This morning, transfer from the Heho Airport to Kalaw to the Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp in Magwe village (drive takes around 45 minutes). Upon arrival, a guide from the camp will greet you and transfer you to the main camp base. Enjoy a welcome drink while receiving a briefing on the day’s activities, the background of the camp and the history of elephants in Myanmar.

Then embark on a short walk to the river, passing through a reforestation project set up by the camp and villagers. The elephants will likely be enjoying a refreshing swim in the stream and you can join the mahouts to bath these gentle animals if you wish.

Return to the main camp for lunch. There is time in the afternoon to explore more on foot with the local trekking guide or interact with the elephants. In the late afternoon say goodbye to the elephants and mahouts and transfer back to Kalaw.

Overnight in Kalaw

Note : Due to weather and the nature of elephants this program may need to be altered and vary from the original proposal.

Early this morning transfer by car to the starting point of the trek. 

We set off on foot here for the first part of our trek to Kone Hla village. During the two hours we’ll pass through Baw Hnin Kone and Htun Kom Village. The route offers fabulous views and passes through fields where farmers in the morning will be harvesting, planting or tending to their crops of wheat, potatoes, ginger or other vegetables.

Stop for lunch en-route.

After lunch, trek 2.5 hours through Pack Tu Pouk Village to Htee Tein, your overnight stop.  The route is filled with the panoramic views of the Shan Mountain Range and surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty.

In the late afternoon, we’ll reach Htee Tein. Our overnight stay is in the village monastery, a special place to spend the evening and although the accommodation is basic it is comfortable. Dinner will be prepared in the monastery and served later this evening.

Overnight in a monastery, Htee Tein village

Trekking: 4.5 hours

Difficulty: Medium

We’ll set off after breakfast this morning for a 4 hour trek to Inle Lake.  The scenery varies and passes through beautiful farmland and over rolling hills. As you approach Than Daung village there will be great views of the lake in the distance. In this trip you have a chance to see the Pa-O, Danu, Taung Yoe and Inthar Tribes. The Pa-O are noted by their unique dress with the men and women donning long black pants and black shirts, the women wearing a colorful turban and large earrings.

At midday, reach Than Daung and stroll around the village to learn more about the local lifestyles. Enjoy lunch here and then take a final walk of around 30 minutes to the jetty where your boat is waiting.

Transfer across the lake to Sagar, located in the southern reaches of Inle Lake. Very few tourists make the trip down to this region yet it is one of the most beautiful places in the Shan State with the mountains forming a backdrop for the small villages and fishermen on the water. The area was only became opened to tourists in 2003.

The boat journey takes 2 to 3 hours but is full of fabulous views and home to many unique species of birds, both indigenous and migratory. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Upon arriving in Sagar area there are several stops that will be made (the order will depend on the time, other tourist boats and activity in the villages) The main highlight for many travelers are the ‘sunken’ stupas of Sagar- 108 stupas from the 16-17th centuries that are partially underwater for a few months a year. There is also a local monastery and village that can be visited here.

Overnight in Sagar

This morning enjoy breakfast on the lodge’s rooftop terrace.

After check-out at your hotel, continue to the village of Thaya Gone, home to Pa-Oh, Shan and Inthar people and known for its production of local rice wine. Watch the process of distillation and then sample some of the local brew if you wish. In Thaya Gone there is also the chance to climb to the top of a small hill which there are great views of the lake and surrounding villages.

Another stop will be made in Sae Khaung Pottery Village to see the crafting of oil and water pots as well as the natural, underground kilns used by the villagers. On the western shores of the Sagar area is Tar Kaung, a series of more than 200 stupas which also make a fabulous photo stop.

Lunch will be arranged along the way (local lunch at a small restaurant).

Return to Inle Lake or Nyaung Shwe for your onward travel.