| Starts | Yangon, Myanmar |
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| Ends | Yangon, Myanmar |
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| Region | Asia |
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| Duration | 14 days |
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| Tour Operator | Gadventures |
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| Tour Code | ABCA 23281 |
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| Overview PDF | Download PDF |
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Yangon & Finishing: Yangon
Arrive at anytime today. Today is arrival day so there are no activities planned. You are free to relax and explore the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and other group members. Following this, enjoy an optional group dinner where you can sample some of the local cuisine.
Instructions
Please note that most nationalities require a visa to enter Myanmar (Burma); please double check this with your travel agent or local Myanmar Embassy prior to your arrival.
Day 2 - Starting: Yangon & Finishing: Nyaungshwe
Leave Yangon this morning and fly north to Heho. From here, travel by road a further 1 hr to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Take the rest of the day to explore Nyaung Shwe. Wander the numerous side streets, stupas, and restaurants around the town.
Day 3 - Starting: Nyaungshwe & Finishing: Inle Lake
Bike out to Inle Lake today, your first experience of cycling around Myanmar (Burma). First, take a boat down the canal to Inle Lake. Pass villages built on stilts over the water, inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens, built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles.
In the afternoon, cycle around the lake itself. Stop for lunch with a local Intha family and admire the views across the lake as we follow the road past paddy fields and tiny villages.
Day 4 - Starting: Heho & Finishing: Pindaya
After a short ride to Heho, enjoy a ride out to the village of Pindaya, set in a picturesque valley. Once here, enjoy the routes around the village, exploring country tracks on two wheels. Discover the myths and legends around the area.
Day 5 - Starting: Pindaya & Finishing: Pindaya
Hike up among the caves surrounding the village of Pindaya. Passing the Shwe U Min Paya pagoda, the 152.4m (500 ft) caves are filled with thousands of images of Buddha, many dating back centuries. These images are made in a variety of materials, from cement to marble. Keep an eye out for monks in prayer, even in the smaller caves.
Day 6 - Starting: Pindaya & Finishing: Pindaya
Hike through friendly villages and enjoy the view. The scenery around the hills is spectacular and is among the best in Myanmar. Return to Pindaya to spend the night.
Day 7 - Starting: Mandalay & Finishing: Mandalay
Discover the history and culture of Mandalay. Start at the base of Mandalay Hill and visit Shwe Nandaw Kyuang (Golden Palace Monastery), which is noted for its intricate wood carvings, and Kayuk Taw Gyi Pagoda to view the massive marble Buddha. Finally, check out Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to ‘the world’s largest book’, a collection of more than 700 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. Continue to Mahamuni Pagoda, with its 3.8m (12.5 ft) tall Buddha image, which is covered with so much gold leaf that it has a lumpy appearance. Check out some of the craft shops in the area. In the late afternoon, head to Mandalay Hill to walk (or take the lift) to the top for gorgeous views over the city, countryside, and Irrawaddy River.
Day 8 - Starting: Mandalay & Finishing: Myingyan
Jump back on the bike today, leaving Mandalay behind and head for Myingyan. Pass through the former Ava Kingdom, which once ruled upper Myanmar (Burma), before arriving at the city of Sagaing. The city is known for its numerous Buddhist monasteries, so stop here to wander around the many sites. Looking along the river, pagodas seem to sprout from the trees, puncturing the skyline.
Continue on to Myingyan by bus, and spend the evening there.
Day 9 - Starting: Myingyan & Finishing: Popa Hill
Cycle through the dry interior of Myanmar. Pass through fields of crops and varied farmland as the terrain steadily rises en route. Head uphill towards the pilrimage site of Mt Popa.
Day 10 - Starting: Popa Hill & Finishing: Bagan
Cycle downhill from Mt. Popa towards the plains of Bagan. The journey passes through villages that are endemic to the region. Buffalo plough the fields and farmers collect their crops as you cycle by.
Day 11 - Starting: Bagan & Finishing: Bagan
The journey begins with a visit to an elevated temple that offers a panoramic view of the magnificent plains of Bagan. Continue to colorful Nyaung Oo market, where locals buy and sell fresh produce and other goods. Visit the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction to Bagan’s rich history. After, visit nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka mural paintings, and the elegant Htilominlo Temple, noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. Later, check out a local monastery for a special monk blessing.
Day 12 - Starting: Bagan & Finishing: Yangon
Transfer to the airport and fly to Yangon. Enjoy a free afternoon.
Day 13 - Starting: Yangon & Finishing: Yangon
Depart at any time.
View Dates
More Information
What’s Included
All cycling activities and entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary.
Highlights
Bike around the villages and gardens of Inle Lake, visit the ancient cities of Ava and Amarapura, cycle around the incredible stupas in Bagan, hike through limestone caves at Pindaya, marvel at the pilgrimage site of Mt. Popa.
Dossier Disclaimer
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
Cycling Grading – Moderate
• Some degree of experience required
• Mixture of road cycling and off road
• Occasional long days in the saddle or multiple ascents and descents
• Good fitness and skill level recommended
• Cycle usually between 35-70 km per day.
• Bike – Merida Matts
• Gears – 27 speed
• Brakes – disk brakes
• Frame sizes available – various
When making your booking, please inform our staff of your height – this will help us get the right size bike for you.
• Repair kit available: no – guide carries repair kit for the group
• Helmet hire available: helmet included in price of trip. We believe that helmets should be worn at all times, to ensure maximum protection while you are cycling. However, we are aware that some passengers may prefer to cycle without a helmet. If you choose to do so, this is entirely at your own risk.
Bringing Your Own Bike
If you choose to bring your own bike, please be aware that you are responsible for the maintenance and support of the bike. It may be possible to hire some extra equipment as necessary for your cycle. Check with your airline about travelling with your bike, as some will charge you to take a bike on board. We would suggest that you pack your bike in a bike box or bag( usually available from your local bike shop). It’s also advisable to make sure your bike has been serviced before you travel.
Note that it is best to travel with US dollars in cash when visiting Myanmar. There are no ATMs and the use of credit cards and travellers checks is virtually impossible, as very few places are willing to accept them. Please arrive with enough US dollars, in good condition, to last you the length of your stay. Changing money into the local currency, kyat, is a good idea for small transactions and can be done upon arrival at any of the various money changers in town. Please note that if carrying US Dollars, they should be in excellent condition (ie- without any small tears, creases, marks or faded in any way) and printed recently (after the year 2001).
Please note, due to the nature of travel in Asia, a backpack is more more suited to this trip than a suitcase. There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 15 kg (33lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 12, Avg 8.
Transport
Private bus/van, bike, plane, walking.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Accommodation
Hotels (10 nts), home stay (1 nt), guest house (1 nt).
Joining Instructions
If you have not purchased an arrival transfer, upon arrival at Yangon International Airport the easiest way to get to the hotel is by taxi. There is a registered taxi stand at the exit gate of the arrivals hall where fixed rates can be paid. The airport is located approximately 30 minutes from the city centre and the rates are approximately 10-15 USD
If you have a pre-booked transfer, please look for the G Adventures representative, who will be holding a G Adventures sign at the arrival halls. If you are unable to locate our G Adventures representative, please wait up to 30 minutes, call our local staff on our emergency number, or take a taxi to the joining point hotel.
Arrival Complications
We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your CEO, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the G Adventures Local Office and then our G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below). If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFERÂ
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.Â
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Bangkok, Thailand
During Office hours (Weekdays, 9am-5pm Local Time)
From outside Thailand: +66 2 381 5574
From within Thailand: 02 381 5574
After hours emergency number:
From outside Thailand: +66 87 049 6074
From within Thailand: 087 049 6074
G Adventures Local Representative (Burma)
Emergency Number: +95 1 293 464
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as you are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit with you in buses or on trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.
Checklist
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sunblock, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Moneybelt
Shorts
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warmer clothes for Nov-Feb Fleece, sweater
Windproof/waterproof jacket
Umbrella
Clothes for temples – long pants or sarongs
Camera and memory cards
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas
Please note that visas for Burma are the responsibility of the individual traveler – most countries must obtain a visa prior to travel. The visa requirements vary depending on nationality, you can find the full details at the Foreign Services website for your country, or at the Burmese embassy/consulate closest to you.
Please visit http://evisa.moip.gov.mm/ for the full details of the E-Visa approval letter process.
The cost of the visa is approximately $50 USD.
When filling in the form please enter the following:
Purpose of Entry: Tourism
Address in Myanmar: please use the start hotel for your tour (listed in the Joining Hotel section)
Agency Name: SunBird Tours
Agency Contact Number: 0095 1 293464/ 294050
The approval process may take up to 5 business days and the letter is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Once the evisa approval letter is received by email, print out the approval letter and bring it with you to present upon arrival.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
During this tour the local currencies you will use are the Burmese Kyat and the US Dollar. As currency exchange rates in South East Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates: www.xe.com for each of the above mentioned currencies.
Note that it is best to travel with US dollars in cash when visiting Myanmar. There are no ATMs and the use of credit cards and travellers checks is virtually impossible, as very few places are willing to accept them. Please arrive with enough US dollars, in good condition, to last you the length of your stay. Changing money into the local currency, kyat, is a good idea for small transactions and can be done upon arrival at any of the various money changers in town. When purchasing US dollars please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an ’emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Departure Tax
There is $10 departure tax upon leaving Myanmar.
Tipping
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected – though not compulsory – and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Optional Activities
Bagan: Start your morning with a hot-air balloon flight over the plains of Bagan. Enjoy the fabulous views as the sun rises over the stupas and Irrawaddy River. This is truly an unforgettable and unique experience! (Note: available only from October to March)
USD 275.- per person (appox)
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our CEO’s are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/
Medical Form
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
The medical questionnaire can be found online at:
www.gadventures.com/medical-form.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org
Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our G Adventures for Good projects.
To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking)
Feedback
Newsletter
Travel Forum – The Watering Hole
Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you’re interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gadventures.com.
Max Pax
Max 16, avg 12
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Day 7 Optional Activities
- Shwenandaw Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery) Visit -
- Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda Visit -
- Kuthodaw Pagoda Visit -
- Mahamuni Pagoda (Buddha Temple) Visit -
- Mandalay Hill Climb -
Day 8 Optional Activities
Day 7 Optional Activities
- Shwenandaw Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery) Visit -
- Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda Visit -
- Kuthodaw Pagoda Visit -
- Mahamuni Pagoda (Buddha Temple) Visit -
- Mandalay Hill Climb -
Day 8 Optional Activities
