Trekking in Myanmar (Burma)

16 days
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Small Group Tour
A truly remote trekking trip that visits Myanmar's cultural highlights as well as exploring the isolated Chin Hills of north west Burma. This area is home to the Chin people whose culture and traditions have changed little over the centuries. Over 25 clan languages are spoken in the region and women are still adorned with tattooed faces and ornate tribal ...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Staying in remote villages and meeting the locals
    • The mystical temples of Bagan
    • Trekking in the remote Chin Hills
    • Sunrise at the iconic U-Bein Bridge
    • Free transfers to meet any flight

What's this trip about?

    A truly remote trekking trip that visits Myanmar's cultural highlights as well as exploring the isolated Chin Hills of north west Burma. This area is home to the Chin people whose culture and traditions have changed little over the centuries. Over 25 clan languages are spoken in the region and women are still adorned with tattooed faces and ornate tribal jewellery. We will stay in monasteries and school houses, pass forested hills and tea plantations and ascend Mt Victoria (3053m) for magnificent views of the surrounding area. We will also visit the 2000 temples of Bagan, the U Bein Bridge and the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda.Trek amongst tribal villages in the remote Chin Hills

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityYangon
End CityYangon

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Asia

Attractions

  • Bagan
  • Mandalay
  • Victoria
  • Yangon

Activities

  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Trekking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 12

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 9 lunches and 7 dinners
    • All accommodation (see below)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London.

**

Day 2 Arrive Yangon; free for sightseeing.

Today is free for sightseeing. The golden stupa of Shwedagon Paya glitters and beneath it city life goes on in the busy streets. Feel free to explore dilapidated colonial edifices and the maze of side streets that give this city its character. Downtown Yangon with ...

Day 3 Fly to Bagan; visit temples; sunset at Shwe Nan Yin Daw Temple.

Day 4 Drive through tropical lowland to Mindat.

After breakfast we will cross the Irrawaddy River and follow a rugged, dusty dirt road passing rice fields and local seasonal crops (approximately 96km, 4 hours) to the Pontaung mountain range, famous among archaeologists, following a recent discovery of fossilise...

Day 5 Begin trek; Mindat to Heelong.

An early start sees us exploring the streets of Mindat where we should have some good photo opportunities of the monks on their ritual alms walk and the children heading off to school. We will also walk up to the Buddhist monastery on the hill for beautiful views o...

Day 6 Trek from Heelong to Phwe. Overnight Amlong.

After breakfast we set off on the trail for 3.5 hours until we reach Phwe for lunch. From here we have a steady descent to the River Chi, traversing several ridges. After 4 hours walking we will stop at Amlong for overnight and on our way we'll pass local villager...

Day 7 Trek Amlong to Madat.

Today we climb the path steadily from the bottom of the valley up to the village of Kyar Ai Nuu, where clay pipes are made. We will have lunch in the village. This afternoon begins with a steep descent for 45 minutes until we reach the bottom of the valley. Crossi...

Day 8 Madat Aye Camp.

We begin today’s trek along the undulating path passing through a number of small villages where animism is widely practiced (look out for the animist tombs of the local people) en route to our lunch stop, the village of Kyardo. Kyardo is known for its gold hunters...

Day 9 Trek Aye to Do Nuu.

After breakfast we begin to gain altitude as we start the climb towards Mt Victoria. We will follow a good but steep track which is mainly forested and later we'll pass through banana plantations. Tonight we will be sleeping in a local school, dormitory style. Approx trekking time 4-5 hrs / 12km (1845m to 2211m). *Homestay*

Day 10 Ascend to summit of Mt Victoria and spend night here.

After breakfast, we join the trail which loses sight of Mindat as we head for Mt Victoria. It will take 4 hours to reach base camp and then another hour to reach the summit. Be prepared for a much cooler and more windy night as Mt Victoria is the highest point in t...

Day 11 Descend to Kampalat; drive to Bagan.

After watching the sunrise we have breakfast before we head back down to base camp to meet our jeeps. Bidding farewell to our crew, we set off for Kampalat an hour's drive away. If we have time we will visit Kampalat's market and have tea at a local coffee shop be...

Day 12 Fly to Mandalay; sunset at Mandalay Hill.

A short flight east to the former Kingdom of Myanmar crosses the plains and the great Chinese road before landing in Mandalay. Mandalay has one of the most evocative names in the world, epitomised by Kipling's poem and later as an adapted song 'On the road to Man...

Day 13 Sunrise at U Bein Bridge; Irrawaddy boat trip to Sagaing and Mingun.

An early start as we head out to one of Myanmar's most iconic sights - U Bein Bridge, built in 1849 by Mayor U Bein. This teak bridge spans over a kilometre and is best seen at sunrise when villagers cross it to begin their journey to work and the fishermen prepare...

Day 14 Fly to Yangon; sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda.

This morning we will fly to Yangon and will have some free time to relax. Late afternoon we'll visit Lake Kandawgyi to view the Karaweik replica of the Royal Barge, before ascending to Shwedagon Pagoda for impressive sunset views over Yangon which sits under its sh...

Day 15 Arrive London.

**

Land Only

Day 1 Start Yangon; free for sightseeing.

Today is free for sightseeing. The golden stupa of Shwedagon Paya glitters and beneath it city life goes on in the busy streets. Feel free to explore dilapidated colonial edifices and the maze of side streets that give this city its character. Downtown Yangon with ...

Day 2 Fly to Bagan; visit temples; sunset at Shwe Nan Yin Daw Temple.

Day 3 Drive through tropical lowland to Mindat.

After breakfast we will cross the Irrawaddy River and follow a rugged, dusty dirt road passing rice fields and local seasonal crops (approximately 96km, 4 hours) to the Pontaung mountain range, famous among archaeologists, following a recent discovery of fossilise...

Day 4 Begin trek; Mindat to Heelong.

An early start sees us exploring the streets of Mindat where we should have some good photo opportunities of the monks on their ritual alms walk and the children heading off to school. We will also walk up to the Buddhist monastery on the hill for beautiful views o...

Day 5 Trek from Heelong to Phwe. Overnight Amlong.

After breakfast we set off on the trail for 3.5 hours until we reach Phwe for lunch. From here we have a steady descent to the River Chi, traversing several ridges. After 4 hours walking we will stop at Amlong for overnight and on our way we'll pass local villager...

Day 6 Trek Amlong to Madat.

Today we climb the path steadily from the bottom of the valley up to the village of Kyar Ai Nuu, where clay pipes are made. We will have lunch in the village. This afternoon begins with a steep descent for 45 minutes until we reach the bottom of the valley. Crossi...

Day 7 Madat Aye Camp.

We begin today’s trek along the undulating path passing through a number of small villages where animism is widely practiced (look out for the animist tombs of the local people) en route to our lunch stop, the village of Kyardo. Kyardo is known for its gold hunters...

Day 8 Trek Aye to Do Nuu.

After breakfast we begin to gain altitude as we start the climb towards Mt Victoria. We will follow a good but steep track which is mainly forested and later we'll pass through banana plantations. Tonight we will be sleeping in a local school, dormitory style. Approx trekking time 4-5 hrs / 12km (1845m to 2211m). *Homestay*

Day 9 Ascend to summit of Mt Victoria and spend night here.

After breakfast, we join the trail which loses sight of Mindat as we head for Mt Victoria. It will take 4 hours to reach base camp and then another hour to reach the summit. Be prepared for a much cooler and more windy night as Mt Victoria is the highest point in t...

Day 10 Descend to Kampalat; drive to Bagan.

After watching the sunrise we have breakfast before we head back down to base camp to meet our jeeps. Bidding farewell to our crew, we set off for Kampalat an hour's drive away. If we have time we will visit Kampalat's market and have tea at a local coffee shop be...

Day 11 Fly to Mandalay; sunset at Mandalay Hill.

A short flight east to the former Kingdom of Myanmar crosses the plains and the great Chinese road before landing in Mandalay. Mandalay has one of the most evocative names in the world, epitomised by Kipling's poem and later as an adapted song 'On the road to Man...

Day 12 Sunrise at U Bein Bridge; Irrawaddy boat trip to Sagaing and Mingun.

An early start as we head out to one of Myanmar's most iconic sights - U Bein Bridge, built in 1849 by Mayor U Bein. This teak bridge spans over a kilometre and is best seen at sunrise when villagers cross it to begin their journey to work and the fishermen prepare...

Day 13 Fly to Yangon; sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda.

This morning we will fly to Yangon and will have some free time to relax. Late afternoon we'll visit Lake Kandawgyi to view the Karaweik replica of the Royal Barge, before ascending to Shwedagon Pagoda for impressive sunset views over Yangon which sits under its sh...

Day 14 End Yangon.

The trip ends in Yangon. For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the following day. **

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,565
Price per day$223
Last Updated: 9/22/2018

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
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A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Contrasts and variety

A trip combining traditional sightseeing with trekking (and a large range of temperatures) sure makes packing a challenge, but it is this variety that can satisfy ...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Burma trekking holiday

An ambitiously varied trip to Myanmar which includes cultural city visits and also trekking between remote villages where the Chin people live and hunt. Sunrise on ...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Trekking in Myanmar's Chin State

An enjoyable trek in a little visited, remote area of Myanmar, coupled with a tour of the country's tourist highlights makes this a well balanced, informative trav...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Trekking in Myanmar (Burma)

This trip was quite varied in that at times we were just part of the mass of tourists seeing important sites yet out trekking in the Chin Hills we saw other touris...

A

Anonymous

Feb 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Trekking in Myanmar

This was without a doubt on a par with my trek up Kilimanjaro. 7 days passing though Chin State, meeting the locals and sleeping in their houses, churches and school...

Write a Review

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request - not available on trek)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

7 nights hotels, 5 nights village houses or monasteries and 1 night camping 7 days point-to-point walking with full porterage throughout Altitude maximum 3053m, average 1992m Group normally 4 to 12, plus leader. Min age 16 years
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts, 9 lunches and 7 dinners included. Whilst in the cities you will be able to try a variety of Burmese food, a diverse blend of Chinese, Indian and South East Asian influences, with many regional variations of their 'standard' dishes. Rice is at the core of most Burmese food, and although vegetarian food is available the choice of dishes is often limited. Curries are very common as are noodles and soup. In the bigger hotels and cities Western food is available. On trek, the cook will be preparing all meals and menus will be as varied as possible. Typically breakfast will be tea, coffee, eggs, toast, pancakes and potatoes. Lunch will consist of soup, a rice or noodle based dish, vegetables, fried fish and fresh fruit. Dinner will often include dishes containing meat or chicken and vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. Whilst choices are limited the dishes will be rotated during the trek and vegetarians can be catered for.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 7 nights hotels, 5 nights village houses or monasteries and 1 night camping
  • 7 days point-to-point walking with full porterage throughout
  • Altitude maximum 3053m, average 1992m
  • Group normally 4 to 12, plus leader. Min age 16 years
Trip ID
exodus-TOM

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