4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS MANDALAY & MAYMYO

(MANDALAY - AMARAPURA - SAGAING - MAYMYO - GOKETEIK - PALEIK)

 

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DAY 1:  MANDALAY - AMARAPURA - MANDALAY
Upon arrival, proceed to the Mahamuni Pagoda, with its spectacular Buddha image covered in thick layers of gold leaf. Visit the Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings, Atumashi Monastery, the "Incomparable Monastery", and the Kuthodaw Pagoda known as the world's Biggest Book for its stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures. Finally drive up to Mandalay Hill, a vantage-point for panoramic view of the city. One famous song in Myanmar said "if you want to live long, you have to go Mandalay Hill".

Continue to Amarapura the "City of Immortals". Amarapura was the capital of upper Burma until 1850. As was the custom, most of the important wooden palaces and monasteries were taken down and transported to the new capital in Mandalay. Have a glimpse into a private house of hand weaving looms, where they produce silk and cotton textiles. Amarapura’s silk has a very unique pattern, sometimes; some patterns even take 3 months to finish a longyi. Have leisurely sunset walk on the U Bein teak wood bridge, which is over 150 years old. Overnight in Mandalay.

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DAY 2:  MANDALAY - SAGAING - MAYMYO

Early breakfast and before heading to Maymyo your guide will pick you up at the hotel to get started for an amazing morning experience.  Drive to 86th street for a walking tour of the surrounding streets. Mandalay is strategically located in Northern Myanmar, nearby the ruby, gold and jade mines and this has welcomed the merchants from China, India and Thailand who contributed to the jade market's flourishing.  Here you 

discover white, yellow and green jade which can  be found in all forms, from its raw, unpolished state to beautiful handcrafted jewelry.  Watch skilled craftsmen cut and polish the stones on wet saws and sellers and buyers involved in negotiating the best price. It is now the busiest time of the day! Before heading to Sagaing snack at one of the numerous tea shops. It is just  21 km to Sagaing Hills, a retreat for Buddhist devotees with numerous Pagodas, monasteries and nunneries. 

Continue to Maymyo (Pyin Lwin), the former British hill station in the 1800's known as the city of gardens. Petunias, pansies, and snap dragons line the strolling paths which meander through the Botanical Garden shaded by mahogany, jacaranda and gingko trees. Overnight in Maymyo.

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DAY 3: MAYMYO - GOKTEIK - MANDALAY

After breakfast  transfer to the train station and take the train at abt 10/1030 am. Enjoy a leisurely train ride through mountains, valleys, exciting tunnels and bridges. The train stops at every small town and doing loading and un-loading cargoes and goods from one place to another. Walk down the platform and watch the activities at the station. The train passes over the famous Gonteik Viaduct. The highlight for many, aside from the stops in Maymyo and Hsipaw is the infamous Gokteik Viaduct, spanning a deep gorge of around 300 m. The viaduct was constructed in just nine months and at the time was the 2nd longest bridge in the world. Renovated in 1951 after being bombed during WW2 and again in the 90’s, it is again in desperate need of repair and the train currently takes 20 minutes to cross in an attempt to minimize pressure and further any damage. Above all, crossing over the viaduct is a thrilling experience. The unusual railway viaduct was considered one of the greatest railway viaducts in the world at the time but still stands as the second-highest railway bridge in the world. After passing Gokteik bridge, you will leave the train at the next stop. Drive back to Mandalay and check into your hotel. Overnight in Mandalay.

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Day 4: MANDALAY - PALEIK - MANDALAY INTL. AIRPORT 

Early in the morning drive to the little town of Paleik which located 24 kilometers from Mandalay. A scenic drive takes you to this typical Burmese rural village which is very popular among the locals because of its ‘snake temple’. A statue of Buddha is surrounded by 2 pythons which are believed that this image brings good luck. Every day they wash them in water and also clean the Buddha image daily with water.  Enjoy the rural walking tour around the town with its 16th century Ava-style abandoned temples, covered in ivy and connected by dirt paths. There is a small village and two monasteries in the vicinity which we will walk through for a taste of local life. Have a little break at a local tea shop before heading to the international airport.

              All prices in US$ per person; Validity: 01.10.18 to 12.04.19                   Price  incl. English, German, Spanish, Italian, French or Russian Guide    

 

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