Classic Myanmar Adventure

Arrive at any time.

Travel through the delta and over the Sittang River to Kin Pun. From Kin Pun, the pilgrimage road runs for 10km to the 1200m high pagoda on the famous Golden Rock. Ride a typical Myanmar passenger truck up the mountain, then hike a short distance to the summit to reach the Golden Rock Pagoda. (B)

Travel back to Yangon, stopping in Mingaladon to see a reclining Buddha or the Htauk Kyant War memorial. (B)

Fly to Mandalay and visit the famous Golden Monastery (Shwenandaw), the only building still standing from the one hundred plus that once stood on the palace grounds. From here, visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda and look at its 729 marble slabs displaying the entire Buddhist canon. After lunch, explore the Mahamuni Temple which houses the country´s holiest Buddha image, the 3.5m tall Arakan Buddha, made of bronze and gold leaf. Later, visit the workshops of gold leaf and marble carvers. Opt to climb to the top of Mandalay Hill for a bird´s eye view and a visit to the Shwe Kyin Monastery for sunset. (B)

Head out in the morning to visit the former capital of Amarapura (Sanskrit for "Beautiful Town"). Walk over the world´s longest teak bridge, U Bein, and visit Sagaing Hill for fascinating views over the pagodas and monasteries dotting the landscape down to the Ayeyarwady River. In the afternoon travel by boat along the mighty Ayeyarwady River, enjoying sights of washerwomen, buffalo carts, and daily life along the riverbank. Visit the village of Mingun before returning to Mandalay for the evening. (B)

Transfer from Mandalay to ancient Bagan. Enjoy free time on arrival. (B)

In the morning, wander through the marketplace of Nyaung Oo and get a glimpse of the lifestyle of the Myanma people. Next, visit Shwezigon Pagoda, the only golden pagoda in the Bagan area. Continue to the caves of Kyanzittha Umin. In Gubyaukgyi, a perfect Indian-style temple, view hundreds of frescoes illustrating stories of the Buddha. Finally, visit the huge Htilominlo Temple. In the afternoon, explore Manuha Temple before checking out the elaborate stone engravings at Nanpaya Temple. Head south to witness the beautiful Abeyadama Temple and finally the Lawkananda Pagoda, a landmark of Ayeyarwady fishermen. Visit traditional manufacturers of unique Bagan lacquerware and relax at one of the pagodas as the sun sets over Bagan. (B)

If you plan to take a hot air balloon ride in Bagan, this is the best day to do it. Keep in mind this should be reserved in advance and the ballooning season is from Oct 1 to March 31 every year. (B)

Leave early to reach Kalaw. Journey through sun-parched plains sprinkled with Palmyra palms to the 'Mountain of Deities', Popa. Climb a staircase (about 20 mins) up the huge volcanic rock to see shrines for Nats (celestial spirits of Myanma mythology) and small temples dedicated to the Buddha. On the climb up, pass many food stalls and shops selling herbal remedies. Continue to Kalaw for the evening. (B)

Explore the countryside whilst enjoying the cooler air at 1320m above sea level. Pass through tea plantations, citrus groves and tribal villages. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Kalaw. (B/L)

Enjoy a free morning to explore Kalaw's vibrant market or visit Aung Chan Tha Zedi, with its sparkling gold and silver glass mosaics, or the Hnee Pagoda with its 500-year-old bamboo Buddha. After lunch, jump on board the local train to Lake Inle for an immersive journey through rural stations, stunning mountain scenery, and village life. (B)

Travel through a small creek by longtail boat to enjoy one of the most scenic boat tours in Inle Lake. The boat tour will go to Indein, at the western end of the Lake, where farmers can be observed cultivating their produce. Visit some of the intriguing floating villages and investigate the great Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda with its five holy Buddha images. (B)

After breakfast, board a flight back Yangon. The afternoon is free to explore the markets and sights of Yangon with plenty of time for some last minute shopping before dinner together at a G Adventures-supported project. (B/D)

Depart any time. (B)