Rafting @ Northern Myanmar

Tour code : MTS-RNM-141 Duration : 14 days / 13 nights Route : Yangon - Putao - Malikha Lodge Nam Lang Valley - River Beach Camp - Malikha Lodge - Mandalay - Mingun - Mandalay - Bagan - Heho - Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon Vacation Type : Tour and Rafting

One of the highlights of any visit to Myanmar is our exclusive three-day wilderness journey on the pristine western headwaters of the Ayeyarwaddy. Suitable for the more active, the Nam Lang River combines the thrill of Class 3 and 4 whitewater through thickly forested canyons, with a closer insight into a people and way of life unchanged for centuries. This river journey is an incredible combination of white water, scenery, villages, and truly quiet and introspective evenings in our private camps. Kindly note that fixed arrival on every Thursdays.

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 Airport - Malikha Lodge

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Putao. Transfer to Malikha Lodge and arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure in the grounds of the beautiful wilderness lodge, with time for a refreshing swim or spa treatment. Group dinner and drinks at the main lodge in front of the open fireplaces, and briefing on the following day’s adventure.

Day 03: Malikha Lodge - Trek to Nam Lang Valley

An hours drive from Malikha Lodge, pass the village of Upper Sangaung which marks the beginning of the jungle. The road continues on for a few more km, towards the pass leading into the Nam Lang Valley to the beginning of our trek. Trek at a moderate pace for five to seven hours, five hours uphill to the top of the pass, and another two down to our river camp. In traditional style the porters carry all the expedition food and equipment ahead, leaving free to enjoy this scenic trek through untouched subtropical forest and giant bamboo. The river camp lies close to the first river canyon, which is marked by a spectacular rattan and bamboo bridge across the river.

Day 04: Nam Lang Valley - River beach camp

After breakfast, fit with the specialist rafting gear, while the trip leader and safety kayaker give an extensive lesson in river safety and paddling technique. Pass by the remote Lisu village of Nam Ze, at the foot of more snow-capped peaks. This is the last contact with “civilization” as we take an isolated loop into the lower canyons. Two hours below this village and encounter some excellent technical rapids. From here, raft down to the final river beach camp at the beginning of the second canyon.

Day 05: River beach camp – Malikha Lodge

After a hearty breakfast, start the final and most challenging days rafting. An hour later, reach three exciting and technical rapids stacked in succession in a tight bedrock canyon. The trio of rapids ends with a bang in a series of drops between massive boulders. From here it is about three hours rafting and leisurely cruising back to home at Malikha Lodge, where a glass of champagne and long hot shower awaits.

Day 06: Malikha Lodge – Putao Mandalay

After a final leisurely breakfast at Malikha Lodge, check out and late morning transfer to 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 07: 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 08: Mandalay Bagan (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the jetty to take a boat trip along the Ayeyarwaddy River to Bagan - situated in Central Myanmar, on the East bank of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, to discover its glorious past and histories. Arrive at Bagan in the evening. Overnight stay at hotel in Bagan.

Day 09: Bagan (B)

Option: Balloon Over Bagan (BOB)
It is a unique opportunity to see the Bagan with ‘BALLOONS OVER BAGAN’. You get a magnificent birds-eye view of thousand year-old pagodas, temples and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River as it has never been seen before. The balloon is guided by gentle winds not exceeding 24 km/h. Eight/Six passengers plus a pilot fit into the balloon’s basket. The champagne flights at sunrise last just under an hour and take off daily from October through March. Price is US $ 250 / pax. Due to the limited capacity, advance bookings at an early stage are highly recommended.

After breakfast, start whole day sightseeing of Bagan’s most important temples and pagodas ranging from the temples with the earliest wall paintings to the prototype pagada the influenced the designs of later Buddhist monuments. Tour highlights include colorful Nyaung Oo Market, and Shwezigon Pagoda – built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious shrine, then go to Ananda Temple – King Kyansittha’s masterpiece and the crowning achievement of the early style temple of architecture, next is Thatbyinnyu Temple – the highest building on the Bagan plain, after that visit to Htilominlo Temple – the largest temple of Bagn – noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. In the afternoon observe the process of traditional lacquer ware, one of Myanmar’s best known handicrafts and a specialty of Bagan. Then visit Manuha Temple, Myingabar Gubyaugyi Temple – an early period Pyu-style temple of Hindu influence with some of the oldest mutual paintings in Bagan and Dhamanyangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork. Lastly watch sunset over the Ayeyarwaddy River from Buphaya or Shwesandaw Pagoda. Overnight at hotel in Bagan.

Day 10: Bagan Mt. Popa Bagan (B)

After breakfast, drive to Mt. Popa where a house for Myanmar spirits. On the way, you can observe the ways of toddy farmers and the process of toddy candy. Return to Bagan and visit the famous pagoda. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Bagan 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. Afternoon continue sightseeing on the lake. 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: InleHeho 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

3. 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