DESTINATIONS

MANDALAY & ENVIRONS

Hsipaw

It was once the centre of a small Shan state of its own, situated on the road and rail routes between Mandalay and Lashio (the capital of northern Shan State), the main Myanmar-China trade route. The Shan Palace still stands and the large market is best in the morning when Shan and other tribal people from nearby villages come to trade. The Dokhtawaddy River is cool and clear, landmark of the town. The Mahamyatmuni Temple, which contains a large Buddha image inspired by its Mandalay namesake & the Bawgyo Temple, which was built interesting architecturally Shan-style.

Trekking to the villages and boat trip along the river is so impressive while you stay in Hsipaw. Only the guesthouses and simple local restaurants are available, as it is a remote area and not so many foreign visitors going there.

Gokhteik Viaduct : When, on behalf of the British, the Pennsylvania Steel Co built the Gokhteik Bridge over the deep gorge a hundred years ago, it was the second highest railway bridge in the world. It was finally renovated recently. Its age shows; even the trains slow to crawl when crossing the viaduct to lessen undue stress on the structure. It is one of the excited experiences.

Lashio

It is a trading town in Northern Shan State accessible by road and train from Mandalay. From Lashio, the famous Burma Road built by the British before the War, intersects with Ledo Road leading into the Yunnan Province. Each morning Chinese, Wa, Shan, Myanmar, Lisu and Palaung nationalities gather for their daily shopping. It is a mountain town at 855 meters. Quan Yin San Chinese Temple, hot springs and New Pyi Lon Chan Tha Paya are among some of the places to visit.

Padalin Cave

It lies in the tropical zone, situated 75 km southeast of Mandalay. It is the most important prehistoric site in Myanmar, between 10,000 & 20,000 years dating back. Just only 3 hours drive from Mandalay, arrive King Tar Dam and across the lake by boat for 15 minutes. Trek to the hill top about 50 minutes. Study the prehistoric paintings of animal and human subjects and weapons of the stone-age peoples.
There is no hotel but can be done day return trip from Mandalay.

Monywa

A picturesque town on the Chindwin River, Monywa is located 136 km north-west from Mandalay. It was known as Thalawadi before. On the way to Monywa and before you reach the town there is unusual Buddhist temple complex on 37 acres of land called Mohnyin Thanboddhay. Excursion to Poewintaung cave and Shwe Ba taung is the highlights of Monywa. Kyauk Myaung glazed earthen ware pottery and Kyauk kar lacquer ware industry can be seen near Monywa.

Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park

A journey to this involves some 27 km of tough trekking and elephant ride besides the trip by road and water. It is recommended for those who keen on adventurous walks in a jungle. We can observe the various types of woods, such as teak, bamboo, Padauk, etc., the mammals such as, the elephants, the leopards, wild dogs, wild cats, monkeys, pandas, deer, etc., bird species of about 60 different types & about 200 different types of turtles.

Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary

Accessible by road, covers by an area of about 353 km. Many species of animals including Elk’s deer, guar, bandit, hog deer, wild boar, leopard and some specifies of primates are reported to inhabiting in this sanctuary.

Nyaungkan

In this excavation sites human skeleton remains were found together with pots of various sizes and shapes, stone rings, beads, socket bronze axes and some animal bones. This is an extraordinary prehistoric culture, which was found as the missing link between stone-age and iron age culture, and the first discovery of a bronze-age burial site in Myanmar.

Mogok

Mogok, known as the Gems City, is some 200 km northeast of Mandalay. Myanmar rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other precious stones are mined in Mogok area. Only package tours with special permission are allowed to visit Mogok.

Naga Land

Although most people have heard about Naga tribes, there are some who have seen them and only a few have been to their area. We can bring right through the centre of Naga region where we will be meeting some out of the total 68 tribes. Flying from Yangon/Mandalay to Khamti/Homalin (the gateways to Naga Land) on Myanmar Airways, crossing the Chindwin River and traveling a short distance, we will be entering Naga Hills.

The villages Leshi & Lahe are famous for celebrating Naga New Year Festival, which annually falls on 14th and 15th of January. We will be busy shaking hands with Naga warriors wearing hats made from bear fur, wild boar tusks, hornbill feathers, and tiger claws. It would be the tremendous thrill.
During the festival, traditional village cooked foods will be provided.

The accommodation will be the temporarily built long huts. All the guests have to sleep together (men and ladies separately). We will provide blankets, pillows, mosquito nets, etc. Warm cloths are highly recommended as the average temperature is about 0°C.

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