Arrival in Yangon and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Yangon lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with tree-shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885, when the British completed the conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay’s brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended.

Transfer to hotel and overnight in Yangon

After checking out of the hotel, proceed to the airport for a flight from Yangon to Myitkyina.

Arrival in Myitkyina, considered as a gateway to the natural beauties of the north of Myanmar.

Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Myitkyina

Take a pleasant journey down from Myitkyina to Indawgyi Lake, which is the biggest lake in Myanmar and stretches over 27 km in length and 14 km in width and is surrounded by mountains. This peaceful, remote area is home to many ethnic minority groups such as Kachin,

Shan and Bamar as well as an extraordinary diversity of wetland birds.

Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Indawgyi Lake

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion by boat on Indawgyi Lake. The sightseeing tour includes visiting to the floating Swe Mintsu Pagoda, the Mote Soe Ma Pagoda and the old teakwood monastery. Stop for a walk around Nyaung Pin Thar Village to observe their daily lifestyle before proceeding for bird watching and then a boat trip back to the hotel.

Overnight in Indawgyi Lake

Drive through the mountain scenery in the remote north of Myanmar. On the way, passengers can stop at the elephant camp and observe the grey giants and mahouts at work.

Overnight in Myitkyina

After breakfast, proceed to the airport for a flight from Myitkyina to Putao. Situated in the north of Myitkyina, the capital city of Kachin state is surrounded by snow peaked mountains. Putao itself is a small, picturesque town and is predominantly Christian. Discover this fascinating little town by foot. Most churches are built in a style similar to the local houses. A small pagoda is located close to the market. Near the office of Myanmar Airways one can find Fort Hertz, founded by the British during the colonial period.

Overnight in Putao

Take an excursion to MA CHAN BAW. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Ma Chan Baw is reached by foot over the Maylihka Suspension Bridge.

The Maylihka River itself is one of the two sources of the Irrawaddy river. Most of the inhabitants in the area are ethnic Lisu and Rawang. The Gubar Guesthouse offers an excellent view of the surrounding scenery. After a short trek reach the mysterious DRAGON STONE

outside the village. Proceed by a pleasant boat ride along the Malikha river to KHAUNG MU LONE PAGODA.

Return and overnight in Putao

Today’s soft trek excursion leads to Mulashidi with the opportunity to visit nearby villages. MULASHIDI is mainly populated by Rawang and some Lisu ethnics. A small market is located close to the impressive Mulashidi Suspension Bridge. This huge suspension bridge can only be crossed by foot. On the other side of the bridge, after some trekking, several ethnic Lisu and

Kachin villages can be visited to gather some insights into the rural lifestyle.

Return and overnight in Putao

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Myitkyina. The town is located in a flat valley and good starting point for visits to the surrounding Kachin villages. First stop at the CENTRAL MARKET, a good place to see the local hill tribe people and the wide variety of fruit produced in this state. Proceed to HSU TAUNG PYE ZEDIDAW, a pretty, gilded, ‘wish-fulfilling’ stupa on the banks of

the Irrawaddy River. Continue to the large ANDAWSHIN PAYA, which boasts a silver-plated zedi and is said to contain tooth relics and a Buddha footprint. Admire the PRAYING MOUNTAIN, a sacred site for Kachin and Lisu Baptists and the location of a bible school and seminary. Finally visit the KACHIN STATE CULTURAL MUSEUM, which was built in 1994 and displays costumes

of the Kachin and Shan villages and contains artefacts, such as pipes, baskets, fishing nets, looms and musical instruments.

Overnight in Myitkyina

Take an enjoyable excursion northwards to the confluence of Maikha and Malikha River that

form the beginning of the Irrawaddy River.

The afternoon is at leisure and overnight in Myitkyina

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Mandalay. Arrival in Mandalay and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

While Yangon is the economic capital of the country, Mandalay is considered the cultural and religious capital of Myanmar, with a long history stretching back to religious time being also the last capital of royal Burma.

Overnight in Mandalay

This day’s tour visits three former royal sites, each with its own unique atmosphere. Travel

upriver by boat to MINGUN, enjoy the atmosphere of the river life - fishing villages, market boats, women attending to their washing, and children playing in the water. Explore the ruins of the vast MINGUN PAYA, a monument to human. After visiting other nearby pagodas, re-board the boat and start downriver towards SAGAING, a former royal capital and the spiritual centre of Myanmar.

Hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries are to be found in Sagaing Hill, also

known as a living Bagan. Stop at some of the most famous temples, such as TUPAYON PAYA and

HSINMYASHIN PAYA, the Pagoda of many elephants.

Continue by vehicle to INWA, another formal royal capital, now a quiet rural oasis situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Enjoy a leisurely horse-cart ride around the peaceful countryside, briefly visiting BAGAYA KYAUNG, a beautiful teak wood monastery, MAHA AUNGME BOZAN KYANG, and NAN MYINT TOWER. On the way, stop and observe how local artisans make the famous alms bowls out of iron.

Overnight in Mandalay

Transfer to the airport for flight from Mandalay to Yangon. Arrival Yangon. End of the tour.