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Without a doubt Myanmar, aka Burma, tops the list for one of the most diverse countries on the map. And that’s mostly due to its climate and history, but its geographical location, between the Subcontinent and the Far East, also plays a major role in its mix of unique culture roots.From ancient temples and Buddhist monasteries to remote untouched cultures hailing from a fascinating and complex history, there is so much on offer in Myanmar for the curious travelers.
Home to quaint traditional villages, sweeping landscapes, and warm and welcoming people, Myanmar, it can be said, is truly a photographic jewel of Southeast Asia.
And only recently has this country opened its borders to the western world, greeting visitors with open arms as they arrive to explore its vibrant heritage steeped in tales. Yet, because of its self-imposed isolation, Myanmar is still relatively untouched by tourism; although this will no doubt change in the years to come, as more people flock to this rich and diverse land.
For this Trekkup, dedicated to photographers, we have chosen two of the most fascinating spots – Bagan and Inle Lake – amongst many others. Bagan for its spectacular pagoda horizon and Inle lake for its perfect balance of rural Myanmarese lifestyle and mesmerising natural beauty.
With temples and pagodas dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, Bagan was once called “the city of four million pagodas.” And to this day Bagan holds the world’s largest area of temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins – although the exact number varies depending on what is considered a temple or ruin; but the number ranges from 2,200 to 4,000. In the city of Bagan alone, you can easily lose a few days wandering around the awe-inspiring ruins that cover an area the size of Manhattan.
Let’s go!
Day 1 // Arrival
Morning flight to Yangon. Arrival, immigration procedure, overnight in hotel.
Day 2 // Yangon
Time to stretch our legs and explore this fascinating metropolis. From Shwedagon Pagoda, China Town, open air markets to the colonial quarter, Yangon will not disappoint even the most demanding traveler!
Day 3 // Flight to Bagan
Today we catch our domestic flight to Bagan and start exploring city of million pagodas.
Day 4 // Exploring Bagan temples and pagodas
Today we grab our bikes and cycle across fascinating sites, including some unreal spots for capturing shots of village social life. Be ready to be astonished by Bagan, a grassy plain the size of Manhattan, scattered with thousands of stupas and temples. Our destination will be the Manuha temple and several pagodas including Lawkananda, Sularmuni and Damayazaka. We’ll also explore a few other little-known places, before enjoying a sunset boat ride down the Ayerwaddy River. Tonight, we spend the night in our hotel.
Day 5 // Hot air balloon & move to Inle
Today we rise early to catch the sunrise from a hot air balloon. Afterwards we will continue our exploration of Bagan, passing through village hot spots, with coffee stop at hotels along the way to soak in spectacular stupa views. After breakfast we will leave Bagan and head to the Inle region, driving through villages and stunning landscapes, stopping to explore small towns along the way. Tonight, we sleep in Inle.
Day 6 // Exploring Inle
We start our day on the lake morning market, which rotates between the lake’s villages on a five-day schedule. This lake market is not only visited by the lake’s inhabitants, but also the villagers from surrounding areas who come here to buy, sell, and trade. We then hop on a boat for an hour ride down a small canal to the Pa-Oh village of Indein on the western shores of Inle Lake. From here we then head to a moss-covered stairway, making our way to the top of the hill for some hypnotising pagoda complex views, surrounded by hundreds of stupas.
Day 7 // Inle - Yangon
Today we say bye bye to Inle as we catch a flight back to Yangon.
Day 8 // Bye bye Myanmar
Its time to say bye bye to Myanmar and with the pockets full of lifetime memories return to airport for morning flight back to Dubai.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Activities: Leisure cycling, tribal encounter, ballooning, boating, photography workshops.
Accommodation & meals: 3 & 4 star hotels, double sharing. Restaurant meals excluded.
Cost: 5380 AED incl. domestic flights.
Flights:
This trip excludes international flight. Most convenient connection is on MAI (direct 6hrs - 3600 AED).
Specifically excluded:
Any expenses related to visas, international flights, restaurant meals,
Visas: E-visa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Myanmar
Note: Ballooning operation is subject of weather and local permit.
See yah in Burma x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 0097150 4848238 / [email protected]
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International Airport, Dubai,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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