Burma Tracks
Burma is a truly remarkable destination. Off the map for many years it is now creeping back into line with the rest of Asia and slowly but surely opening up its doors. Mandalay is a fascinating city and the capital Yangon has much to offer. But the true heart of the country lies in the small communities, villages and towns that are joined by what could best be described as tracks. Here we will cycle into wonderfully quaint communities and people who will open their lives to you in a minute
Inle Lake and the surrounding region is a centre for the Shan tribal communities. Kalaw is a hill station town high on the plateau, favourite haunting ground of the British Raj. Capturing the essence of stunning Bagan is impossible; your breath will be taken away no matter how much you are prepared Join us for our cycle adventure. It may be the most amazing journey of your life
Day 1 - Arrive Yangon We will have an evening meeting at 6 pm prior to dinner and drinks to discuss all aspects of our trip ahead Day 2 - Yangon to Inle Lake (flight) A morning flight to the airport in Heho (Shan State). We unpack our cycles and enjoy a leisurely pedal to the lake town of Nyaungshwe. We descend the low hills and cross the beautiful Heho valley. We then pedal through lush fields on to the lake. Once there we can enjoy a pedal around the town of Nyaungshwe, our base for the next few days. After our sumptuous Shan banquet we will be entertained by dancers, clowns and mythical Burmese characters Day 3 - Inle Lake We head out to the massive expanse of Inle Lake. Our destination depends on the location of the rotating rural market, which will provide us with fantastic visions of rural trading that have existed for 100’s of years. We visit the Phaung Daw U pagoda, the holiest religious site in the lake region Day 4 - Inle Lake A fantastic day of exploration awaits. We will enjoy a cycle around the lake region visiting the lakeside settlements and back country lanes. We pedal around the villages, waterways and pagoda. It is always interesting to check out the local markets Day 5 - Inle Lake to Kalaw We enjoy a beautiful ride today with a moderate ride on to the beautiful hill station of Kalaw. We may have a chance to drop into one of the small villages to see local trade. We stretch the legs as we ascend the low hills to the sleepy town of Kalaw Day 6 - Kalaw Today we enjoy a short ride to a local village and visit a monastery. Perhaps we will have time to visit some tribal Palaung settlements. An easy to moderate ride with fantastic views and lunch may be enjoyed in one of the local villages Day 7 - Kalaw to Mandalay (flight) We take a short flight to cultural capital of Burma. We have time for an orientation cycle tour of the city then enjoy a Shan feast near the old palace walls Day 8 - Mandalay We are cycling to the sights today. We will see the world’s longest teak span U Bein’s Bridge, visit the magnificent Shwe Ein Bin teak monastery and the auspicious Mahamuni Pagoda This evening we dine on the street side Mandalay BBQ restaurants then a chance to see the fascinating "Mandalay Marionettes" This evening we dine on the street side Mandalay BBQ restaurants then a chance to see the fascinating "Mandalay Marionettes" Day 9 - Mandalay to Mingun (overnight boat on some tours) Morning visit to the ancient capital of Mingun. The afternoon is free to explore the variety of pagodas and neighbourhoods of this bustling cultural melting pot. *Some departures, depending on the river and group size, stay on the boat from Mingun and head towards Bagan enjoying a wonderful night on deck or under the stars on the riverbank Day 10 - Mandalay to Bagan A full day on the ferry enjoying the river life and villages en route. An evening arrival is planned. Settle in to this amazing location amongst 1000 year old pagoda. *If we have enjoyed the overnight boat we arrive into Bagan late morning and settle in for the day Day 11 - Bagan We cycle through the 40 square kilometres of countryside dotted with pagoda and ancient structures. There is so much to enjoy and you may wish to hire a horse cart or a vehicle to take it all in. Burma’s first capital is truly a sight to behold Day 12 - Bagan to Yangon (flight) We take a flight back to the city of Yangon. We plan to visit the amazing Shwedagon Pagoda, the spiritual heart of the country today in the afternoon Day 13 - Yangon We have a full day to see the sites of Yangon including the beautiful lakes, the glorious Strand Hotel and the giant reclining Buddha. We also have time for some last minute shopping and time to reminisce about our wonderful journey in this timeless land Day 14 - Depart Yangon Today is departure day for the trip and no activities are planned. Please ask for our assistance for ongoing travel plans if required |
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.