Expedition - Myanmar's Naga Festival
Overview
Highlights
- This is a rare opportunity to become part of the traditions of the Naga people in their annual New Year celebration – a festival that brings together the 64 clans that make up the Naga tribes. Not only is the festival an annual reunion of people, but a time for prayer, the giving of thanks and preparing for the season ahead.
- Parties don’t get more exclusive than this! Strict restrictions govern travel through this region of Myanmar, with outsiders needing to be invited by local people. The restrictions are relaxed a bit during the Naga Festival, but even then only a small number of visitors are able to attend. You'll be one of them.
- At the festival grounds, watch the raising of the Ceremonial Pole, observe locals participating in traditional sports and join in a joyous dance around a huge bonfire.
- Trek through local villages and witness the fascinating contrasts of a country both transitioning through modernity, and steeped in rituals that hark back centuries.
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Itinerary
Welcome to Yangon, Myanmar's largest city and onetime capital. Your adventure today begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Should you arrive into Yangon any earlier, be sure to head out for an explore. Known during the British colonial era as Rangoon, Yangon's colonial...
This morning you'll be picked up early from your hotel and transferred to the airport to catch a 3-hour flight to the remote town of Hkamti (via Mandalay). When you arrive in the late morning, a welcoming committee will lead you to the jetty. Cross the Chindwin River,...
Today you have the option to head out on a trek to visit two nearby villages and see the Naga people living out their daily lives. If you're lucky, you might catch them preparing for the upcoming ceremony and practicing traditional dances and custom. Lunch boxes will ...
Soon after breakfast, the traditional Naga Ceremonial Pole will be erected at the festival grounds and various clans, all decked out in traditional dress, will gather to celebrate and dance around poles decorated with colourful Kachin motifs. A vibrant celebration of ...
The official opening ceremony of Naga New Year begins at the festival grounds early this morning. Enjoy traditional New Year food and rice wine with the Naga community elders. At the end of the ceremony, dance competitions between troupes from surrounding Naga village...
At 5am, after an early breakfast, leave the Naga festival grounds and begin your journey back to Sinthe by car. On arrival at Sinthe jetty, board a shuttle boat to Hkamti and head to the airport, where you'll eat a packed lunch. From here, take a flight back to Yangon and transfer to your hotel. Tonight is the last night of the trip.
Your trip concludes this morning after breakfast. You are free to depart at any time.
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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.
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