The Undiscovered North

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.