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The Undiscovered North

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The Undiscovered North
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The Undiscovered North

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This holiday itinerary is a wonderfully unique adventure ideal for second-time visitors to Myanmar or first-time visitors who like to travel off-the-beaten-track. You’ll venture north into the Shan and Kachin States, exploring the green foothills of the Himalayas, the source of The Irrawaddy River, and some beautiful farming villages and towns surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and dotted with pagodas.

The Burmese are famously welcoming, and this itinerary offers a fantastic opportunity to get a sense of their warm hospitality and a window on their lifestyle far away from the usual tourist route.

NB - If this is your first visit to Myanmar, then you may also wish to visit the temples of Bagan and Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda. We will make your itinerary entirely bespoke to you.

Highlights Include:

  • Take a train across Gokteik Viaduct. A unique perspective and a fantastic adventure
  • Explore villages in the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by wildflowers and snow capped mountains
  • Spot myriad rare birds at Indawgyi Lake and The Moeyungyi Wetlands
  • Tranquil boat trips to take in unexplored lakes, rivers, and villages

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style, and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.


Day 1 Depart The UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Yangon.

Days 2 & 3  Yangon   walking tour and street food

On arrival in Yangon, you’ll be met by your private guide for the transfer to your hotel, after which the afternoon/evening is free for you to relax.

Spend your first full day in Myanmar with your guide exploring Yangon. This tour is designed with second-time visitors in mind and takes in landmarks, markets and local life, followed by a street food dinner. The day is flexible, so if you would prefer to take in some of the more usual city highlights like the Shwedagon Pagoda, then this can be arranged too.

Day 4-6 Hsipaw   Rural Life, waterfalls and village treks

Today you’ll board a flight north to Lashio in Shan State. On arrival, your guide and driver will meet you for the road transfer to the small, laid-back town of Hsipaw.  Surrounded by mountains, Lashio has a bustling market and a few faded colonial buildings; monks call for alms each day, and it's a fascinating place to spend a few days discovering rural life in Myanmar. Receive a warm welcome on a tour of the local villages before exploring waterfalls, Buddhist monasteries and taking a short trek to the nearby Dotehtawadi River, where a boat will wait to take you back to your hotel.  

Day 7  Train across The Gokteik Viaduct to Pyin Oo Lwin

After an optional early morning, mingle with the traders at Hsipaw Morning Market (exceptionally early, as it opens at 3 am!) you will begin the drive to Naung Pein station to board a train. You’ll trundle through the forests of the Shan hills, towards the spectacular Gohteik Viaduct - the highest bridge in Myanmar. You will be picked up by car at the first station after the viaduct (Naung Cho) for the drive to Pyin oo Lwin where you’ll find a mixture of colonial and contemporary Burmese culture.

Day 8  Pyin Oo Lwin  The Summer Capital of The British Raj

Pyin Oo Lwin is located 1000 metres above sea level and was the former summer capital of the British Raj. In the morning, there will be time to explore the fountains and lakes of the botanical gardens and take a traditional horse-drawn cart through the town to admire the colonial buildings.

In the afternoon you’ll continue with your guide and driver to nearby Mandalay, where you’ll have time to explore the Kuthodaw Pagoda and intricate Shwenandaw Monastery before watching the sunset from the top of Mandalay Hill.

Day 9 Mandalay   Ancient Capitals and Glorious Sun Rise

Watch the sunrise over the famous U Bein Bridge (the early start is worthwhile as most tourists visit at sunset). Then you’ll spend a full day with your guide discovering Mandalay on our carefully designed signature city tour. There will be a chance to explore the temples, Irrawaddy river life and Ava - one of the four deserted ancient capitals that fringe the city. You’ll travel using a variety of modes of transport, the best way to dodge the crowds and get a taste of local life.

Day 10 & 11 Putao  The snow-capped Himalayas

Today you fly north to Putao in the foothills of the Himalayas. This remote town with a colder climate, close to the Chinese border, was once a British military outpost. The scenery up here is glorious, and you’ll spend your time exploring the fascinating local “thatch” villages, surrounded by wildflowers and snow-capped mountains. Get a flavour of the life of the Kachin and Lisu tribes, discover some of the faded colonial buildings, travel by boat along the river and if you’re feeling adventurous there is even the option to camp next to an ancient temple (call us for details).

Day 12 - 15 The Source Of The Irrawaddy river

Head a little further south to Myitkyina, the multicultural capital of Kachin State, close to the source of the Irrawaddy River.  Explore riverside gold panning villages like U Byit and take in breathtaking river views. You’ll then travel overland to Indawgyi Lake; this is Myanmar’s biggest lake and a wildlife sanctuary that is mostly untouched by tourism. Enjoy the uncomplicated rural lifestyle with tranquil boat trips on the lake such as one to Shwe Myinzu Pagoda. Since you’re travelling off-the-beaten-track, accommodation in this region is relatively basic, but it's worth it for the unique experience.

Day 16 & 17 Bago and The Wetlands   Temples and Birdlife

Depart Myitkyina Airport for the flight back to Yangon Airport. You’ll then transfer to Bago, which is only a short distance away and offers an alternative experience to a Yangon.  Bago is home to a variety of glitzy temples and giant Buddha statues that can be explored by bicycle. Its also a base from which to explore the Moeyungyi Wetlands, known for terrific birdwatching opportunities. Take a morning cruise around the Wetlands, and your guide will help you to spot a myriad of species.

Day 18  Fly home

Transfer to Yangon Airport for the flight back to the UK.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £3,000 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,500. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke itinerary with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation & meals as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers 
  • Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

For more on our pricing policy, read here.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Han Thar Gardens

Han Thar Gardens, Bago

Nestled in the countryside, Han Thar Gardens is a charming colonial hotel surrounded by lush gardens.

Hotel Putao

Hotel Putao, Putao

Hotel in the foothills of the Himalayas: expect clean and comfortable rooms and beautiful mountainous scenery.

Kandawgyi Hill Resort

Kandawgyi Hill Resort, Pyin Oo Lwin

Colonial style bungalow resort offering respite from the heat, wonderfully manicured gardens and terrific views.

Riverside @ Hsipaw Resort

Riverside @ Hsipaw Resort, Hsipaw

Perched on the Doktawady River in the Old Town. Expect comfortable rooms and great food.

The Loft

The Loft , Yangon

Modern, clean, spacious and hip hotel in central Yangon, the Loft is an excellent choice.

Triumph Hotel

Triumph Hotel , Mandalay

Just a short drive from the centre of Mandalay, the Triumph Hotel has great facilities and superb service.

Two Dragons Hotel

Two Dragons Hotel , Myitkyina

Simple hotel with understated appearance: you can expect clean rooms, friendly service and a great base for exploring.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Bago By Bike (or on foot)

Bago By Bike (or on foot), Bago

Explore the town and its glittering pagodas on a guided tour, either by bicycle or by foot.

Discover The Mingun Ruins

Discover The Mingun Ruins, Mandalay

A guided tour of the Mingun Ruins including the immense Mingun Bell.

Explore ancient Ava (Inwa)

Explore ancient Ava (Inwa), Mandalay

Fascinating ancient capital on the Irrawaddy River.

Explore Mandalay's Colourful Markets

Explore Mandalay's Colourful Markets , Mandalay

Explore the vibrant markets with your guide.

Explore Yangon on Foot

Explore Yangon on Foot, Yangon

Explore Myanmar's bustling capital city on foot with your private guide.

Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)

Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo), Mandalay

A town just outside of Mandalay with many visible signs of Anglicisation.

Spot rare birds at the Moeyungyi Wetlands

Spot rare birds at the Moeyungyi Wetlands, Bago

Home to many rare water and shore bird species both native and migratory.

The Pagodas of Sagaing

The Pagodas of Sagaing, Mandalay

Spend a day exploring a hand-picked selection of the pagoda's and markets surrounding Sagaing.

Train across Gotkeik Viaduct

Train across Gotkeik Viaduct, Pyin Oo Lwin

Cross the 300ft viaduct en route from Pyin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw.

Trekking in Northern Myanmar

Trekking in Northern Myanmar, Putao

Trek in the eastern edges of the Himalayan range in Kachin state - which borders India and China.

U Bein Bridge at Sunrise or Sunset

U Bein Bridge at Sunrise or Sunset , Mandalay

Famous footbridge that is particularly vibrant at sunrise and sunset.

Waterfalls, Local Villages and Boat Journey

Waterfalls, Local Villages and Boat Journey, Hsipaw

Explore Hsipaw's beautiful natural surroundings with your guide.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'The Undiscovered North'

Ready to enquire about this holiday?

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

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