Ethnicities and Trekking in Myanmar

Arrival at Yangon airport, the former capital, also known by the name of Rangoon. It is the largest city in Myanmar and continues to be the most important commercial center in the country and the arrival point for most part of international visitors. The colonial past and religious heritage make the city one of the most fascinating places in Southeast Asia.
Depending on the arrival of the flight, lunch or visits are scheduled.
Start your day with a walk on Mahanbandola Street where the Imanuel Baptist Church built in 1830 is located and continue walking through small streets full of markets and food stalls. Crossing the Pasodan street, you will have the opportunity to find many shops where used books and photocopied books are sold. During the walk you can admire the buildings of the Supreme Court, the Inland Water Transport, and the headquarters of the Myanma Port Authority before arriving on the Strand Road. The next stop will be at the foot of the majestic Strand Hotel. Continuing your journey on the Strand Road you can discover the Customs House and the Palace of Justice, an imposing colonnaded building. Returning to the north of the city, passing through the green Bank Street, you will arrive at the Sule Pagoda Road where it will be possible to consult one of the numerous fortune tellers who work in the cool of the trees. Don't forget to take a break to photograph the Sule Pagoda, the symbol of the city center built over 2000 years ago. Continue towards Mahabandoola Garden through two lively neighborhoods: the Chinese and the Indian. Explore the golden shops of Shwe Bontha Street and take a look at the Moseh Yeshua Synagogue on 26th Street. Once you arrive at Theingyi Zei market, do not hesitate to discover the remedies of traditional Chinese medicine. Continue towards Anawratha Street which will lead you to Sri Kali temple, the most colorful Hindu temple in Yangon.
Visit the Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda to admire a statue of Bouddha lying down 72 meters long. It is one of the largest Buddha reproductions in Myanmar.
In fact, no trip to Myanmar can be considered complete without visiting the legendary Shwedagon Pagoda. The best time of day to appreciate its beauty is definitely the late afternoon when the last rays of the sun decorate its golden stupa giving it a wonderful look.

Meals included: lunch and dinner
Accommodation: overnight stay in Yangon
Duration of the excursion: 2.30 HRS

After breakfast, transfer to Yangon airport for flight to Bagan.
While the monuments of Bagan can be easily visited by car. A bicycle trip offers the possibility of traveling on small roads that pass between the villages and stopping along the way whenever you wish.
Ready to start riding a local bike for a half-day excursion. You will cycle with your guide through the center of Bagan making frequent stops along the way. You will have plenty of time to visit religious monuments, but the highlights of your day will be the colorful market and visits to the villages. Riding your bicycle, proceeding slowly, you will not only come to observe the lifestyle of the locals, but also to feel part of their daily activities; farmers on the way to the fields, children returning after a day of school and craftsmen at work on their products. Make sure you have your camera batteries charged because there will be plenty of opportunities to take unique photos during this adventure in Bagan.
Optional excursion (min 2 participants)
In the late afternoon (after 04:30 pm) you will be taken to a pier where a small private wooden boat awaits you. Take a seat in the shade or in the open air on the bridge so you can enjoy the magnificent panorama on the Irrawaddy river. Relax on board the boat while sipping a refreshing cocktail accompanied by delicious local snacks and admire the reflection of the setting sun on the calm waters of the river. This boat excursion is an alternative to visiting the times and will offer you a different perspective of Bagan.

Meals included: lunch and dinner
Accommodation: overnight stay in Bagan
Easia level: 1
Distance and duration of the excursion: between 10 and 30 kilometers - between 2 and 4 hours
Terrain: sandy paths and asphalt road

After breakfast, away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Bagan, we invite you to participate in an excursion to Mount Popa where, according to Buddhist belief, Burmese spirits called 'Nats' live. Mount Popa, an extinct volcano located to the east at more than 1500 m above sea level, offers fantastic views of the region. Popa is today a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists who believe it inhabited by spirits known as "Nat." During the trip to Popa, stop in a village to see how palm wine and sugar are produced.

You will begin your 5-hour trek along the roads that cross the hills surrounding Monte Popa. During the whole journey you can admire wonderful views of the region and the famous volcano. Once you reach the top, you will enjoy a delicious packed lunch surrounded by a relaxing and pleasant environment before returning to the foot of the hill towards Bagan.

Meals included: packed lunch on the way and dinner there
Accommodation: overnight stay in Bagan
Easia level: 2
Distance and duration of the excursion: 16 kilometers - 5 hours
Terrain: dirt road through the forest, gentle climb to the top

After breakfast, transfer to Nyaung U airport for the flight to Heho. Transfer to Pindaya, a quiet town on the banks of Botoloke lake. You cannot miss the famous caves of Pindaya, a unique site where there are thousands of Buddha representations.
A walk in the village to spend time with a local family who will tell you about tea plantations and how they are grown. Pindaya is famous for having the best tea, the best variety of tea leaves and the best soy products from all of Myanmar. You will have the opportunity to taste fresh tea infused at the moment, to observe the drying of the soy crackers, take a walk among the plantations and try yourself to collect the leaves. Return to the house to attend a demonstration on the preparation of the tea you have just collected.
Note; during the rainy season, the premises cannot dry the tea leaves, therefore customers will not have the opportunity to attend the entire production process. While during the drought season it will not be possible to visit the whole tea plantation due to the too sultry climate.
You continue the journey to Kalaw, a small mountain town at 1300 meters above sea level which in the past has been a British government garrison, chosen by the British for its always pleasant climate; the peace of this place, the charm of the ancient atmosphere colonial, and the authenticity of the population, make Kalaw a very special stop.

Meals included: Lunch and dinner free
Accommodation: overnight stay in Kalaw

Wake up at the first light of dawn and, after an energizing breakfast, you will drive to the village of Tha Yet Pu, the starting point of this adventure towards the Inle Lake.
Dedicated morning among soft hills covered with fields and seasonal crops to discover Danu and Pa-Oh villages. Meet the locals intent on working in the fields: depending on the time of year, cauliflowers, cabbage, chillies, garlic and peanuts are collected. Lunch will be served in a village where you will be welcomed by a local family.
Accept the challenge by continuing to climb the hills dotted with Danu, Pa-Oh and Taung Yoe villages. Upon your arrival at Thar Mine Khan in the late afternoon, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that hovers over the village, while walking around the village. Enjoy a homemade dinner before reaching the local house where you will spend the night.

Meals included: lunch and dinner at a local home
Accommodation: Oìovernight stay at a local home in Thar Mine Khan
Easia level: 3
Distance and duration of the excursion: 24 kilometers - 8 hours
Terrain: dirt paths, steep climb through forests and tea plantations, downhill between crops and plantations

Notes: The rooms are shared. Comfort is reduced to a minimum. You will only be provided with a local mattress lying on the floor, pillows and a blanket. Mosquito nets are provided in case of need. The bathrooms are shared and located outside with a bucket shower.

Take advantage of the hearty breakfast offered at the monastery, before getting back on the road.
Today, the 6-7 hours walk will take you through picturesque towns. Take a break for tea at the Pa-O Nyaung Pin Thar village, then you will reach Kan Par Nin, where you can admire skilled blacksmiths and potters at work. Then start climbing up the steep path that goes into the dense forest for 1 h 30 min. Once you reach your destination at Wa Gyi Myaung, treat yourself to a refreshing and some relaxation before dinner.
Breakfast at the monastery, lunch at a local house and dinner in a monastery. Overnight stay at a monastery in War Gyi Myaung.

Meals included: lunch at a local house and dinner at the monastery of War Gyi Myaung
Accommodation: overnight stay at War Gyi Myaung monastery
Easia level: 3
Distance and duration of the excursion: 22 kilometers - 7 hours
Terrain: country paths, crossing several plantations and local villages

Take the opportunity to observe life in the village at first light in the morning. Enjoy your breakfast at a local house before fastening your boots and leaving for the Inle lake.
After an hour of descent into the hills, you will stop for a cup of tea at the Kyauk Nget village. Take advantage of another interesting opportunity to get in direct contact with the population living around the lake. The last part of today's route will lead you through rice fields and lush landscapes until you reach the village of Khaung Daing. From here you will embark on a motorized pirogue to reach your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Meals included: lunch at a local house and dinner
Accommodation: overnight stay on Inle Lake
Level 2
Distance and duration of the excursion: 13 kilometers - 4 hours
Difference in altitude: + 135 meters / - 784 meters
Terrain: country paths, crossing several plantations and local villages, mainly downhill

After breakfast you will visit the lake market (every day except the new moon and full moon). The market moves between the various villages every 5 days. Every day the inhabitants of the lake and of the various tribes go there to sell and exchange products of all kinds.
Visit the Hpe Nga Chaung monastery, which houses a wide range of Buddha Shan. In the past the monastery was also known for its "jumping cats" even though nowadays there are only a few cats that live around the monastery and no longer jump.
Direction Pagodas Phandawoo, famous for being located in the center of the lake. Contains five sacred statues of Buddha covered in gold.
You will also discover the crafts of Inle Lake with a visit to the village of Inpawkhone, known throughout the country for its silk shops, lotus sticks, Burmese cigars and pirogues constructions (closed on holidays).

The holiday should be a moment of celebration every day! After the beautiful tour you can enjoy the mystical experience of the lake landscape in the late afternoon. Your boat will accompany you out of the garden until you reach the lake offshore and will then take you back to your hotel. While you are immersed in the breathtaking view, you will be ready to cruise on the local boat that will make you fully enjoy the size of the lake. A good cocktail and some snacks will be offered to you. Photograph yourself in the middle of the lake surrounded by the calm of the water, you will sip a cocktail or a glass of wine. You can't ask for better

At the end of the day you will be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Meals included: lunch and dinner free
Accommodation: overnight stay in Inle Lake

In the morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Yangon.
Depending on the flight times, you will have the opportunity to browse the streets of Bogyoke market, better known as the 'Scott market', walk among the stalls of handicrafts and make the last purchases before departure.
N.B. The market is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Transfer to the international airport for the return flight.