Myanmar Mines railway in Namtu

Tour Code : MTS-SLT-081 Tour Duration : 08 days / 07 nights Route : Yangon – Mandalay – Namtu – Bawtwin – Namtu – Lashio – Mandalay- Yangon Vacation Type : Steam Locomotive

The steam locomotive in Myanmar is historic and interesting to the visitors who are eager in locos. The railways of Myanmar remain during the WW II after 1940s. The Japanese occupied in 1942 and the finally recapture of the country by the Allies in 1944-45 so that resulted many damages to the truck and locomotives as well as the railways throughout the country. In the Japanese reining a number of 3ft 6in gauge engines from Japan were modified to serve for as part of transportation in Myanmar, in the period 1944-46 the allied forces brought in additional stock. After the WWII, large orders were placed with British manufacturers, those types being in fact standard pre-war designs. From 1957 to the present, only diesel locomotives were ordered. Therefore, steams Locomotives are getting extinct in the world today.

But in Myanmar, more than 20 steam locos are in service for mankind everyday. This is an opportunity to see them in their action for international steam enthusiasts. It is believed that this opportunity will not last forever. Steam Locos (YB/YC/YD) are converted to oil firing started around 1962.

This program is special for those who are interested in Myanmar Steam locomotive history. Starting from Yangon – the garden city and the main gate way to Myanmar to Mandalay the culture canter, Lashio - a small town of Shan State , Namtu – home for loco shed and Bawtwin – the mining area by diesel engine.

Along the way from Lashio to Namtu, we pass the Gokteik Viaduct which was built in 1901 by an American company the Pennsylvania and Maryland Bridge Construction and completed in 1913. It is a structure of steel trestle construction for railway line to Lashio and it was 2260 feet long and was built 320 feet high above a deep valley connected with two edges. The both side of the cliffs are 550 feet high above the small river that flows under the rock. Although the viaduct was bombed in the WWII, Myanma railway repaired the bridge. Due to its technical and natural condition it was considered as a magnificent of the world standard. Mr. Paul Theroux said his book "The Great Railway Bizarre" called the viaduct" a monster of silver geometry in all the ragged rock and jungle…its presence was bizarre". It is the most important viaduct in Mandalay Lashio rail-road section and the second highest viaduct in the world.

Transportation between Yangon and Mandalay by domestic flight on Air Mandalay or Yangon Airways or Air Bagan (F-100 or ATR-72/42) can be done. From October to April is recommended.

Detailed Tour Program

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. Overnight at hotel in Yangon.

Day 02: Yangon Mandalay

After breakfast at the hotel, sightseeing would be conducted around Yangon. Sightseeing inclusive of Sule pagoda, independent monument, city hall and busy downtown and continues to Chaukhtattkyi huge reclining Buddha Image. Early afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Mandalay. Proceed to hotel and overnight stay in Mandalay.

Day 03: Mandalay - Lashio - Namtu

After breakfast, drive to Namtu through Lashio by private tour coach approximately 10 hours driving. Upon arrival Namtu, check in at the Railway guesthouse. Overnight stay at Railways guesthouse. On the way stops at Gokteik view point and lunch stop at Hsipaw, a small town .

Day 04: Namtu - Bawtwin - Namtu (by narrow gauge loco)

Nowadays, visit Loco shed at Namtu, Kerr Stuart 0-4-2T No. 13 (2384/1914) and Bagnall 2-6-2 No. 42 (2238/1927) would be able to see which the only run-able steam locomotives. There are several numbers of 42 saddle tanks were dumped in the upper yard and in the bushes were more boilers and various other junks. Observe engine No 13 starting up. First, depart by narrow gauge to Tiger camp. Our destination is Bawdwin, but initially we were heading for Tiger Camp 7 miles and 800 ft higher up than Namtu. Almost immediately we left the main river and started to climb up a narrow valley Lunch at the camp and proceed to Bawtwin mining area by diesel engine. There is small electric loco at work to view at Tiger Camp. The main line from Bawdwin reached Lashio in March 1903 and the Burma Mines, Railway and Smelting Co Ltd was promoted in March 1906. The Tiger Camp mining area was reached at the end of 1908 and three North British 0-6-0s took over the main line haulage. Namtu became the railway headquarters, 38.4 miles from the Lashio line. Return to Namtu by diesel. Dinner and overnight stay at Myanma Railways Guesthouse.

Day 05: Namtu - Lashio

Depart by locomotive approximately 2 miles to the old Japanese mill site afterward by diesel to Nammyo station where you can take more photos of Bagnall 2-6-2 No. 42. Lunch at Nammyo and diesel back about 13 mile to Nasaing level crossing with motor road where the tour coach will welcome you and proceed to Lashio about 2 hour. Overnight at the hotel in Lashio.

Day 06: Lashio - Mandalay (coach)

After breakfast at hotel, depart for Mandalay approximately 8 hours by tour coach. There is an option that you will be able return to Mandalay by passenger train crossing over famous Gokehtaik viaduct by 32 Down 05:30 - 19:50. Enjoy activities of passenger along the route at villages as train passes by slow down.

Day 07: Mandalay Yangon (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the 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 08: 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.