Chin Hill Adventure 10 days

Of most off the beaten track is the exploration to Namataung (Mt. Victoria) which vicinity is a home to Chin tribe. The mountainous land had prevented them from the invaders. Chin ladies with the tattooed faces is the major attraction in the villages. The Nat Ma Taung region has recently been reopened to foreign travellers but few make the journey over the jungle track from Bagan. Treks are fully supported. The trip also includes the amazing pagoda fields of Bagan, the floating villages at pristine Inle Lake and Yangon (Rangoon) site of the inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda.
Day 1: Yangon arrival and sightseeing
Arrive at Yangon international airport, you will be welcomed by tour guide and transferred to your hotel. After refreshment at hotel, enjoy a walk through downtown Yangon where most of the colonial buildings such as city hall, Mahabandoola park, high court and telegraphic office are holding an elegant beauty of Yangon. Stopover at the Strand Hotel and feel the warmth and atmosphere of British era. Continue visit to Pansoedan jetty serving locals living across the Yangon River. This evening visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda of Rudyard Kipling fame and one of Myanmar’s most sacred places. The massive bell shaped stupa is plated with gold and the tip of the stupa is set with diamonds and rubies, sapphires and topaz – a stunning sight as the sun sets and a most fitting place to begin our trip in this “Golden Land”. After visiting Shwedagon pagoda, transfer to you hotel and overnight at the hotel in Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon – Bagan
This morning we head for the airport to get the early morning flight to Bagan. Check into the hotel and depart for a sightseeing excursion around the Bagan Archaeological Zone World Heritage Area. A comprehensive exploration of Bagan includes NyaungOo market; Shwezigon Pagoda, the prototype of later Myanmar stupas; KyansitthaUmin; Wet-kyi-inn Gubyaukgyi Temple with exquisite mural painting of 13th century and Htilominlo Temple. In the afternoon, after a visit to lacquer ware workshops; continue to Manuha Temple built by exile King Manuha; Nanphaya, said to have been the residence of King Manuha; Ananda Temple, architectural masterpiece and Oak-Kyaung monastery decorated with multi colour mural paintings. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset from one of the temple of Bagan. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 3: Bagan – Kanpalett
Get away reasonably early today for the trip to Kanpellet, some 8 +/‐ hours away across the Ayeyarwaddy on the forested slopes of Mt Victoria. After loading the 4X4 vehicles head south to Chauk, colonial headquarters of the British era Burma Oil Co to cross the Ayeyarwaddy River and head up into the jungle clad foothills of Chin State. The route follows a narrow jungle track through teak forested hills to reach the town of Saw and then climbs steadily up to the old colonial era hill station of Kanpellet (1300m asl) and the simple hotel at the entrance to Nat Ma Taung National Park. Overnight at Mt. Oasis Resort(Kanpalette).

Day 4: Kanpalett
Kanpetlet Township is the principal town in the Mindat District of the Chin State. There are 26 village-tracts and 117 villages in the area, only about 13 villages have access to motor roads and the remaining over 100 villages have to rely on foot to travel from one place to another. Today explore the hill villages accessible on foot from Kanpellet. An easy day is planned using the car for drop off and pick up. Discuss walking options with your guide to take account of how far you want to walk and to make best use of the day. Overnight at Mt. Oasis Resort(Kanpalette).

Day 5: Trek Mt Victoria – drive to Aye Sakan Village
After an early breakfast pack and leave Kanpellet to trek to Mt Victoria (3,050m asl), the highest peak in south‐east Asia outside the Himalayan mountains. Take the 4x4s up to the 2000m level and then follow the colonial era bridle path around the contours by an easy grade into the Rhododendron cloud forests to the summit for lunch. This is a steady climb on a well graded path that is straightforward and will take a comfortable 3 hours to reach the summit. Return by the same path. After lunch return to the road end and take the car down to Aye Sakan Village (1700m asl). At Aye village stay in simple communal long house style accommodation.

Day 6: Trek – drive to Mindat
Mindat Township is located in Mindat District in the Chin State. Mindat is close to the third highest peak in Myanmar, Nat Ma Taung (Mt. Victoria) at 3053 metres. The “Kcho” or “Cho” people are the main ethnic group in the township. The Kcho people speak the Kcho language, distinct from surrounding Chin dialects. Other ethnic groups in the township are the Mun, the MKang and the Dai. Christianity is the main religion. Animism and Theravada Buddhism are also present. Morning trek Morning trek to neighbouring village. Return to Aye Village for late lunch, visit the local school and weaving centre. Mid afternoon drive to the river and up the steep road to Mindat. Overnight at Mindat.

Day 7: Mindat
A relaxing day in Mindat with time to meet some of the local identities. Chin culture is renowned or its strong ethnic identity with a tattoo and wind instrument culture similar to that of Polynesian people. Overnight at Mindat.

Day 8: Mindat to Bagan
Drive back to Bagan today. If the road is open take the more direct route from Mindat to Pauk, initially through teak forested hills and then across the rain shadow plains to cross the Ayeyarwaddy by ferry at Kyun Chaung. Arrive Bagan late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 9: Bagan – Yangon by flight
This morning, experience the unrivalled majesty of thousands of ancient temples drifting below you in style, comfort and safety by “Balloons Over Bagan” (optional at USD 300$ per person) and return to your hotel for breakfast. There are over 2000 religious monuments in Bagan. Obviously, one can’t finish seeing all. Places selected are suggested ones and can adjust to your preference. You may see more/less temples at your own pace. Feel free to adjust with your guide/driver as today is reserved all for you. You may wish to relax by the pool at the hotel or visit more famous temples among the lot. This afternoon, we will visit Phwarsaw village to learn the simple life style of people. There you will see traditional ways of hand loom weaving and daily life of the people. This evening, transfer to Nyaung U airport and fly back to Yangon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and overnight at the hotel in Yangon.

Day 10: Yangon departure
After breakfast at hotel, visit by car to Karaweik, a royal barge for fantastic photo shot along the “pilgrims” causeway across the Royal Lake with stunning views of Shwedagon Pagoda and proceed to visit Chaukhtutgyi Reclining Buddha Image and there you see the sparse pilgrims in silence. Also we will stop by at nearby monastery to learn about the life of Buddhist monk in Myanmar. Continue to National Museum where much of collections are displayed showcasing the culture, the people and glorious history of Myanmar including the Lion Throne. This afternoon, Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) market famous for its colonial architecture and inner cobblestone streets. It is one of the major bazaars in Yangon and built in 1926 by the British. You can buy from a simple Myanmar slipper to a jewelry crown there. This evening, you will be transferred to Yangon International airport for your return international departure flight. (OR free morning until your departure time.)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and availability of ground services.

Please click on CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIPS and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours!

Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suite your requirements, but may incur price changes

WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels 
Private Vehicles and Drivers
Private English Speaking Guides (Other languages if available, upon request)
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
All domestic flights
Airport Taxes and Fuel charges
Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
Drinking water available on the vehicles.
Service Charge & Government Taxes
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
Your International Flights
Personal Expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
Any bank fees or charges at your end
Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
Personal Travel Insurance
Tips for tour guide and driver in each region
Peak season or public holidays surcharge if any
Compulsory Gala dinner on X-Mas or New Year if any
Other services not mentioned above

HOTEL SELECTION:

The hotels listed below are our suggestions for the best value on this tour.  However, Asia Essence Tours offers many more options of hand-picked hotels, with different "star ratings", allowing you to customize the vacation to meet your taste and budget.

LOCATIONS

FIRST CLASS CATEGORY

SUPERIOR CATEGORY

DELUXE CATEGORY

Yangon

New Aye Yar Hotel

Rose Garden Hotel

Sule Shangri La Hotel

Bagan

Bawga Theddi Hotel

Thiripyitsayar Sanctuary

Bagan Lodge

Inle Lake

Royal Inle Lake

Inle Resort

Inle Princess

Golden Rock

Mountain Top Hotel

Mountain Top Hotel

N/A

Mandalay

Mandalay City Hotel

Amazing Mandalay

Mandalay Hill Resort

ABOUT HOTELS:

We, at Asia Essence Tours, are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. As the hotel cost will be the major expense of your vacation in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, it is essential that all of the hotels chosen by us are the highest quality for the price paid. All of our prices are based on twin, double or queen shared rooms.

BELOW IS AN EXPLANATION OF THE HOTEL "STAR" RATINGS:

First Class/ 3 Star (from US$ 40 - US$ 60 per room/night)

The First Class/ 3 Star Hotels are good value and normally centrally located. They all have comfortable en-suite rooms, good amenities and public areas to relax in. They are usually family run hotels, so offer great personalized service for your enjoyment and comfort. Most first class properties offer an in-house restaurant, and some may even have a swimming pool!

Superior/ 4 star (from US$ 80 - US$ 110/ per room/night)

The 4* superior Hotels offer a wide range of services. Many superior hotels feature a choice of several in-house restaurants. In addition virtually all of them have a swimming pool. Some may even feature a spa or health club. This grade of hotel offers more for your enjoyment and comfort, while still remaining affordable.

Deluxe/ 5 Star (from US$120 - US$ 180++/ per room/night)

These 5* Deluxe hotels are usually owned by Worldwide, well known Hotel chains. The deluxe hotels feature excellent locations, offer the highest standards of service and facilities, and are known as the best hotels in each region. Facilities such as swimming pools and spas are the norm, and guest rooms are luxurious. These hotels offer first class service and amenities throughout.

ASIA ESSENCE TOURS™ BESPOKE STYLE SUITS EVERYONE

Flexibility: The sample itinerary can be modified to suit your interests, budget as well as your personal wishes including departure date, duration, accommodation used & how long you spend in each destination.

Tailor-Made Journey: This trip can be tailor made to create a unique holiday for your individual requirements by travel experts with intimate knowledge of the destination. It is a more individual trip that will suit those who enjoy immersing themselves in new cultures and environments, with the flexibility to plan a trip at your own pace. Quality and value are the hallmark of the trips, with most services being provided on a private basis.

Commitment to Excellence: We enjoys excellent relationships with all of the highly regarded hotels and finest properties in our destinations as well as with service suppliers so that we are able to negotiate the most attractive prices for our clients, which enables us to provide exclusive holidays and affordable special offers. We create one-of-a-kind vacations for groups and individuals. We love our destinations and do our best to make sure that our customers feel the same way. Our job is to make sure that everyone gets the right balance of comfort and excitement to enjoy the experience of a lifetime.



Extend This Tour With...

Myanmar easy trek


Trails of Shan Plateau


Myanmar Adventure 12 days


Grand Myanmar Discovery 20 Days