Overview

Leave the concrete jungles of your city behind and immerse yourself in the exotic natural beauty that this country offers. Our Myanmar hiking and cycling tour gives you an excellent insight into life in the tropical hinterlands of south east Asia. Discover rolling hills and lush countrysides, traditional occupations unchanged for decades and stunning architecture that has stood the test of time. Our expert guides are locals and have picked the most interesting paths that lead you to the heart of Burmese communities. Throughout this Myanmar hiking and cycling tour, you will engage with the locals, get an understanding of culture and see a side of Myanmar most tourists don’t. Ecology and environment plays a big role in Pro Vacation tours, and we show you the best of Myanmar’s flora and fauna in this region. You will even get a chance to play with, bathe and feed the largest land animals at the Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp. Carry your binoculars for there is much to see across the valleys, particularly rare endemic bird species. You will also take a trip back in time with an engaging cycling tour of Bagan, the land of temples. Our guide will take you on trails off the beaten path without missing any of the region’s spectacular architectural gems.

3 Nights 4 Days Available on request He Hoe, Shan
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • Air-conditioned transfers
  • Local guides fluent in English for tours, transfers and treks
  • Bicycle
  • Potable water and wet towels
  • Baggage handling, room tax, service charges

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Domestic flights
  • Visas and travel insurance
  • Throughout guide surcharges (any language)
  • Optional balloon flight and personal expenses
  • Alcohol and any meals or services not mentioned in the schedule
  • Peak season compulsory gala dinners
     
Highlights
What makes this tour special
  • Three-hour trek to Myin Daik
  • Delicious local food and drink
  • Expert insight into local communities and culture
  • Visit the Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp
  • Off-beat cycle trail of Bagan
Itinerary
Day 1: Kalaw - Myin Daik
  • Once you arrive in Heho, our guide will pick you up from the airport and take you on a scenic drive to Kalaw. This was a summer retreat for the British during colonial times and they headed here to escape the searing tropical heat. Here we will take you to visit the picturesque train station, and you can opt to trek up to the old Catholic church on the hill if it is open. Enjoy a packed lunch which we will provide.
  • Later, we embark on a three-hour hike past a Nepalese village to see Myin Daik. This is an excellent example of how the tribal Taung Yoe have lived their lives for decades. Rice fields and stunning landscapes make up the scenery as you make the ascent. Along the way, you will get the chance to observe Pa-O, Taung Yoe and Danu tribes toiling in their farms and take in the lovely natural beauty around.
  • You’ll enjoy a traditional dinner in the village before settling down for the night at a local house nearby.
  • Meals: Lunch and dinner are provided
Day 2: Myin Ma Ti - Kalaw
  • A hearty local breakfast will have you well fed and eager to set off on the 3.5 hour trek that engages you with the Burmese communities of the region.
  • Our expert local guide will take you thick pine forests that give way to fields where the Danu tribe grow mountain rice, potatoes and vegetables. Mechanised farming is non-existent and the locals rely on a close relationship with their oxen to grow food in huge fields. The laborious process to put food on the tables of Myanmar is simply mind-blowing.
  • This Myanmar hiking tour takes you through the villages of Ywa-pu, Lutpyin and Taung Gyi Chai villages before you reach Myin Ma Ti, famous for its 200m long lime cave. Along the way, you will be able to observe the local way of life, as the farming community - children and older folk alike - get together to earn their bread.
  • After an interesting time in Myin Ma Ti, we will transfer you back to Kalaw by car where you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Your accommodation for the night is a Deluxe Room with Mountain View at Kalaw Heritage Hotel or a similar property in the vicinity (until September 30, 2018).
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided
Day 3: Kalaw - Bagan
  • Our Myanmar trekking and hiking tour engages closely with the locals in conservation and caring for the environment. Today, you will learn more about The Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp and see the important work they do preserving the ecosystem.
  • At the hour-long visit to Magwe’s elephant camp, the friendly team will help you understand more about the project while you enjoy some refreshments. Take a short walk down to the river to get closely connected with the elephants here who love being fed and bathed. You can join in and splash them with water! The camp also has a forest conservation programme which you can support by planting a teak tree.
  • Your walk back to the camp lodge is rewarded with a scrumptious lunch overlooking the green valley below as birds and butterflies flit about in the orchids.
  • After your meal, we head to Bagan for the night. Your accommodation for the night is at the Bagan room at Shwe Yee Pwint Hotel or a similar property in the city.
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided
Day 4: Bagan
  • You have the morning at leisure today, to relax from the Myanmar hiking tour. We will pick you up from the hotel between 12.30pm and 13.30 depending on the season, and drive you to the meeting point for your Myanmar cycling tour.
  • At Pro Vacation, we want you to enjoy a stress-free vacation, so a safety briefing comes first along with a bike fitting. Once you are ready, our expert local guide will take you on your Myanmar cycling tour of Bagan, starting with trails far off the beaten path.
  • This Myanmar cycling tour takes you away from the bustle of the famous monuments of the region but does not overlook them at any point. We have hand-selected the most interesting ones in quieter parts of Bagan so you can spend time there without the usual crowds.
  • Along the way, you will stop at remote villages and get the chance to see genuine lacquerware being produced and the traditional farming methods of this region. Take a short break at the main area with some delicious refreshments under the shade of a famous pagoda.
  • From here, your guide will take you down the backlanes, away from the main roads, where you will get exquisite views of the various shrines in this temple town. At the intricately carved teak monastery in Taung Be, you will be invited to leave your bikes behind to get on board a private boat. This takes you upstream to a spot where you can enjoy watching the sun dip below the horizon while sipping on beer and local cocktails and munching on appetising snacks.
  • After the sunset, we will drop you back to the jetty where an air-conditioned mini bus will take you back to your hotel, or to the airport for your onward journey.
  • Meals: No meals are provided

Points To Note

  • December 15 - January 15, and April 13-17 is peak season. There may be additional charges during Christmas, New Year and the Water Festival
  • You will be notified of compulsory gala dinner charges when booking
  • Hotel prices can be adjusted for higher or lower categories on request. Featured hotels are subject to availability during booking, and you will be notified of any deposits when booking
  • Domestic airfares quoted based on averages and are subject to change. The most convenient flight is booked and final price confirmed once tickets are issued based on class of seat and availability

At the monastery, please remember:

  • Mats are arranged dormitory style, and are thin. Carry your own sleeping bag or bedsheet
  • Pillows are provided, but carry a pillow case for hygiene
  • Couples are not allowed to stay together as sleeping areas for men and women are separate
  • Washing facilities are available outdoors in certain designated areas. No hot water is available
  • Only traditional toilets are available

At the Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp, please remember:

  • Wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and supportive sandals that can be used in the river
  • Carry a hat and sunscreen
  • Use insect repellent
  • Strictly follow the instructions of the camp manager and mahout team when interacting with the elephants for your safety

What to bring on your Myanmar trekking and hiking tour

  • Sleeping bag
  • Sturdy walking shoes
  • Warm clothes for chilly nights
  • Sarong and towels
  • First aid kit
  • Cotton trousers and long-sleeve shirt / blouse
  • Insect repellent
  • Day pack
Pickup point
Directions.
Heho, Myanmar (Burma) View on Map