Highlands of Myanmar

Shan State situated in the eastern part of Myanmar is the biggest of the 7 states of the Union of Myanmar. Shan (who called themselves Tai) are trans-national ethnic geographically scattered from Yunnan Province of Southern China, some parts of Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar (where biggest population lives) and in India on the other side of Myanmar Himalaya. Shan traditionally are entrepreneurs and Shan merchants do a long distant trading from countries to countries between Myanmar and its bordering countries for last 500 years.

Visiting Shan Highlands not only allows you to follow the trail of ancient trade route that is still in use, but also to explore the culture of colourful multi hill tribes of Shan States, its breathtakingly awesome beautiful mountains and many other sights different from other parts of Myanmar and famous mouth scrumptious Shan Food.

Shan State is divided into Northern Shan State (border to China) and Southern Shan State (border to Thailand), with some popular border crossing points to travel overland between Myanmar and its neighbours China and Thailand.

Chin Hills situated in North western Myanmar and its mountain range includes the highest peaks Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria) and Naga Hills bordering to India. Naga, a group of people, is one of the ethnic tribes of India as well as one of the 135 different ethnic groups in Myanmar. These remote Chin Hills are ideal for eco adventure and to explore the daily living life of the locals. Naga New Year Festival, one of the most colourful celebration in the country is held in January and it's one of the most popular attractions to the cultural tourists.

Kyaing Tong is situated in Southern Shan State in the Eastern Myanmar close to the Thai-Myanmar border. It is one of the former Shan Royal Cities and one of the Shan capitals famous for its exquisite Shan Arts & Crafts as well as the colourful multi-hill tribes from nearby villages.

Day 1 - Arrive in Kyaing Tong. Transferred to hotel. Kyaing Tong city tour, including a visit to U Mulein Da's Shan Lacquer ware Industry, "Wan Pon" Shan ethnic village and houses, Wa tribe village and hand make powdered firearm. Overnight at the hotel in Kyaing Tong.

Day 2 - Breakfast. Visit Yan-Law "Khun" people Village, Palaung Village, Kat-Tauk Village and Pin-Tauk (a Lahu tribe village). Hiking to visit "Akha" tribe and "Ann" tribe (almost extinct). Picnic lunch at Pin Tauk Waterfall. Sightseeing around the Naung Tong Lake, take photos of the magnificent lake view.

Day 3 - Breakfast. Visit Kyaing Tong Bazaar buzzing with multi hill tribes trading or visiting. Visit to a traditional Yan-gone Pottery industry. Visit RCM Church (former Italian Missionary). Visit Akha Centre Village and weaving work where traditional clothes are made before exporting to Thailand. Visit Loi-Lone village where one can watch the dance performance of beautiful Khun girls with full traditional dress.

Day 4 - Breakfast and leisure time before transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Hotel transfer (if flying to Heho) or transit at Yangon Airport for International departure. End of the service.

Price includes:
Full board accommodation at 3 star hotel, all transports (inc airport transfers), all entry fees and English speaking guide throughout the tour.

Price excludes:
International and Domestic air fares, personal expenses, camera fees, tipping to guides and drivers, and fees for visa and additional travel permits.

The beautiful sceneries along a series of Shan Mountains on this route are absolutely breathtaking. Highlights include one of the engineering masterpiece, 1903 built Gokteik Viaduct transverses a 300 metres deep gorge in the Shan Mountains, part of the rail route between Pyin Oo Lwin and Lashio. You will also have a glimpse of the Burma Road leading to Mu Se at the China-Myanmar Border. Rich and diverse in culture, beauty and nature, Northern Shan State has a lot to offer to its visitors.

Day 1 - Mandalay - Kyaukme - Lashio. Morning coach from Mandalay to Kyaukme through picturesque Shan Mountains. Lunch. Visit Bawgyo Pagoda, Kyaukme Jade Market, town area and the local tribes. Continue to Lashio, arrive in the evening. Overnight in Lashio.

Day 2 - Lashio - Kyauk Me - Pyin Oo Lwin. Morning visit to Lashio Market buzzing with local hill tribes, Quan Yin San Chinese Temple, Pyi Lone Chantha Pagoda, Chinatown and the beginning of the Burma Road. Lunch. Visit Shan Paper Industry near Kyauk Me and Gokteik Viaduct railway bridge before proceeding to Pyin Oo Lwin. Enjoy the sunset at Kyawuk Taung pagoda and overnight stay in Pyin Oo Lwin.

Day 3 - Pyin Oo Lwin – Mandalay. Breakfast, sightseeing tour of Pyin Oo Lwin includes, visits to Pwe Kauk Waterfall, Peik Chin Myaung Caves, Botanical Gardens and the surroundings. Lunch. Return to Mandalay by coach. Transfer to hotel or airport. End of the service.

Price includes:
Full board accommodation at 3 star hotel, all transports (inc airport transfers), all entry fees and English speaking guide throughout the tour.

Price excludes:
International and Domestic air fares, personal expenses, camera fees, tipping to guides and drivers, and fees for visa and additional travel permits.

Day 1 - Bagan - Kanpetlet ( 4560 ft above sea level ) (101 miles / Approximate 7.5  hrs by jeep).                                                                                                  Depart Bagan ~7 am. Stop at a local Market in Chauk. Lunch at Kazunma village or Saw, a small and quiet town. Continue drive to Kanpetlet on the road with natural bamboo grove and deciduous forest along either side. The road becomes hilly, rugged and dusty before Kanpetlet. Arrive to Kanpetlet in the evening, stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 2 - Kanpetlet – Mt. Victoria – Mindat (5 h day trip to Mt. Victoria)
Breakfast. Drive to 10 miles camp (at about 9000 ft above the sea level), where the trekking trip to the summit of Mt. Victoria (~10200 ft above the sea level) starts. Great opportunity to explore the mountain ecosystem enriched with Pine forest, Hill Savannah, Hill evergreen forest, mammals like wild boar, guar, gibbon etc. and different species of birds and butterflies. Witness a partial daily life of Chin People. Back to the camp and continue drive to Mindat. Packed lunch provided.

Day 3 - Mindat and nearby village
Today tour around nearby Chin villages by jeep and walking. Free time/ Relax in the evening.

Day 4 - Mindat - Bagan (via Pauk)
Drive back to Bagan via different route to see the feature of the Myanmar's upper land with several photo stops and observations en route. Arrive to Bagan in the evening.

Price includes:
All transportation in private Jeep, full board accommodation throughout the tour, English speaking guide and permission fees.

Price excludes:
Extension which is not mentioned in the programme, gratuity to drivers/ guides.

Day 1 - Bagan - Kanpetlet (4560 ft above sea level, 101 miles, Approximate 7.5 hrs by jeep)
Depart Bagan ~7 am. Stop at a local Market in Chauk. Lunch at Kazunma village or Saw, a small and quiet town. Continue drive to Kanpetlet on the road with natural bamboo grove and deciduous forest along either side. The road becomes hilly, rugged and dusty before Kanpetlet. Arrive to Kanpetlet in the evening, stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 2 - Kanpetlet – Mt. Victoria – Mindat (5 h day trip to Mt. Victoria)
Breakfast. Drive to 10 miles camp (at about 9000 ft above the sea level), where the trekking trip to the summit of Mt. Victoria (~10200 ft above the sea level) starts. Great opportunity to explore the mountain ecosystem enriched with Pine forest, Hill Savanah, Hill evergreen forest, mammals like wild boar, guar, gibbon etc. and different species of birds and butterflies. Witness a partial daily life of Chin People. Back to the camp and continue drive to Mindat. Packed lunch provided. (OR) One may take a visit to nearby villages and see Chin people and their culture.

Day 3 - Kanpetlet - Bagan
Breakfast. Drive back to Bagan along the same route. Arrive to Bagan in the evening.

Price includes:
All transportation in private Jeep, full board accommodation throughout the tour, English speaking guide and permission fees.

Price excludes:
Extension which is not mentioned in the programme, gratuity to drivers/ guides.

Day 1 - Yangon/ Mandalay - Homalin - Leshi
Chartered Flight departs Yangon Airport from Homalin via Mandalay. Enjoy lunch and refreshments on 4 hours long shuttle boat trip with breathtaking views from Homalin to Htamanthi in Chindwin River. Panoramic scenery of Naga Mountain Ranges wait for you along the road from Htainanthi to Leshi. Dinner and night stop at Traditional Houses in Leshi.

Day 2 - Leshi
Excursion to near by villages by car or on foot by own arrangement after breakfast. Lunch boxes can be ordered at the Reception and Information counter beforehand. Enjoy with video show about Naga Land alter dinner.

Day 3 - Leshi
Participate the Naga Traditional Pole Erection Ceremony from 8:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. Enjoy the Auction Show of Naga Traditional household goods in the Dining Hall after lunch. Visiting surrounding areas on foot by own arrangement after the Auction Show until 6:00 p.m.

Day 4 - Leshi
Attending the official Opening Ceremony of the Naga Traditional New Year takes place on the festival grounds alter breakfast, starting from 8:00 a.m. Enjoy the Naga Traditional food and Rice Wine (self service), and take part in the welcoming Naga New Year dancing around the bonfire between 7:00 p.m and 10:00 p.m.

Day 5 - Leshi - Homalin - Mandalay/Yangon
Early morning breakfast at 4:00 a.m. Depart Leshi at 5:00 a.m. and heads back home.