MYANMAR, one of the most beautiful and untouched countries in Asia. Its amazingly varied countryside ranges from highsnowy peaks in the north to rolling hills and colourful fields of Shan state, the fertile plains of the Irrawaddy and stunningwhite sandy beaches on its coastline. Burma is a multi-ethnic country with over 200 different tribes and dialects, but onething is universal - wherever you travel in this magic country you will be greeted with a smile.

After 50 years of isolation, government reforms have made strides towards democracy. Aung San Suu Kyi has said that as longas done responsibly, tourism can be a positive stance for change. Panoramic Journeys is working to make a small butsignificant difference to rural communities that we visit on our Burma tours.

As our name suggests, we like big panoramic vistas and encounters that give one a new perspective on life - We have made aname designing journeys that allow our clients to get "under the surface" of a country - to meet the people and get off thetourist route. In designing this itinerary, we have allowed time to meet local people, to visit rural villages, and really get toknow this beautiful country, as well as taking in the most important historical and religious sights that define Burma. Everyaspect of your tour will be taken care of with a great attention to detail.

This journey is an excellent introduction to the country’s people and culture. Visit key historical sites and stray off the beaten track tomeet people from various tribes in traditional villages.

Explore the colonial streets of Yangon and join pilgrims at Shwedagon Pagoda as the sun sets on its golden spire, before flying to Hehoin the heart of the fertile Shan Plateau. Drive through glorious countryside to the old colonial hill station of Kalaw and take a trainjourney to remote village of Sintaung. Stay overnight in a village house before trekking back to Kalaw the next day. Travel by road toNyaung Shwe at the north of Inle Lake and continue by long-tailed boat to your hotel on the eastern shore. Visit a nearby village inevening light, to discover how local farmers live in houses built on stilts and grow produce on floating gardens. See the intricatelycarved stupas at Indein and enjoy fabulous views across the lake. Walk to the five day market, where the Shan, Inda, Pa’O & Taung Yoobring their crops to sell. It is also possible to walk or cycle to a winery, take a cooking class in a traditional house, or just take time toenjoy the tranquil surroundings of this UNESCO biosphere. Then fly to ancient Bagan to discover some of the 3,000 magnificent templesscattered around the fertile plains beside the Irrawaddy. Enjoy an optional hot air balloon flight over the site. Voyage down river to the12th century village of Salay and stay overnight in a village house. Return to Bagan before flying to Yangon and departure.

Sun 10-Feb Arrive Yangon. Evening at leisure

Mon 11-Feb Exploring the old town and Shwedagon Pagoda

Tue 12-Feb Fly to Heho and drive to sleepy hill station of Kalaw

Wed 13-Feb Train journey to Sintaung & overnight with local family

Thu 14-Feb Morning trek to view point & return to Kalaw by road

Fri 15-Feb To Nyaung Shwe by rail and on to Inle Lake

Sat 16-Feb Morning cooking class & visit the stupas of Indein

Sun 17-Feb Morning walk to local market. Afternoon at leisure

Mon 18-Feb Return to Heho for your short flight to Bagan

Tue 19- Feb Optional hot air balloon flight & temple exploration

Wed 20-Feb Irrawaddy voyage to Salay & overnight in local house

Thu 21-Feb Salay to Bagan by road & afternoon at leisure

Fri 22-Feb Fly Bagan to Yangon

Sat 23-Feb Depart Yangon

Arrive in Yangon, where you will be met by your guide anddriver and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the oldtown. Today is a flexible day with people arriving at differenttimes. Check in at the hotel is from 2pm, so early arrivals canenjoy the pool or go out for an exploratory walk.

In the evening your guide will take you to a good restaurantfor dinner, before returning to your hotel.

Packed with pagodas and crammed with colonial relics,Yangon is one of the most enchanting cities in Asia.

Meet View the River Gallery at The Strand Hotel, whereafterwards you can enjoy a tea or coffee in the historic café.Return to your hotel to relax during the heat of the day.

In the late afternoon visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda,the holiest stupa in the land. With its hundreds of smalltemples and prayer niches, and people from all over thecountry coming to pay their respects here, a wander aroundShwedagon is an unforgettable experience.

Travel Details – 1hr transfer and drives around town. Accommodation – Sule Shangri-La, Superior room

Travel Details – Short drives around townAccommodation – Sule Shangri-La, Superior roomIncludes – Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Heho, from herejourney across the beautiful landscape of the Shan Plateau toKalaw. In town, explore the central market and visit some ofthe old colonial houses including the Anglican Church, builtby the British in 1900s. Visit Pinmagon monastery whichhouses the famous Nee Paya (Bamboo Buddha Image)estimated to have been built during the Ava Period over 500years ago, before transferring to the Kalaw Hill Lodge.

Kalaw offers some of the best trekking in the country. Thesurrounding mountains are home to numerous hill tribes andvillages including Danu, Pa-O, Palaung and Taung Yoo ethnicgroups. The villagers are mostly farmers growing tea,clementines, rice and a countless variety of fruits andvegetables. Your knowledgeable guide will introduce you tothe local people and be able to explain many of the plantsencountered on your trek, including several herbs used inlocal cooking and traditional medicine.

After breakfast, visit a local Buddhist monastery and take a15 minute walk to a Danu village. Visit the library andinteract with locals over a cup of green tea. Continue toanother 20 minutes to a Nepalese village, where you cantaste rice and plum wine. From here transfer by vehicle toKalaw station for the short rail journey to Sintaung, whichtakes around an hour. At 4425 feet above sea level, thevillage is predominately inhabited by a Nepalesecommunity, descendants of Gurkha soldiers brought toMyanmar by the British. Visit a 100 year old Nepalesetemple and climb the hilltop Pagoda for stunning views ofthe valley below. Settle into a village house, your home forthe night, and get to know your hosts. Dinner and overnightin the village house.

Travel Details – Fly Heho K7266 08:00-09:10 & 2 hr drive to KalawAccommodation – Kalaw Hill Lodge, Includes – Breakfast & dinner

Travel Details – 1 hr train & short treksAccommodation – Village House Includes – Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today trek 1.5 hours along a ridge to Hinkha Gone village,located at 4767 feet. From here continue another hour northto the view point, perched at 4715 feet. Have lunch here andtake some time to enjoy the view from the ridge beforereturning to the lodge by vehicle.

While at the lodge you can explore the organic gardens andexperience working with buffalo, milking cows and feedinganimals at local farm house within the grounds.

After breakfast visit Shwe U Min Pagoda (Shwe Oo MinPaya), a cave filled with golden Buddhas before boardingthe train to Shwe Nyaung. At the station your driver will bewaiting to transfer you to Nyaung Shwe at the north end ofInle Lake. Here board a long-tailed boat for the trip to yourhotel on the eastern shore.

The lake sits in a valley between two mountain ranges andfeels like a different world to the rest of Burma. Woodenhouses are built high on stilts and fishermen steer theirone-man boats with a unique rowing style, wrapping oneleg around their oar. Rows of floating gardens producedelicious vegetables and beautiful flowers. Along withfishing and farming, traditional handicrafts are an importantpart of the local economy, especially silk weaving. As with allof Myanmar, religion plays a massive part in local life, andnumerous pagodas and monasteries can be found on thelake and its shores. After a relaxing afternoon take a tour bycanoe through the peaceful stilt villages bathed in thegolden light of dusk.

Travel Details –3 hrs trekkingAccommodation – Kalaw Hill Lodge, Includes – Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Travel Details – 2hr rail journey By Train (ETD 13:15 - ETA 17:00)& 1hr by boat Accommodation – Inle Resort, lake front royal villa Includes – Breakfast

After breakfast, you will visit a local house where you will take a cooking class- learn how to make traditional Shan dishes and enjoy the dishes you have prepared for lunch.

Travel by long-tailed boat to the western bank of the lake tothe ancient temple site of Indein. Explore the crumbling andatmospheric groups of pagodas and carvings of mythicalcreatures, and climb the covered stairway leading up the hillto Shwe Inn Thein Paya for wonderful views across the lake.

Take a short walk along a river and lush bamboo forest.Farmers can be seen ploughing and harrowing with buffaloeseither side, and these beasts can sometimes be seenwallowing off the banks.

Travel by boat to the five day market. There may be aleisurely walk to the market site depending on where it isbeing held. The route will take you on local tracks throughsmall farms. Your guide will explain the wide variety ofcrops, and what systems the farmers use. Villagers are veryfriendly and will often welcome you into their homes. Themarket attracts different ethnic groups from around thelake. You will soon be able to recognise each by theircostume. It is also possible to visit the Red Mountain wineryby, car, bicycle or on foot for wine tasting and fabulousviews across the lake.

Travel Details –Short boat trips around the lakeAccommodation – Inle Resort, lake front royal villa Includes – Breakfast

Travel Details – Short boat trips around the lakeAccommodation –Inle Resort, lake front royal villa Includes – Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the cultural heart of the Burma, Bagan.

On arrival visit the golden dome of Shwezigon pagoda. Yourhotel is in the centre of Old Bagan surrounded by templespires.

This evening climb onto a temple platform to watch the sunset behind the forest of stupas.

Rise early for your transfer to the launch site for hot drinksand briefing. Then take to the air for dramatic views overthe unique and enchanting 11th century ruins as the sunrises from behind distant mountains.

After breakfast, start your tour of some of Bagan's beautifultemples on the ground. You will hear the story of KingAnwaratha and his conversion to Buddhism and atDhammayazika Pagoda see the terracotta tiles illustratingscenes from the Jataka.

After lunch return to your hotel to rest during the heat ofthe day. In the afternoon visit a lacquerware workshop towatch men and women produce these beautiful handicrafts.

Travel Details – 1h 30m drive to Heho. Fly to Bagan K7264 10:20-11:00 Accommodation – The Hotel at Tharabar Gate, DeluxeIncludes – Breakfast

Travel Details – Tour the pagodas by horse & cart, & on footAccommodation – The Hotel at Tharabar Gate, Deluxe Includes – Breakfast

After breakfast board a small private boat and cruise downthe Irrawaddy river to Salay. Enjoy the scenery from theopen-topped deck and relax with a cup of tea or coffee.

After a couple of hours and a delicious lunch on the boat,you will arrive in the historic town of Salay. This 12th centuryvillage is an active religious centre with many woodenmonasteries and British colonial buildings. Walk through thesleepy town dotted with rustic temples often missed bytourists. At 130 years old Yokesone Kyaung is the oldestsurviving teak monastery, built on 154 teak posts withbeautiful carvings decorating the exterior walls.

This evening stay in Salay in a traditional house. Meet yourhosts, spend time getting to know the family and seeexperience village life in Myanmar.

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Salay before returning to Baganby road.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Bagan, you can hire bicyclesto explore, relax by the pool or take a cookery class,

Travel Details – 2h voyage to SalayAccommodation – Village HomestayIncludes – Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Travel Details – 2 hour drive to BaganAccommodation – The Hotel at Tharabar Gate, Deluxe Includes – Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Bagan.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight toYangon. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy an evening atleisure.

Transfer to the international airport for your departure flight.

Travel Details –Fly to Yangon K7235 09:15-10:35 & 1 hour drive to hotelAccommodation – Sule Shangri-La, Superior room Includes – Breakfast

Travel Details - Transfer to the international airport 1hrIncludes – Breakfast

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Yangon, also known as Rangoon, is the former capital ofBurma (Myanmar). Although the military government hasofficially relocated the capital to Naypyidaw since March2006, Yangon, with a population of over four million,continues to be the country's largest city and mostimportant commercial centre. Downtown Yangon is knownfor its leafy avenues and fin-de-siècle architecture. Theformer British capital has the highest number of colonialperiod buildings in Southeast Asia.

The Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda,is a 98-metre gilded stupa which lies to the west ofKandawgyi Lake, on Singuttara Hill, thus dominating theskyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda forthe Burmese, with relics of the past four Buddhas enshrinedwithin, most importantly, eight hairs of the historicalBuddha, prince Siddhartha Gautama.

Bogyoke Aung San Market (formerly Scott Market) was builtin 1926 by the British Municipal Commisioner Gavin Scott. Itis a shopping paradise for foreigners and locals alike with awide array of souvenirs and handicrafts includingtraditionally woven silk and cotton.

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Kalaw is located to the west of Inle Lake, and blends the influences of Indian and Nepalese cultures. The area is ideal for walks and treks and it is possible to discover little-visited minority hill tribe villages

Kalaw’s climate is much more pleasant than the baking heatof the dry zone, although in the winter it can get quite coolat night and early in the morning. The town is set amongstmagnificent pine forests and the area has become verypopular with trekkers.

Of the many houses built by the British in Kalaw around theturn of the century, a few still remain in various states ofdecay and disrepair. Most are now occupied by governmentor military officials, although some are still eerily silent,apparently undisturbed since their owners left 50 or moreyears ago. The former Kingswood school is now a militaryhospital and the race track is very overgrown, howeverChristian services are still held at the Anglican Church andare attended by Shan people educated by Americanmissionaries.

Kalaw has a significant population of Nepali Gurkhas andIndian Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims who were brought toKalaw by the British to build the railway line. Their influenceis visible in the town with many local restaurants offeringtraditional Indian and Nepalese dishes with a Burmese twist.

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Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Shan Hills. Thelocal population of c.70,000 live in four cities bordering thelake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, andon the lake itself. The population consists predominantly ofthe Intha ethnic group. Most are devout Buddhists, and livein simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; theyare largely self-sufficient farmers.

Local fishermen are known for practicing a distinctive rowingstyle which involves standing at the stern on one leg andwrapping the other leg around the oar

Inthein (Indein) lies on the western bank of the lake and canbe reached by pleasant boat ride along the winding canals. Itis a cluster of over five hundred ruined shrines dating backto the 17th century. The pagodas are in the typical Shanstyle and include beautifully carved mythical and celestialbeings. The area also offers fantastic views across the lake inthe east and countryside to the west.

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With over 2000 temples and pagodas, Bagan is one of therichest archaeological sites in Asia. The monuments are ofdifferent sizes and shapes, all splendid with distinctarchitectural designs. The inner walls of most of these aredecorated with incredible wall paintings. The site is locatedin the dry central plains of the country, on the eastern bankof the Irrawaddy River, 90 miles southwest of Mandalay. Theruins cover an area of 16 square miles (41 km2). Themajority of its buildings were built in the 11th century to13th century, during the time Bagan was the capital of theFirst Burmese Empire.

Ananda Temple was built during the reign of King Kyanzittha(1084–1113). Around this time Marco Polo is said to havevisited Bagan. The Buddhist temple houses four standingBuddhas, each one facing the cardinal directions of East,North, West and South. The temple is said to be anarchitectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indianstyle of architecture. The impressive temple has also beendubbed the "Westminster Abbey of Burma".

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Add a breathtaking hot air balloon to your trip. Take off in ahot air balloon as dawn breaks over the nearby mountains.Glide silently across the sky as the sun rises over Burma'smajestic landscape of ancient temple ruins.

Dhammayangyi Temple is the largest structure in Bagan. Itwas built by King Narathu (1167-70), who was also known asKalagya Min, the 'king killed by Indians'. Narathu ascendedthe throne of Bagan after murdering his own father. It is saidthat Narathu oversaw the construction of the temple himselfand that masons were executed if a needle could be pushedbetween bricks they had laid. Narathu was assassinatedbefore the temple's completion. Displeased by Hindu rituals,he executed one practitioner, an Indian princess. In revengethe princess's father sent 8 officers in the disguise ofBrahmans and assassinated Narathu inside the temple.

Located on the banks of Ayerwaddy River, 35 kilometerssouth of Bagan, lies the small picturesque village of Salay.Former colonial buildings can be found nestled alongsidetraditional wooden monasteries and bagan-era shrines.Delicious bowls of noodles are on offer at the market, and itis a chance to soak up some of the local culture.

The Sule Shangri-La provides Idyllic peaceful luxury in theheart of the metropolis. The hotel provides an outdoor pool,spa and fitness facilities, traditional and international cuisineserved in its stylish restaurants and bars, views of the lushtropical trees and shining pagodas, and complimentary Wifiaccess in each room.

Sule Shangri-La, Yangon, is conveniently located in downtownYangon near major tourist attractions, such as the BogyokeMarket (Scott Market), Sule Pagoda, China Town and colonialbuildings. Sule Shangri-La, Yangon, is only a 10-minute drivefrom Shwedagon Pagoda, People's Park, the NationalMuseum and Kandawgyi Lake.

The Kalaw Hill Lodge is a charming 32-bedroom boutiquelodge located about a 20-minute drive from Kalaw. Each roomhas delightful views over the Shan hills and the lodge makesfor a perfect base from which to explore the localcountryside.. Set within 30 acres of land, the Kalaw Hill Lodgeis an ideal destination for those who want a base from whichto explore the surrounding, off-the-beaten track countryside.Visit the local farm, head off on a day walk through localvillages, go off mountain biking or take a more adventuroustrek staying overnight in local homes. The lodge is very closeto the colonial railway line, and this can work well as a uniqueexperience whilst staying at the lodge.

The Inle Resort is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenateafter a long day's exploring. Enjoy the tropical garden viewson the restaurant's veranda, where they serve both westernand local cuisine, have a drink in the stylish bar or spend anafternoon getting pampered in the Hom Spa. Each bungalowor cottage takes its inspiration from traditional design butwith the functionality of modern day conveniences. The LakeView offers pleasant, comfortable accommodation andcommands stunning views across the lake. The rooms are bigand airy and very well appointed. The hotel is set in wellmaintained working gardens which cultivate vegetables andother produce for the local people and the hotel's restaurant.

Located in the heart of Old Bagagn, surrounded by templesand pagodas this hotel has fantastic views of the ancientcapital, with each room boasting its own private garden.

Try out a cocktail at the pool side bar, spend an afternoonrelaxing in the spa with traditional Burmese and Thaitreatments or dine al fresco in the Tropical Garden. The highceilinged rooms are each decorated by hand with wallpaintings copying the original Temple Painting of the Baganperiod. Wifi is available in the lobby.

PANORAMIC JOURNEYS Ltd., Granary Barn, Chapel Road, Chadlington, OX7 3NX, Englandinfo@panoramicjourneys.com - Tel. +44 (0) 1608 676 821

Price Includes: Accommodation (based on 2 sharing*) · Meals as per itinerary · Mineral water during days out · Activities as peritinerary · English speaking guide(s) · Private surface transportation (vehicle and driver) · Park & museum entrance fees · Airporttransfers

Price Excludes: Travel Insurance · Passport · Vaccination charges · Private excursions · Bar bills · Laundry · Telephone calls & itemsof a personal nature · International flights · Myanmar visa

Single supplement $ 1,095

Deposit $1,000 per person (plus any extras)

Full payment is due if departure is in less than 90 days

Ngapali is a small town on the remote west coast of Burma, a magical little place with a beautiful beach and interesting local villages to discover. It is a place where time stands still, allowing you to simply "switch off" and recharge your batteries orexplore nearby islands and secluded bays by boat.

Switching off and relaxing on a beach is not really why most people come to Myanmar, but you are on holiday after all. If youwant to spend a few days reflecting and unwinding before heading home, Ngapali’s idyllic palm-lined beach is the place to do it. With its charming fishing-village vibe, pristine white sands, the clear blue waters and stylish accommodation, Ngapalibeach is the perfect way to end your stay in Myanmar. Spend your time visiting the local fishing village by bicycle, hire a fishing boat to take you snorkelling, enjoy a barbecue on a deserted island or just relax in your beach front lounge.

Rimmed with a very long coastline, Burma is gracedwith some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.Ngapali is the best beach in the country, with goldensand, palm trees and the clear turquoise waters of theBay of Bengal. Take a fishing trip to a private island andBBQ your catch of the day. Spend time at leisureswimming, snorkelling and kayaking.

There are several excellent boutique hotels to choosefrom. Call us on +44 (0)1608 676821 to checkavailability and secure the perfect end to your visit toMyanmar.