13 days ex Yangon - trip code APMM08
US$2950 (single room optional for US$890)
Cycle from the enchanting Shan Hills into the Irrawaddy basin and onto the Bagan plain, home to around 4000 Pagodas. Finish with a visit to Yangon, the commercial center of the country.
We took this great ride, we changed it, improved it, made it easier to ride and we now believe it is an irresistible trip for anyone who has wondered what in fact lies between the well known cultures of India, China and Thailand. The answer for most is something completely unexpected.
Sometimes a less known country, but lately on the tip of some important tongues, Burma, now known as Myanmar, is in a relative economic freeze, a result of sanctions by the west and many years of political turmoil. Underneath all this is a country full of friendly people who have a strong tradition of hospitality and a country with amazingly diverse landscapes.
Myanmar people have a strong tradition of hospitality and this is evident throughout this trip. In addition to this, the hotels on this trip have been carefully selected to provide a great environment to relax in after a good ride. Having a pool eight nights out of twelve is a nice treat!
Itinerary
Days 1-2 | Inle Lake
After a flight from Yangon, we spend a day and a half exploring the stunning Inle Lake, home to many stilt village communities, floating agriculture and fishing. Visit local craftspeople and enjoy a pace much slower than the normal Asia.
Days 3-4 | Cycling the Shan Hills
The senses and the camera will be overwhelmed as we cycle through and area of truly diverse landscapes and people. Kalaw with it's multi-ethnic mix and Pindaya with it's limestone caves are just the start. The countryside with the hilltribes toiling away is a sight out of a film.
Days 5-6 | Mandalay
We cycle down from the Shan Hills on a little known road and down into the Irrawaddy basin where we find Mandalay, a city extolled in many a famous book. We take a rest and enjoy the food that this former capital has to offer.
Days 7-8 | Cycle the Chidwin-Irrawaddy Triangle
Heading out from Mandalay we cycle on flat roads and stay a night in a trade town called Monywa. The next day we cycle then boat along the Irrawaddy into Bagan.
Day 9 | Cycle to Mount Popa
We find some more hills as we cycle up to the impressive Mount Popa where we will visit the home of the Thirty-Seven Nat. We stay in a truly unique mountain resort where the air is usually only a little cooler than the pool.
Days 10-11 | Cycle to Bagan and explore thousands of pagodas
We have a screaming downhill and then ride a fresh route back to Bagan. We then have a day to cycle around the Bagan plain and learn about the thousands of pagodas that dot the landscape and to admire the work in the more grand structures.
Days 12-13 | Yangon
We return to Yangon where we will take in this city of broken charm on a walking tour. Tonight we will have our final dinner before the tour ends the following day. We can arrange accommodation should you wish to extend your time in Yangon, or we can arrange airport transfers.
Facts and Information
Style
fully supported cycling
Grasshopper Leader
this tour will be lead by one of our experienced and charming Myanmar cycling leaders.
Inclusions
support vehicle, boat trip to Bagan, local cycling guide, most meals, entry fees
Group Size
minimum 2, maximum 14
Accommodation
9 nights superior hotel, 3 nights comfortable hotel
Meals Included
12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
Days Cycling
8
Kilometres Cycled
613km
Difficulty
moderate
Cycling Conditions
We cycle on sealed roads most of the time, but these can often be in disrepair. We have some riding on unsealed roads and tracks.
Feedback and Reviews
"One of the best cycling trips, ever, thanks to a superb guide Aung
Zaw, a charming and efficient Cambodian mechanic (Heang), a varied and
fascinating route, a good group and the lovely Burmese people."
- Malcolm, December 2012
