Essence Of Burma
8 Days / 7 Nights

Start off in Yangon where you will see the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, encrusted with over 60 tons of gold-leaf. Then fly to Bagan where you can explore some of her 2000 temples and pagodas.

Fly on to Mandalay where you will enjoy the views from Mandalay Hill overlooking the town and the Ayeyarwady River. Also visit the monasteries in neighboring towns.

Then it’s on to the Shan State where you will spend the night at Inle Lake. See the "Leg Rowers" of Inle Lake, also visit the floating villages and see the way vegetables are raised on floating gardens.

This is truly a memorable tour providing a truly insightful peek into this remarkable country.

Continue on to Sule Pagoda, located in the center of downtown, this octagonal-shaped pagoda stands 157 feet high and is said to be over 2000 years old. Also visit Kyaukhtatkyi Pagoda, this temple contains the 230 foot long reclining Buddha, the temple doubles as a monastery and a center for the study of Buddhist manuscripts.

The highlight of today’s sightseeing is a visit to the world famous Shwedagon Pagoda. This pagoda dates back about 2500 years and was built to house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha. Its original shape has changed beyond all recognition over the centuries. Its bell-shaped superstructure, resting on a terraced base, is covered in about 60 tons of gold-leaf, which is continuously being replaced. Return to your hotel.

Bagan is a spectacular plain stretching away from the Ayeyarwaddy River, dotted with thousands of 800-year old temple ruins. Although human habitation at Bagan dates back almost to the beginning of the Christian era, Bagan only entered its golden period with the conquest of Thaton in 1057 AD.

Sightseeing highlights today will include a visit to Shwezigon Paya, this stupa's graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas over Myanmar. Also visit Ananda Pahto, one of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. Thought to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this perfectly proportioned temple heralds the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period.

As time allows, also visit Gubyaukgyi Temple with its well-preserved Stuccos from the 12th century on the outside walls. The magnificent paintings date from the original construction of the temple and are considered to be the oldest original paintings in Bagan. Manuha Temple, built in 1059 by King Manuha and Shwesandaw Paya, built in 1057 by King Anawrahta. This is the first monument in Bagan, which features stairways leading up from the square bottom terraces to the round base of the Stupa.

Also visit a lacquerware workshop, the villages around Bagan are known for producing the finest lacquerware in Myanmar. Stop by one of the workshops and learn about the painstaking process of laquerware making and decoration.

Overnight accommodations in Bagan.

The last capital of royal Burma, Mandalay is still one of the largest cities in Myanmar, and a cultural and spiritual center. Neighboring Sagaing is home to over sixty percent of the country's monks, while the artisans of Mandalay continue to turn out the finest crafts in Myanmar.

This morning, head to Mahamuni Paya, the Mahamuni image enshrined here is perhaps the most venerated image in Myanmar, covered in over 6 inches of gold leaf. En route to the pagoda, stop to observe the laborious process of the making of gold leaf. Also visit a craft workshop.

This afternoon visit the Golden Teak Monastery, built entirely of golden teak, this intricately carved wooden monastery was once part of the Mandalay Palace, used as private apartments by King Mindon and his chief queen.

Continue to Kyaukawgyi Paya, famous for its monumental seated Buddha, carved from a single block of marble. Finally, visit Kuthodaw Paya, known also as the world s biggest book.

Weather permitting, visit Mandalay Hill at sunset.
Two nights’ accommodations in Mandalay.

Next, head to Sagaing, the spiritual center of Myanmar. Hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries are to be found in Sagaing Hill, sometimes known as a living Bagan. Thousands of monks and nuns retreat here for meditation and contemplation. Stop at some of the most famous temples, such as Tupayon Paya and Hsinmyashin Paya (the Pagoda of Many Elephants).

Cross the river by ferry to Inwa, situated on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River. Once a royal capital, Inwa is now a quiet rural oasis. Enjoy a leisurely horsecart ride around the peaceful countryside, briefly visiting Bagaya Kyaung, a beautiful teak wood monastery. On the way, stop and observe how local artisans make the famous alms bowls out of iron.

Finally, return to Amarapura, to end the day at U Bein‘s Bridge, a picturesque teak bridge which extends over one kilometer across Taungthaman Lake. At dusk, the bridge teems with monks and local people as they stroll home or linger to enjoy the colors of the sunset.

Return to your hotel in Mandalay.

Visit the floating gardens, a market and a Intha village around the lake (please note that no markets take place on full moon or new moon days). Sightseeing includes a visit to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Inn Paw Khon Village (Lotus and silk weaving) and the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery (Jumping Cat Monastery).
Overnight accommodations in Inle Lake.

Remainder of the day at leisure for you to explore Yangon on your own.
Overnight accommodations in Yangon.

Tour Will Operate With A Minimum Of 2 Tour Participants

Note: Visa fees are not included and must be paid in person. We suggest you get your visa issued at the embassy prior to your trip.