The Undiscovered North
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

This 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. All our holidays are tailored to you so this can easily be arranged; please call us for details.

Highlights Include:

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

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers 
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK 

For more on our pricing policy read here.

Day 1 Depart The UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Yangon.

Days 2 & 3  Yangon   walking tour and streetfood

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

Your first full day in Myanmar is spent 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 tour 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.  The town is surrounded by mountains, has a bustling market and a few faded colonial buildings; monks call for alms each day and it's simply a wonderful place to spend a few days discovering real Myanmar rural life. 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 await to take you back to your hotel.  

Day 7  Train across The Gokteik Viaduct to Pyin Oo Lwin

After an optional early morning start to mingle with the traders at Hsipaw Morning Market (seriously early, as it opens at 3am!) 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 sun set from the top of Mandalay Hill.

Day 9 Mandalay   Ancient Capitals and Glorious Sun Rise

Watch the sun rise 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 cooler 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 over land to Indawgyi Lake; this is Myanmar’s biggest lake and a wildlife sanctuary that is largely untouched by tourism. Enjoy the simple 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 fairly 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.