light hiking boots are strongly recommended. Heavy mountaineering boots are not recommended.
• For longer treks and Higher Altitude treks waterproof pants, gaiters, additional socks and thermal hats and gloves are highly recommended.
  

4. Optional:

• Camera and film. Also bring a good cleaning kit, as field conditions are harsher than in towns. Spare batteries are also handy. There will be waterproof Pelican Cases supplied on the rafting trips. Packets of silica gel will help reduce humidity in the camera case.
• Small binoculars for wildlife viewing. If you’re an avid bird watcher you may want to bring a more substantial pair of binoculars with a waterproof case.
• Pocketknife or multi-tool.
• Fishing equipment.
• Reading and writing material.
• Personal first aid kit.
• Personal linen, pillow case or under sheet

5. Provided by us:

• Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions will provide the following equipment for all clients on our rafting and trekking expeditions:
• All safety and trek / river gear (except clothing and personal items – see personal equipment above) On river trips we provide lifejackets, helmets, spray jackets, wet suits when required, dry bags, camera barrels, satellite phone and comprehensive first aid kits.
• Tented accommodation while on your trip.
• Mattresses or thermo-rests to sleep on
• Cooking equipment including all kitchen utensils, pots, pans, plates and glassware
• Directors Chairs – comfortable chairs, ideal around the campfire, which are made of canvas and fold away.