14 Days The Best Myanmar Trekking Tour

Day 1 – Yangon Arrival

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, guests will be greeted by their guide and driver and transferred to the city center. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a relatively quiet and charming city with an impressive colonial and spiritual heritage. It’s a great starting point for any Myanmar trip.

In the evening guests will head to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda – one of Myanmar’s holiest monuments. Its central stupa soars 99 meters into the sky and is covered with 60 tons of pure gold leaf. This fascinating monument also provides an opportunity to witness local pilgrims and learn about Burmese Buddhism, all the while enjoying the beautiful colors of sunset.

Overnight in Yangon.

Distance and journey time:

Transfer from Airport to the hotel in Yangon: 1 hour

Day 2 – Yangon – Bagan – Cycle Bagan Temples (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bagan and its famous temples.

From the 11th to 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, its rulers constructed thousands of huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.

The cycling begins today, with a ride to an elevated temple that offers panoramic views of the magnificent plains of Bagan. Then continue to the colorful Nyaung Oo Market where locals gather each day to buy and sell fresh produce and other goods, before visiting the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction to Bagan’s rich history. The cycling journey then continues with a visit to nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka mural paintings, and the elegant Htilominlo Temple, which is noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.

The afternoon begins with a visit to a traditional lacquer-ware workshop where guests can observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. The ride then continues to the Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples. Built in the early Mon style, Ananda contains two unique Buddha images whose expressions seem to change depending on the distance from which the statue is viewed.

Following this, cyclists will ride past Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, the enormous Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable brickwork, and Sulamani Temple, before enjoying an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.

Overnight in Bagan.

Distance and journey time:

Transfer from Bagan Airport to Hotel: 30 mins

Cycling distance: up to 25 km                                  

Difficulty: Easy

Day 3 – Bagan – Mindat – Aye Guesthouse (B, L, D)

The Chin State adventure begins today, with an early morning pick-up from the guest’s hotel in Bagan. On the 6-7-hour 4WD journey to Mindat, there will be ample opportunities to stop for photos and explore local villages.

After one hour the driver will stop at the fabulous morning market in Chauk. Then another two hours down the road lunch will be taken in the village of Kazunma.

The scenic journey resumes in the afternoon, passing through Myanmar’s ‘dry zone’ to Mindat. Situated high in the Burmese hills, this small town has an alpine feel and provides one last shopping opportunity before guests head out on their trek tomorrow.

The last leg of the journey is along rough roads to the Aye camp, a basic guesthouse that provides the night’s accommodation.

Overnight in Aye camp.

Distance and journey time:

Transfer from Bagan Hotel to Aye Guesthouse: Up to 7 hours

Day 4 – Aye Guesthouse – Trek to Mt. Victoria Summit (B, L, D)

The trek to the peak of Mt. Victoria will take up to six hours, through breath-taking scenery. Guests will walk through endless rhododendrons and high-altitude evergreen forests with sweeping views of the surrounding Chin Mountains. The forests feature a variety of flora and fauna including many rare species of birds. The ascent is continuous but not severe and gradually flattens out.

Upon reaching the camp at the summit, guests will be able to enjoy a celebratory dinner.

Overnight camp Mt. Victoria summit

Distance and journey time:

Trekking distance: Up to 18km                                                                                                                   

Duration: Up to 6 hours

Difficulty: Hard

Day 5 – Mt. Victoria – Pin Luang Village (B,L,D)

Today guests will take their first steps toward the legendary temples of Mrauk-U. Departing early after breakfast, the trek descends towards the first traditional Chin village. The views are fantastic and allow guests ample opportunities to enjoy the ever-changing landscape.

Chin state was completely cut off from the outside world until very recently and therefore has remained unspoiled and largely untouched by western influences.

As the descent continues, guests will notice the change in climatic zones and the effect it has on the flora, moving from high-altitude evergreen forest to primary rainforest.

The destination village is situated at 1200m and makes a welcome stop for the night.

Overnight in Pin Luang village

Distance and journey time:

Trekking distance: up to 11 km                   

Duration: Up to 7 hours

Difficulty: Hard

Day 6 – Pin Luang – Kha Yaing – Village (B,L,D)

The trek starts early this morning, allowing guests to enjoy the cool mountain air as they trek towards the remote village of Kha Yaing – one of few villages where the local women have tattoos on their faces, an ancient Chin tradition.

The scenery again changes during the descent down towards the village of Hel Phon, which is situated in an idyllic location by the river. This makes for a perfect spot to enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon guests face a steep ascent, but there will be plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful views over the rice paddy fields far below.

Overnight in Kha Yaing village

Distance and journey time:

Trekking distance: up to 18 km

Duration: Up to 8 hours     

Difficulty: Very Hard

Day 7 – Kha Yaing – Mulong Village (B,L,D)

In the morning guests bid farewell to their village hosts and strike out towards the remote Chin village of Mulong.

Chin people are well known for their colorful fabrics, as well as the tattooed faces of their women.

A legend states that a Burmese king from the central plains used to explore the state looking for Chin women, as they are considered the most beautiful among the minorities. Chin girls as young as 13 had to tattoo their faces to make them less desirable and prevent them from being taken to the Burmese palace. The practice was outlawed a generation ago, so now only elderly women have tattooed faces.

Overnight in Mulong village

Distance and journey time:

Trekking distance: up to 16km

Duration: Up to 7 hours                  

Difficulty: Hard

Day 8 – Mulong – Makyar Einu Village (B,L,D)

After breakfast, guests set off on a scenic trek along rarely used trails to the very remote Chin village of Makyar Einu. Despite being a Christian village, the way of life has changed little in generations and animist beliefs still hold strong to this day.

Once again the scenery is forever changing, from the lowland areas which are used for rice cultivation to the towering jungle-clad mountains, covered with primary rainforest.

The trail undulates throughout the day and guests will have ample opportunity to enjoy this incredible panorama – a truly unspoiled wilderness.

Overnight in Makyar Einu village

Distance and journey time:

Trekking distance: up to 18km                                                                                                                                                          

Duration: Up to 7 hours

Difficulty: Hard

Day 9 – Makyar Einu – Pi Sung Village (B,L,D)

The final day of trekking starts after a good breakfast, departing the small village of Makyar Einu and heading towards the hamlet of Pi Sung, beautifully located on the banks of the Lay Myo River.

This important waterway has served as a transport link and a lifeline for the many Chin villages in the local area and beyond.

The trail today descends gradually towards the river, as the scenery changes from rice paddies and agricultural land to bamboo fields, before finally descending towards the river valley below.

Pi Sung lies at an altitude of just 165m and feels noticeably hotter, giving guests a great opportunity for a well-deserved swim and a rest on the riverbank.

Overnight in Pi Sung village

Distance and journey time:

Trekking distance: up to 11km

Duration: Up to 4 hours     

Difficulty: Medium

Day 10 – Pi Sung Village – Mrauk-U (B,L,D)

Today starts early with a  ride on a long-tail fishing boat to the fabled city of Mrauk-U, the Burmese capital in the 15^th Century and once one of the richest cities in all of Asia.

The boats used had to be small and nimble to navigate the difficult waters of the Lay Myo River.

The journey could take up to 10 hours, but guests should spare a thought for the villagers who make this journey in the dry season when the trip can last up to four days!

This river journey provides a great opportunity to observe local village life first-hand and also the chance to spot the many different birds that make the river their home, including the elusive hornbill.

Overnight in Mrauk-U

Distance and journey time:

Boat trip from Pi Sung to Mrauk-U: Up to 10 hours

Day 11 – Explore Temples of Mrauk-U (B)

Today guests will have a full day to explore Mrauk-U, including the Koethaung Temple, Pitakataik Library, Laungbanpyauk Pagoda, Yadana Mangaung, and Sakaya Mannaung Pagodas. These temples and pagodas, set in a low-lying area surrounded by hills, are some of the most important religious shrines of Mrauk-U.

In the afternoon guests will visit Shitthaung Temple, the most important monument in Mrauk-U. Built-in 1535 with a labor force of more than 1000 men, Shitthaung Temple contains a remarkable collection of Arakanese Buddha images and reliefs. Then continue to the multi-spired Andawthein Ordination Hall, which is filled with unique stone carvings.

Other temples of interest include the circular Ratanabon Pagoda and the fortress-like temple of Dukkhanthein, whose vaulted passages contain incredible stone sculptures. The final stop will be at the temple of Laymyetnha. Built-in 1430, Laymyethnha is thought to be the oldest temple in Mrauk-U.

Overnight in Mrauk-U

Distance and journey time:

Transfer from hotel to Mrauk-U ruins: Up to 30 minutes

Day 12 – Mrauk-U – Sittwe – Ngapali (B)

After an early breakfast, guests will board a privately chartered riverboat for a cruise downstream along the Kaladan River to Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state. Along the way, there will be opportunities to observe the lives of local riverside communities in Rakhine, as the boat heads towards the Bay of Bengal.

Upon arrival in Sittwe, stop for lunch at a local restaurant (own account) before transferring to Sittwe Airport for the flight to Thandwe and a short transfer to the beautiful beaches of Ngapali.

Overnight in Ngapali

Distance and journey time:

Transfer from Thandwe Airport to Hotel: 20 mins

Boat trip from Mrauk-U to Sittwe: up to 4 hours

Day 13 – Ngapali (B)

Ngapali Beach is a quiet 3km stretch of white sand lined by coconut palms.  The warm, clear waters are perfect for water sports such as snorkeling and several small offshore islands can be reached by boat.

Enjoy a full day relaxing on the beach, or take an excursion to one of the nearby islands or snorkeling spots (excursions not included)

Overnight in Ngapali.

Day 14 – Ngapali – Yangon (B)

After breakfast, guests can enjoy a few more hours of relaxation before departing to Thandwe airport for the flight to Yangon and their international flight home.