Biking Myanmar - 8 Days

Itinerary

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1. Day 1: Mandalay Arrival

   Upon arrival at Mandalay International Airport, our guide and driver will be waiting for you outside the baggage area to transfer you to the hotel in the city center. Mandalay, a city founded in 1857 as the capital by King Mindon is now the principle center for Buddhism studies in Myanmar.
   In the afternoon, we become acquainted with our bikes during the 2 hour visit of the Mandalay Palace, boasts finely built regal walls and a beautiful moat surrounding her fortress.
   Biking route: 6km
   Meals: Welcome Dinner
   Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

2. Day 2: Mandalay – Mingun – Amarapura

   After breakfast at the hotel, we take a short ride to the river pier and embark on a private boat upstream to visit Mingun, famed for its huge and incomplete Pahtodawgyi Pagoda and the 90 ton Mingun Bell. The short cruise up and downstream along Irrawaddy River offers plenty of photos ops.
   Later in the afternoon we bike to Amarapura, the ancient capital of the Konbaung Dynasty and the U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest Teakwood Bridge (1208 meters long). It is better to view this at sunset. The support van will take us back to hotel.
   Biking route: 20-40 km
   Meals: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

3. Day 3: Mandalay – Monywa

   Today we drive about two hours to the small town of Myin-Mu and there start our ride to the non-touristy town of Monywa. This is a pleasant ride on a tarmac road with little traffic as we cycle through the Chindwin Valley. From Monywa, we will visit Po Win Daung. This extraordinary complex consists of 947 sandstone caves dug out of the hills and contains what is considered by archaeologists to be the richest collection of mural paintings and Buddhist statues in South-East Asia. Recently opened to foreigners, Po Win Daung with its unique, precious frescoes, some dating from the early 17th century, is a must to see for anyone with an interest in Buddhist Arts. A few hundred metres from the caves is Shwe Ba Daung, another very interesting site where monasteries and temples are carved out of narrow cliffs.
   Back to your hotel late afternoon.
   Biking route: 20-73 km
   Meals: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Hotel in Monywa

4. Day 4: Monywa – Bagan

   Leave Monywa for Bagan. The scenery varies and the roads flat as we ride towards the Irrawaddy River; there are plenty of villages to visit and opportunities to interact with locals. After lunch, visit Pakkoku, a lively, typical Burmese city with a strong craft work tradition producing colorful woven blankets, papier-mâché toys and traditional sandals then continue by car to Bagan. Check in your hotel upon arrival and rest of the time is at leisure.
   Biking route: 30-70 km
   Meals: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

5. Day 5: Bagan Discovery

   Cycling is the perfect way to explore the temples of Bagan. We take a morning ride around the Archaeological Zone before returning for a dip in the pool. The sunset, with views across the plains studded with chedis and temples, is something you will never forget.
   Biking route: 10-30 km
   Meals: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

6. Day 6: Bagan – Mt. Popa

   Following the highway east, we transfer by bus up to Mt Popa. As you climb 777 steps to the top of Popa Taung Kalat, you will pass dozens of nat (spirit) shrines and see pilgrims who come to honor the spirits. After your visit, begin biking downhill to Bagan through villages and quiet lanes.
   On the way, we will experience the traditional palm work, cigar maker and peanut oil distillation.
   Biking route: 10-30 km
   Meals: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

7. Day 7: Bagan – Fly to Yangon

   In the morning we transfer to Nyaung U Airport and fly back to Yangon. Transfer by car back to the city centre of Yangon. Take a short walking tour through Chinatown and Little India, two fabulously diverse and vibrant neighborhoods of Yangon. You’ll see street markets, snack vendors and many places of worship as you walk along the street. In the afternoon, continue to Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott’s Market, to browse through the dozens of stalls and shops. This is Yangon’s best market for handicrafts and other goods. (Note: Market is closed on Mondays and public holidays). From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Enjoy breathtaking views of the golden stupa from this vantage point.
   Meals: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

8. Day 8: Yangon Departure

   After breakfast, you are free until your departure time. Our driver will take you to Yangon International Airport for your flight home.
   Meals: Breakfast
   Accommodation: N/A