th - Different Travel to Mandalay Cycle Open... · The former capital of the Myanmar kingdom until...

This trip is operated by The Different Travel Company ATOL 6706. The Different Travel Company Ltd. is a company registered in England, number 05324268. The Different Travel Company Ltd is ATOL bonded, number 6706. www.different-travel.com

7th – 15th November 2015

About Myanmar (Burma) The Republic of the Union of Myanmar (shortened to Myanmar, and also known as Burma) borders Thailand and Laos to the South East, China to the North East and India and Bangladesh to the West, and has 1,200miles of coastline along the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. The capital is Nay Pyi Taw and largest city is Yangon (Rangoon). In addition to the lengthy

coastline, the country’s borders contain mountain chains and fertile plains. November-February are the most comfortable months to visit Myanmar as these are the months of the least rain and lower temperatures. March–May brings intense heat, and rains come from mid-May until October with the southwest monsoon, which peaks from July–September and when even the dry-zone (between Mandalay and Pyay) can have impassable roads.

About Bagan One of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, the ancient city of Bagan (Pagan), is located in the plains of the Mandalay region of Myanmar, 700 km north of Yangon, near the bend of the Ayeyarwady River. The 26 square miles of the ‘Bagan Archaeological Zone’ (the site of ancient Bagan) encompass more than 2500 Buddhist monuments, which remain of the more than 4,000 temples thought to have previously existed, built from the 10th – 14th centuries AD. The spectacular temples of Bagan are very well preserved, many with existing murals and carvings, and are often compared with Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia. The sight of so many temples scattered across the plain is certainly one to rival Machu Picchu, Angkor Wat and other world icons but, unlike these other destinations, Bagan is still relatively quiet in terms of visitors. For some time the archaeological zone has attracted visitors, but the sanctions on the country and its difficult history has thus far excluded the hordes.

About Mandalay The former capital of the Myanmar kingdom until colonisation by the British, today Mandalay is Myanmar’s second largest city and the most important economic centre in Upper Myanmar. The city was named after the nearby Mandalay hill (to the north-east) which, at 230m, gives wonderful views over the city, and is considered holy. Legend has it the Buddha climbed the hill and on reaching the top prophesied that a great city would be founded on the plain below. Future King Mindon fulfilled the prophecy with the move of the kingdom’s capital to Mandalay from Amarapura (11km to the South of Mandalay). The Royal Palace is a walled city within Mandalay. Although destroyed by fire during WWII, it has been rebuilt and is one of the sights the city has to offer, in addition to many religious sites and other nearby attractions such as the picturesque U’Bein bridge.


The Challenge – What to Expect The Road to Mandalay cycle will take you from Myanmar’s central plains in Bagan, covering 400km to the exotic city of Mandalay. Cycling an average of 80km per day, in hot temperatures and over uneven terrain this is a real challenge for a keen cyclist!

This cycle trip is accompanied by professional English-speaking local guides who have an excellent knowledge of cycling in the region. The guides will support you throughout your journey and

can help with basic first aid. You will also be supported by a support vehicle and bike mechanic, which will travel a safe distance behind the group, to be on hand in case of any problems. You will be accompanied throughout your challenge by a Different Travel Company UK tour manager.

This challenge is graded as ‘Challenging’. You will be cycling up to 100km per day, for 5 consecutive days, so it is essential that you train with this in mind. It is possible to complete the cycle trip without training but it will be difficult and may hinder your experience, and the experience of your teammates. The trip is not a race but it covers vast distances in unfamiliar climates and different terrains and gradients so it is important to take your training seriously. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy this challenge.

It is advised that you are of a very good fitness level and a confident cyclist before departure to ensure fast recovery from each day’s exertions. An ideal candidate for the cycle challenge would be someone who enjoys being out of their comfort zone and trying something new. If you do not already regularly cycle it is crucial that you start training (including cycling up and down plenty of hills to make sure you are comfortable cycling up and down different gradients) at least 6 months before departure to ensure your best chance of enjoyment on the trip. You can download a number of free apps, which will help you train and track your progress. E.g. iMapMyRide – free (for cyclists), C25K (couch to 5k run) – free (jogging/running), MyFitnessPal – free (for a variety of sports).

The terrain will vary throughout the days but the quality of roads in Myanmar varies from reasonable to bad. Around Bagan you will spend time off-road; this is flat and sandy terrain for easy cycling. From Bagan to Popa you will be on road (with exceptions for visiting local villages), with half the riding on flat or slight incline (10°), and the rest of the riding ascending and descending 20-35° gradient. The section from Popa – Myingyan – Mandalay is on road (with exceptions for visiting local villages), and generally flat, with some gentle slopes on limited sections. Rest stops will be provided approximately every 20-35km, depending on the terrain and difficulty of riding, with an opportunity to replenish your energy and rehydrate with drinks and snacks. You will be using well-maintained and good quality Merida and Trek mountain bikes with front suspension, mostly 8-9 speed. All the bikes have racks for water bottles. Although helmets can be provided, we ask that you bring your own, to ensure a good fit, and absolute knowledge that it has never been in an accident and have hidden damage. The bike mechanic who will travel with the support vehicle will carry spare inner tubes, tools and a pump, ready to help in case of any technical difficulties along the way. You are welcome to bring your own pedals for use with cleat cycling shoes, and even your own saddle for optimum comfort and familiarity. It is essential that you bring padded cycle shorts/trousers and you may wish to bring a gel seat cover for extra comfort. Chamois cream is also a worthwhile consideration. You can purchase lots of quality cycle equipment from specialists such as http://www.wiggle.co.uk and other online and high street stores. Remember to pack your cycle helmet in your hand

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/


luggage as it is important that the helmet isn’t damaged or lost on the way! Cycle gloves are also worth considering.

In Myanmar in November you can expect temperatures of around 31°C - 33°C during the day, and 20°C-23°C at night. Weather conditions will vary – it may be clear and sunny, or cloudy and, although November is the dry season and generally hot and humid, there may still be some rain. It’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions and temperatures by packing technical non-cotton layers and a lightweight waterproof. Throughout the challenge you will be staying in hotels with en-suite facilities, hot water and air conditioning.

We require a medical form to be completed by everyone upon registering, and any pre-existing conditions, medications used and other medical issues must be noted and (if relevant) signed by your GP and a disclaimer completed (sent to you after booking). Any conditions that develop must be declared and a new medical form completed and signed.

What is included?

Trip cost: £425 registration fee + £1,975 balance or £3,950 minimum sponsorship

Trip Includes: Flights from London (inc. airport taxes), all transfers & transport in Myanmar, accommodation in 2-3 star hotels each night, all meals, bottled water, snacks and fruit while cycling, entrance fees for visits specified, high quality bikes, local expert English-speaking guides, support vehicle, a UK Different Travel tour manager.

Trip Does Not Include:

Personal expenses (such as drinks, souvenirs, etc.), any vaccinations required, malaria prophylaxis, Myanmar visa (current cost £14), travel insurance, tips (approx. US$90 per person), personal cycling kit (see packing list below).


Day 1 (Saturday 7th November): London - Yangon

Depart London for Yangon on an overnight flight (indirect). Day 2 (Sunday 8th November): Yangon

On arrival, transfer to your central hotel. Depending on time, enjoy a sightseeing tour this afternoon to explore this beautiful colonial city with ancient pagodas, vibrant markets and amazing sunsets. A briefing and welcome dinner tonight. (Meals included: Lunch & dinner) Day 3 (Monday 9th November): Yangon – Bagan

After breakfast we depart for the short flight to Bagan, the country’s ancient capital situated in the central plains. Our bikes will be waiting at the airport so we can head straight off for a full-day of cycling, taking in sights such as the Shwezigon Pagoda, Htiliminlo Temple, Thatbyinnya Pagoda and Nyaung Oo Market. Later this afternoon we will arrive at our hotel, to be reunited with our luggage and check in for dinner and an overnight stay. Distance cycling: approx. 50km. (Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Day 4 (Tuesday 10th November): Bagan – Kyaukpadaung - Popa

This morning we set off for a challenging day’s ride to Mt Popa, the core of an extinct volcano and the centre of Nat (spirit) worship in the country, being considered the sacred home of Burma’s 37 Nats. For a further challenge, you can climb the 777 steps via a winding walkway to reach the summit with its impressive views over the surrounding plains. Along the way we’ll be passing through typical villages and fields dotted with toddy palms, so there will be the chance to stop off and witness the production of toddy juice and oil pressing. Distance cycling: approx. 80km.(Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Day 5 (Wednesday 11th November): Popa – Taungthar - Myingyan

Our ride this morning takes us along the central dry zone of the country, passing through the town of Taungtha en route to the port of Myingyan. We’ll be cycling along dry riverbeds and small streams, passing several villages as we go. Distance cycling: approx. 100km. (Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Day 6 (Thursday 12th November): Myingyan – Napuai Lan - Mandalay

The next stage of our journey brings us all the way to fabulous Mandalay! During the day we’ll pass through villages and have the chance to observe the daily lifestyles of the rural Burmese people. Distance cycling: approx. 100km. (Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Day 7 (Friday 13th November): Mandalay – Amarapura – Ava – Sagaing - Mingun

Our final day of cycling enables us to explore some of the beautiful surroundings of exotic Mandalay. Heading first to the nearby town of Amarapura, there is a chance to cross a long teak-pole footbridge before we continue to Oe Htoke Tan jetty and cross the river on a flatbed ferryboat to Ava. Here we will continue our cycling to explore ancient sites such as the wooden Bagaya Monastery, the Nanmyint watchtower, the Royal Palace, old fort walls and several faded white pagodas. After lunch we will cycle over a 1km bridge crossing the Ayerarwady River to reach the Sagaing Hills, the Buddhist centre of Burma, and home to over 600 monasteries and nunneries dotted amongst the hills. Finally we head to Mingun, home to a huge unfinished pagoda, from where we take a 40 minute boat ride downstream back into Mandalay, enjoying the sunset with a cocktail along the way! Enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner at a local restaurant in town this evening. Distance cycling: approx. 70kms. (Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner)


Day 8 (Saturday 14th November): Mandalay – Yangon

We fly back to Yangon this morning and, if time permits, enjoy some final sightseeing before transferring to the airport for the overnight flight home this evening.(Meals included: Breakfast & lunch) Day 9 (Sunday 15th November): London

Arrive back into London. N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the set itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for changes that might occur outside of our control. In all such circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group.

A-Z of Information on Myanmar

A is for Arrival. All visitors require a visa for entry into Myanmar. You can obtain your single entry tourist visa from the Myanmar Embassy in London prior to departure for £14 (correct at time of writing). Visit http://www.myanmarembassylondon.com for forms and full details on how to apply. Your passport should have a remaining validity of at least six months after departure from Myanmar, and enough empty pages for your visa and entry stamp.

A is also for Accommodation. You will stay in 2-3* hotels en-suite facilities, hot water

and air conditioning throughout this challenge. The accommodation is on a twin-share basis. In the event of there being an odd number of people, a triple room and single-occupancy may be provided.

B is for Begging. Monks may be seen begging for food in the streets in the morning. You

should only ever donate food. Real monks (fakes do operate) are forbidden from accepting money, eating after noon and any physical contact with the opposite sex - so be careful not to touch hands if you are a woman giving a donation. B is also for Books/further reading. There are several excellent books on Myanmar. Some suggestions are River of Lost Footsteps by Thant Myint U, ISBN 978-0-571-21759-5 and Aung San Suu Kyi’s Letters from Burma, ISBN 978-0-141-04144-5. A new Lonely Planet guide on Myanmar is due to be published in 2014 (previous versions are now very outdated).

B is also for Betel. You are likely to see Myanmar men chewing betel, a mild stimulant, which is often spat on the street, and reddens and rots the teeth. Its use is increasingly being restricted in order to promote the country as a tourist destination.

B is also for Bottle. You will need a bottle to carry your own drinking water – up to 3 litres

per day. Ideally you will bring a two-litre bottle such as a Camelbak or Platypus hydration system, which you can re-fill from a container of purified water which will be carried on the support vehicle.

B is also for Buddhist sensitivity (temple etiquette). It is respectful to give generously at

Buddhist sites. Women are not allowed into some sacred sites. Legs and shoulders should always be covered when visiting places of religious importance. When praying, the soles of your feet should never point towards Buddha, or anyone else. If you are kneeling at temples or other religious sites, tuck your feet underneath you to avoid any unintentional disrespectful body language.

http://www.myanmarembassylondon.com/


C is for Communications. The country code from Myanmar to UK is +44. To make phone calls to UK numbers from a mobile you will need to replace the first 0 with +44. When dialling from a public phone you will need to replace the first 0 with 0044. In Yangon, international calls can be made at the Central Telephone & Telegraph Office. You can arrange international direct dial calls through public call offices and hotels, but these are expensive. Until recently the only mobile network within Myanmar was MPTGSM, run by the government’s Post and Telecommunications Agency, which did not permit international roaming, however the foreign companies Telenor and Ooredoo now own licences for private networks and so the situation with mobile phones is expected to change. For now, it is easier to assume that mobile communications will not be available, although as these networks are in their infancy you might want to check with your mobile operator. Internet cafes are easily found in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan, and harder to find elsewhere, but the access can be slow and some sites inaccessible.

C is also for Clothing. Loose fitting, cool and comfortable clothes, suitable for humid climates are the best options in Myanmar. Don’t forget sunglasses, a sunhat and long-sleeved shirt and long trousers to protect against both the sun and mosquitoes. Being inappropriately dressed in Myanmar is considered disrespectful. T-shirts with images of Buddha should certainly be avoided. Sleeveless shirts, shorts and mini-skirts are not allowed in consecrated areas. Footwear must be removed for temple visits, so you may find a pair of flip flops convenient to slip on and off. The traditional sarong-equivalent ‘longyi’ is sold everywhere, and a useful way to make sure you are dressed respectfully from the waist down before entering temples, especially mid-cycle challenge! The style (and way to tie it) varies for men (who wear a ‘paso’ tied at the front) and women (who tie the ‘htamein’ at the side, tucked into a waistband). Longyis can also be hired at some sites.

C is also for Cycle Kit. Bringing a good, well-fitting cycle helmet is essential. We also recommend that you bring the following items of cycle equipment: cycle gloves, trainers, cycle glasses (offer protection from dust and dirt as well as the sun), CamelBak or other drinking system and/or water bottle. You will be able to leave things in the support vehicle, but you might like to bring a small rucksack for cycling days – so that you have to hand immediate things you might need (i.e. sun cream, camera etc.). C is also for cultural faux-pas! Myanmar women should not be touched by men. Monks and Nuns are revered, should not be touched and take the highest position wherever they are (i.e. head of the table) Raised voices, aggression and impatience are not taken well in Myanmar.

D is for Dehydration. This is a potential problem caused by diarrhoea or vomiting, or just the exertions of cycling each day and the warm climate and different foods. Daytime temperatures can rise to the mid 30’s Celsius so it is wise to consume at least 3l of water. You should also bring a good supply of rehydration salts with you. You can buy the small packets from chemists in different flavours and just add the powder to quantity of water mentioned on the packet. You can also purchase electrolyte tablets which you add to your drinking water to turn it into a sports drink to help prevent dehydration before it begins. A recommended brand is called Nuun and is available in outdoors stores and online for around £6 for 12 tablets. Purified water will be available on the support vehicle for you to fill your water bottles/drinking systems. You are advised to only drink bottled or purified water whilst in Myanmar. See also W is for Water.

D is also for Dietary Requirements. The majority of special diets, such as vegetarian,

vegan, gluten-free, etc., can be catered for. Please ensure that you notify us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking or as soon as possible.


D is also for Discount. Nomad Travel has kindly offered a 10% discount against any purchase of kit and equipment online or in-store and a 10% discount off vaccinations at their travel clinics. Also Cotswold Outdoor are offering our clients 15% discount for use at their stores or online. Please contact us for a voucher.

E is for Electricity. Mains electricity is 230v/ 50 Hz but is subject to fluctuations and power cuts. Plug sockets can vary too, some take 3 square pin sockets (British style) but you are recommended to bring a multi-purpose adaptor to allow for all eventualities. Myanmar is subject to frequent power outages, so bring a torch! E is also for Environment. We are extremely environmentally conscious and aim to minimise our impact as much as possible. We encourage our participants to travel responsibly and take care to leave as little impact as possible. We are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices and carry out all our garbage. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations to enjoy.

E is also for Expenses. As ATM’s are scarce, you are recommended to bring your

spending money for the tour in US Dollars (perfect, crisp, not folder or marked notes) to exchange to the local currency Kyat. You will need cash for tips (approx. US$90), drinks, personal spending money, souvenirs etc. See also M is for Money. F is for First Aid kit. You should have a small first aid kit of essential items which is for your own personal use. Your tour leader is not allowed to give you medication so you must ensure you have access to your own first aid kit in your daypack. Items to include: anti-malarials, personal prescription medicine, painkillers, plasters/blister plasters, insect repellent (containing 50% DEET), anti-histamine tablets and cream, Imodium (loperamide), rehydration sachets, throat lozenges, decongestant, lip balm with SPF, antiseptic cream, scissors, zinc oxide tape etc. F is also for Fitness. A very good general level of fitness is required. You should start a training programme well before your departure including cycling-specific and more general cardiovascular workouts to both improve your stamina and your ability to cycle up and down gradients. You should refer to your Cycle training guide from The Different Travel Company, and cycle training programmes are available to download (free of charge) from the internet. The Different Travel Company has the right to refuse anyone who they feel is not fit enough for the challenge, to ensure the health and safety of the individual and the group. F is also for Food. All the food provided for you during the challenge is tasty and filling, with mainly typical Myanmar food for lunches and dinners in restaurants, although you will also find Chinese and Thai dishes in some of the restaurants. Myanmar food is often simply summarised as ‘rice and curry’. This is often served as a huge plate of freshly cooked rice, with a variety of curries (including meat or fish) around it, and dishes of vegetables, salads, soup and condiments. Myanmar curries are generally less spicy than those served in Thailand. Myanmar delicacies and local snacks include Mouk-hin-kha (thin rice noodles served with fish gravy and onion soup) and Ohn-noh-khauk-swe (noodles served with chicken and coconut gravy) which are favourites served throughout Myanmar. Snacks and water will be provided on cycling days. Please let us know in advance about any dietary requirements you may have. Examples of dishes include: Breakfast: bread, tea, coffee, fried egg, fried noodles, rice porridge, fruit Lunches and dinners: Generally Myanmar, Chinese or Thai food in local restaurants (described above) which have been selected for their food quality and hygiene.


H is for Haggling. When shopping for gifts in market places where there are no price tags on items it is expected that you will haggle, and good-natured haggling is a part of life in Myanmar. The first price is sometimes up to 5 times more than the value of the item, but remember that you should engage with the vendor to encourage rapport before haggling then only pay what you think is a good price for the item, not trying to get the lowest price possible.

H is also for Health. Different Travel regrets that we cannot provide medical advice on

recommendations on vaccinations you should have. You MUST see your own GP or travel health professional at least 8 weeks before travelling for a personalised medical assessment. For general information on vaccinations visit http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or http://www.nathnac.org. Please note that failure to be adequately vaccinated and protected against diseases can sometimes invalidate travel insurance policies as it is considered that you have not taken necessary precautions. Malaria: Malaria is prevalent in Myanmar, excluding the main cities, but as you will be cycling through rural areas, you should seek medical advice on appropriate prophylaxis. Whichever tablets are prescribed, follow the instructions carefully as these require you to start the course prior to your departure and continue taking them after departing a malarial area. Anti-malarial medication alone cannot offer you 100% protection so bite prevention is important. Cover your skin (long sleeves/trousers) from dusk to dawn and use 50% DEET mosquito repellent. Upon your return you should mention to your doctor that you have been to a malarial area if you develop any symptoms (i.e. fever, fatigue). Never take medication given to you by other tourists or your teammates as you cannot be sure if you will have an adverse reaction to it, or how well the tablets have been kept; only take medication prescribed by your own GP.

H is also for Hygiene. You are advised to bring toilet paper and antibacterial hand gel for toilet stops. Each night you will stay in a hotel with en-suite shower facilities.

I is also for Inclusions. Trip Includes: Return flights from London (inc. airport taxes), all

transfers & transport in Myanmar, accommodation in 2-3 star hotels, bike hire, English-speaking local guide and cycle support staff, cycle support vehicle, all meals, water and snacks while cycling, local expert English-speaking guides, a UK Different Travel tour manager. Trip Does Not Include: Personal expenses (such as drinks, souvenirs laundry, spending money etc.), any vaccinations required, malaria prophylaxis, Myanmar visa (current cost £14), travel insurance, tips, personal cycling kit (see packing list below), carbon emission offsetting and transport to/ from UK airport. I is also for Insect Repellent. DEET is the most effective repellent available. The Department of Health recommends 50% DEET is the maximum that you should use ON YOUR SKIN. Despite what you would think, the higher the concentration the less effective DEET is. You can use higher concentrations on clothing but test it first because DEET can melt plastic, stain clothes and remove dye. Be careful when using any DEET product. I is for Insurance. The Different Travel Company will do everything possible to ensure a

safe and enjoyable trip however unexpected things can occur such as your cancellation, delays, medical problems and baggage loss etc. Thus, the purchase of travel insurance for our expeditions, such as a policy from Campbell Irvine, is mandatory and you are advised to organise this at the time of booking to ensure you are covered immediately. Travel Insurance is a cost effective way to protect yourself and your equipment. http://www.campbellirvine.com/asp/quotationChooseSTMT.asp?aid=111 Please note: most travel insurance policies protect you before departure too so it is advised to buy

insurance as close to booking as possible to protect the loss of your registration fee as a result of

cancellation due to injury, illness etc.

http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/

http://www.nathnac.org/

http://www.campbellirvine.com/asp/quotationChooseSTMT.asp?aid=111


L is for Language. There are many indigenous languages within Myanmar, however the majority (approximately 60%) of the population speak Burmese. A few useful phrases and numbers in Burmese:

Min ga la ba – Hello nei-kaun-la? – How are you? kaun-ba-deh – I’m fine k'amyà ne-meh beh-lo k'aw-dhǎlèh? – What’s your name? (men) Shin ne-meh beh-lo k'aw-dhǎlèh? – What’s your name? (women) cǎnáw ... ló k'aw-ba-deh – My name is… (men) cǎmá... ló k'aw-ba-deh – My name is…(women) nà-mǎleh-ba-bù – I don’t understand ka mya? – Excuse me (men) shin? – Excuse me (women) diha balao leh? – How much is this? cè-zù tin-ba-deh – thank you

ain-ta beh ma leh? – where’s the toilet? kyei: zu: tin ba de - Please thwa: bi - Goodbye in - Yes hin in – No so-ri-no - Sorry 1 - Ti 2 - Ni 3 - Thown 4 - Lay 5 - Nar 6 - Chow 7 - Cou-ni 8 - Shi 9 - Kow 10 - T'say

L is also for Laundry. Laundry facilities are available in several of the towns visited on this trip, either through the hotel or nearby services. Your guide can advise where laundry services are available, costs etc. L is also for Luggage. You will need the following 2 luggage items. 1. A small daypack at around 15-20 litres, which you may wish to use while you are cycling and when out and about on day trips. A daypack with an air flow feature may be more comfortable than a pack that sits against your back but it’s entirely your preference. 2. A large holdall, suitcase or rucksack to hold your entire luggage for when you check in on the airline. This will be transported by vehicle on each of your cycling days. Please avoid large, solid suitcases.

M is for Money. The currency of Myanmar is the kyat (K), pronounced ‘chat’. ATMs are

scarce, so it is best to bring all the money you will need in US Dollars, which you can change at Yangon airport, banks and hotels. Money changers may fuss over damaged or worn out notes, so bring crisp and un-creased notes with you, with the new style of US Dollar note (big heads rather than small heads!). The current rate of exchange is 967 Kyat to the Dollar.

N is for Nibbles. High energy snacks, sweets and energy gels can be extremely helpful on physical challenges such as this. It is wise to stick to what has worked well on your training rides, provided it is still suitable in the different climate in Myanmar! Suggestions you might want to bring also include dried fruit, nuts – especially walnuts and almonds, Kendal mint cake, popcorn, energy bars such as Mulebar, Clif bars, etc. Some snacks will be provided on cycle days. P is for Photocopies. Photocopy (and scan & email to yourself) of all your documents

(insurance details, flight numbers, passport, credit/debit cards etc.) and take a copy with you during the trip. If you lose any of your documents you will then have access to a copy online and with you.

P is for Photography. When taking photographs of the local people, it is polite to ask their

permission. Taking a photograph of someone without their permission, especially in rural areas, can cause offence. In contrast, taking photographs of someone you have become friendly with is usually very welcome.

http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/catalog/browse/day-bags-30-litres/berghaus-freeflow-255


P is also for Poverty. Poverty in Myanmar can be startling. It is important not to underestimate the psychological impact of viewing poverty, and a sense of helplessness and guilt that often comes from it. Some people respond to such sights by feeling they must do everything they can to help everyone they can. The risk with this is that it leads to disappointment and disillusionment as no one person can do everything. The secret here is to recognise the signs (raised levels of stress, feeling emotional, guilty, frustrated and angry) and to set realistic goals about what you can and cannot do. We also recommend that you avoid acting on impulse – especially when it comes to giving away money. People may seem genuine, but very many people still regard tourists as ‘cash cows’ and act dishonestly and unethically. Do check with your guides before giving money. The general advice is (i) question everything you are told, (ii) don’t be afraid to say no, and (iii) check it out with your guides. R is for Religion. About 80-90% of the population practice Buddhism, in one of its 2 forms, Theravada or Mahayana. There is a small muslim population, and other minorities (ie in the hills) worship spirits in nature and ‘nats’ (spirits of those who died suddenly and whose spirits walk the earth). S is for Safety. There are hardly any incidences of muggings or theft from tourists in

Myanmar. As a Buddhist country, and one with extreme punishments for theft from tourists, with a little sensitivity you are unlikely to find any problems travelling in Myanmar.

T is for Tipping. Tipping is quite common in Myanmar today. For drivers and guides, the amount to tip is discretionary and should reward good service. Guides, drivers, waiters and hotel porters are commonly tipped. Taxi drivers generally aren’t. Your guide can advise on suitable amounts to tip for specific occasions. As a very approximate guideline to help you budget for your trip, you might like to bring approx. 90$USD for the total tips throughout the tour. This would include 5-10$USD as a tip for the driver and his assistant at the end of their service (if using several different drivers throughout the journey), and $20-$40 for the guide who has accompanied you throughout the trip, given at the end of the tour, but this is only a rough guide, and for you to decide considering the service they have provided, the size of the group, etc.

T is also for Tickets (or e-tickets). These will be sent to you 2 weeks before departure.

W is for Water. Tap water at the hotel is not drinkable – we recommend that you do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with the tap water, only use bottled or purified

water. Ice in drinks is sometimes okay in good standard hotels you are recommended to opt out and be safe rather than sorry! Purified water will be carried in the support vehicle for you to fill your water bottles/drinking systems, to ensure that you are well (and safely) hydrated throughout your challenge in this hot climate. W is also for Weather. In Myanmar in November you can expect temperatures of around 31°C - 33°C during the day, and 20°C-23°C at night. Weather conditions will vary – it may be clear and sunny, or cloudy and, although November is the dry season and generally hot and humid, there may still be some rain. It’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions and temperatures by packing technical non-cotton layers and a lightweight waterproof.

Last updated February 2014


PLEASE NOTE: This list is just a guideline and is not exhaustive – it does not take into

account your personal preference or requirements.

If you have any questions about anything on this packing list, please contact [email protected] for more information.

CLOTHING ESSENTIALS OPTIONAL

Flip flops for temple visits (optional) E-tickets Video Camera + batteries

Trainers for cycling Passport & copy Mobile phone & charger

Shoes for sightseeing visits Pre-departure information Gel bike seat cover

Cycling sunglasses Cash in $US Dollars / ATM card Cycle gloves

Underwear and socks Insurance policy info Sewing kit

Padded cycle shorts/trousers Pen for immigration forms MP3 player/iPod

Breathable t-shirts/cycle tops Sunglasses

Lightweight waterproof jacket (suitable for cycling)

Camera + spare batteries HYGIENE

Loose, cool trousers/skirts for evenings

Torch + spare batteries Shampoo / conditioner

Loose, cool, long sleeve top for evenings Cycle helmet Shower gel/ shave kit / loofah

Underwear for evenings Multi plug adaptor

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Sun hat Antiperspirant/deodorant

FIRST AID KIT Large pack of baby wipes

BAGGAGE Prescription medicine Toilet paper

Suitcase/rucksack for check-in luggage Anti-malarials Sun cream (high SPF)

Daypack/Cycling rucksack (25-30 litres)

50% DEET insect repellent Hand sanitizer

Waterproof rain cover for daypack

Paracetamol / Ibuprofen Moisturiser lotion

Imodium (Loperamide) Nail brush

EATING/DRINKING

Rehydration (Dioralyte) Feminine hygiene products

Energy snacks

Plasters

2-litre water bottle (e.g. CamelBak)

Blister plasters e.g. Compeed

SLEEPING

1-litre backup bottle Muscle rub (e.g. Deep Heat)

Pyjamas

Water flavour/electrolyte tablets (e.g. Nuun) Anti-histamine tablets/cream Ear plugs / eye mask

Water purification (optional) Antiseptic cream (e.g. Savlon)

Indigestion remedy (e.g. Gaviscon)

Lip balm with SPF protection

Scissors/tweezers

Throat lozenges (optional)

Decongestant (optional)

Spare glasses/contact lenses

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