Arrive in Yangon and check-in at the hotel.

Taking overnight bags we make an early start this morning, driving to Kin Pun at the foot of Mount Kyaiktiyo (the Golden Rock). The five hour drive should get us to our destination around late morning and, after an early lunch, we begin the walk up the mountain to visit one of the most sacred sites in the country. Believed to be held in place by a single hair of the Buddha, the Golden Rock perches precariously on the edge of the mountain, topped by a six metre high pagoda. We aim to arrive in time for sunset, after which we check into our hotel for the evening. Walking Distance: approximately 12 kilometres, 4-6 hours. Ascent 1000 meters.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After watching the sunrise from the top of Kyaiktiyo we drive back to Rangoon this morning. The journey takes us by way of the historic town of Bago. Founded in 573AD, the town is home to a number of sacred shrines and pagodas including the Shwemawdaw Paya (the Golden God Temple) the tallest pagoda in the country. If time allows we’ll pay a visit to the pagoda, as well as the Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha (the second largest in the world) and the Kyaik Pun Pagoda. We may also have time to take a look around Bago’s local market, before continuing on to Rangoon. We make a late afternoon visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Burma, whose golden stupa dominates the city skyline, making it the ideal spot from which to watch the sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Another early start sees us flying on to Bagan this morning, to visit one of the most impressive religious sites anywhere in Asia. Bagan rose to prominence during the 11th to 13th centuries and at its height its 13,000 temples and pagodas presented a sea of colour and spectacle. Today just over 2,000 remain and include the Shwezigon Pagoda, the 13th century frescoes of Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi and the Ananda Pagoda, one of the best preserved monuments in the entire city. After spending the day exploring the ruins by bike we take in the sunset from one of the upper terraces.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Continuing our exploration around Bagan today we begin with a ride out to Phya Saw Village, presenting us with an ideal opportunity to observe something of the traditional ways of village life. From here we continue on to Manuha Temple and Nanpaya, Bagan’s first gu-style (cave) shrine, before paying a visit to Gubaukgyi Temple in the old Bagan village of Myinkaba. Returning to the hotel after lunch we have a chance to relax a little before heading out again. A late afternoon bike ride then brings us to Minanthu Village, where we watch the sunset from the Tayok Pye Temple.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After flying to Heho this morning we drive on to the limestone caves of Pindaya, home to a remarkable collection of over 8,000 Buddhist images. We take a short tour of the site before continuing on to the start of our trek. The rest of the day then sees us trekking through villages and past tea plantations and chive farms, as we make our way towards our overnight stop in the remote village of Yasakyi. Our accommodation will be basic, but the chance to interact with the villagers more than compensates for the rustic conditions. Walking distance: 12km, approximately five hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Basic Monastery

The trek back to Pindaya takes us by way of an alternative route, passing through Danu villages and on to Taung Paw Gyi, from where we can enjoy a panoramic view over Pindaya. Stopping to enjoy lunch in this lovely spot, we then continue back to the bus for the 85 kilometre drive on to the beautiful setting of Lake Inle, high up on the Shan Plateau. Surrounded by hills and populated predominantly by the Intha people, Lake Inle is one of the highest lakes in the country. Walking distance: 12km, approximately five hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Devout Buddhists, the local population of Lake Inle are self-sufficient farmers and fishermen, living in simple stilted houses of wood and bamboo and growing their food on floating gardens of grass and seaweed. Today we have a chance to explore this idyllic spot by boat, heading first to an Indein village where we visit an enchanting 17th century pagoda. Afterwards we visit some of the local silk weavers and traditional paper makers, before continuing across the lake to witness some of the local fishermen practicing their uniquely distinctive rowing techniques. Walking distance: 13km, approximately six hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

A short boat ride this morning brings us to the village of Tale-U, the starting point for our day’s trek. Passing through the Pa-O villages of Pan Tha Pray and Inne, which is located on the high point of our walk and from where we get a bird’s eye view down across the lake and its surrounding countryside. After a picnic lunch we return to Inle Lake by descending along a path that takes us through more rural villages, arriving in the market place at Nam-Pan we then take another boat ride back to the hotel. Walking distance: approximately 10 kilometres.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Returning to Heho this morning we then take a flight on to Kengtung, situated in the remote mountain valleys of eastern Shan State. Part of the Golden Triangle that encompasses neighbouring Thailand and Laos, Kengtung is a cultural and scenic gem that is home to dozens of minority tribes. On arrival we pay a visit to the Naung Tong Lake and the standing Buddha (the spot where the town was found over a thousand years ago), before heading up One Tree Hill to watch the sun set over the surrounding valleys.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

An hour’s drive out of Kengtung lies the village of Pan Kwai and the start of our trek through the Ho Kyin (Hochin) region. Leaving our vehicles behind, we hike out to the explore the villages of the Akha and Lahu people, hill-tribes who can trace their ancestry back to the Yunnan province of neighbouring China. Returning to Pan Kwai later in the day we then return to Kengtung via the village of Mong Zine Khun, where we have a chance to watch a traditional Lahu blacksmith at work.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we follow the main highway that runs between China and Myanmar, heading towards the tribal villages of the Akha, Lahu and Ann. The hour’s drive deposits us in Pin Tauk (Kyaing Tong), from where we hike out to the outlying villages. The people in this region still adhere to the old traditions, both in their dress and their customs and we have ample opportunity to enjoy this cultural goldmine before heading back to Pin Tauk. If time allows after lunch we’ll also visit some of the Paluang villages before returning to Kengtung.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Before we return to Yangon we pay a visit to Kengtung’s morning market, where we can bargain for traditional clothing, lacquerware and other souvenirs from China, Thailand and the valleys of eastern Shan. We also visit the Wat Jom Khan this morning, a tall, gilded chedi that can date its origins back to a visit by the Gautama Buddha. The stupa is topped by a golden umbrella which is inlaid with silver, rubies and diamonds and decorated with tiny golden bells. This afternoon we then fly back to Rangoon for our final evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Transfer to airport for departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast