From Magical Pagan and the Ancient Cities of Mandalay to Ethereal Inle Lake

Temples & Hilltribes of Burma

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"Max Holland is the greatest! He spent a considerable amount of time and energy making slight revisions daily so that the diverse desires of the group were met." F. Straus

On this special journey with our veteran Asia guide Max Holland, we visit nostalgic Rangoon, with its magnificent Shwedagon temple bustling with monks and pilgrims, and Mandalay, still the cultural heart of Burma, and watch a golden sunset over a thousand temples on the great plain of Pagan. We also meet the hill tribes in the cool highlands of the Shan Plateau, including a stay in the lovely old town of Kyaing Tong, built around a lake in the heart of Shan country. Along the way, we learn about the complex world of nats, the spirit-gods that intertwine peacefully with Burma's strong Buddhist faith. This tropical nation abounds with visual delights, but it is the encounter with Burma's people—graceful and deeply spiritual—that lingers in the traveler's mind long after journey's end.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Rangoon and Shwedagon

Walk among the Buddhist pilgrims at Shwedagon, the largest Buddhist temple of its kind in the world, a magical sight in the early morning light and at twilight. Visit the eight-sided Sule Pagoda, the Bogyoke Market, and stroll along the bustling waterfront of the Rangoon River. Overnights at the Savoy Hotel, a beautifully restored colonial building.

Days 3-5
Mt. Popa and Pagan

Burmese Buddhism is intertwined with the animistic beliefs that preceded Buddhism's arrival in Burma. Climb up to the hilltop shrine of Mount Popa (4,980'), the legendary home of the Burmese spirit-gods, then enjoy two full days to explore Pagan, where 2,000 pagodas and temples are scattered across 24 square miles of countryside. Built in the 11th century and overrun just 200 years later by Kublai Khan, Pagan is one of the most extraordinary sights in Burma if not in all of Southeast Asia. Enjoy sunset views from a top a temple.

Days 6-8
Mandalay’s Ancient Cities

Journey by local boat up the Irrawaddy River to visit ancient Mingun, travel by horse-cart to the ruins of Ava, the Burmese capital from the 14th to the 19th centuries, and "make merit" at the Maha Muni Pagoda, with its huge Buddha image that devotees have covered with countless layers of gold leaf. Enjoy a walk up Mandalay Hill for sunset.

Days 9-14
Hilltribe Country and Inle Lake

In the mountain country of Kyaing Tong, visit traditional villages little touched by the outside world and the bustling markets of hilltribe groups in traditional dress. Fly to Heho and drive to beautiful Inle Lake, where our hotel consists of lovely waterfront chalets on stilts on the edge of the lake. Explore by longboat on this huge lake, visiting fascinating villages. Fly to Rangoon on Day 13 and depart Day 14.

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Tour Costs $4395 (13-16 members) $4595 (10-12 members) $4795 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $750 Internal Airfare: $595 per person (subject to change) *Prices are for November 2008 and February 2009 departures **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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