Myanmar - Myanmar Magic Cycling (13 days)

The Golden Land of Myanmar (formally Burma), where the people are poor in wealth but rich in heart is more known for its isolation and government. Beyond its infamously is a land of beautiful places, history, tradition and some of the friendliest people around who are yearning to meet visitors.   A boat trip on the imposing Irrawaddy River will ease you into the slower pace of life here, as we ride around the ancient temples of Bagan, explore the slow life of the old city of Mandalay and ride out to the enchanting Inle Lake.   

The accommodation on this trip has been chosen to provide comfort after a long day's cycling. The charm of the boutique accommodation at the Mount Popa Resort and our hotel in Bagan will add to this experience of this memorable trip.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Mandalay - We meet at Yangon Airport for a late morning flight to Mandalay. After lunch, we will take a boat across the Irrawady to visit Mingun, famous for its huge unfinished pagoda. It is also home to the Mingun Bell and the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda. We then return to Mandalay and climb Mandalay Hill for sunset.  

Days 2-4 - Cycling to Bagan - We ride to the Ancient city of Bagan via Monywa, a small town on the Chidwyn river. We travel through remote areas on mainly flat, but at times rough roads. We stop along the way to enjoy lunch in local restaurants and observe farming practices in the area. There is a day in Bagan to enjoy the sights and atmosphere of Bagan, which was at one time, the centre of a great empire. Take a ride through the thousands of pagodas on small tracks, enjoy a Burmese massage and relax at the wonderful Bagan Riverside Hotel pool.

Day 5 - Mount Popa - A lovely ride through small settlements with coconut trees in abundance, being harvested of their juice for sugar or liquor manufacture. In the afternoon we visit the top of Mount Popa where we can see amazing views over the Myingyan Plain. Our accommodation at Mt Popa Resort, boasts a pool with views of Mt Popa.

Days 6-8 - Cycle to Kalaw - A great downhill starts us off towards Kyauk Padaung. After enjoying a packed breakfast we continue along a route with a great view of surrounding mountains. After Mektiela, we head for the hills and climb up tothe Shan Plateu to reach Kalaw, a town with an abundance of colonial buildings, Nepalese ex-Gurkhas and a cooler climate. There is a free day in Kalaw to let your body recover and to soak up this charming colonial era town.  

Day 9 - Cycle to Pindaya - Today we ride to Pindaya through lush green cabbage growing country. Farmers working in the fields wave as we enjoy a day of rolling hills to reach this small town.

Days 10-11 - Cycle to Inle Lake - A scenic ride along the lake, crossing the railway lines a few times during the day. We finish our final day of riding in Nyaung Shwe, where our ride ends and we take a boat trip to see this amazing inland lake and the leg rowing fisherman.  

Days 12-13 - Yangon  Today we return to Yangon where we will take in this rustic city on a walking tour. Tonight we will have our final dinner before the tour ends the following day. We can arrange accommodation should you wish to extend your time in Yangon, or we can arrange airport transfers.   

Facts and Information

Style - fully supported cycling
Grasshopper Leader - This tour will be lead by Adam Platt-Hepworth who lives in Bangkok and spend his days leading bike groups around Southeast Asia - much better than his old office job!  
Inclusions - support vehicle, boat trip to Bagan, local guide, tour leader, most meals, entry fees  
Group Size - minimum 3, maximum 12
Accommodation - 3 nights superior hotel, 9 nights comfortable hotel
Meals Included - 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
Days Cycling - 8
Kilometres Cycled - 613km
Difficulty - moderate
Cycling Conditions - We cycle on sealed roads most of the time, but these can often be littered with potholes and loose sand. There are some hills involved.

Operated by Grasshopper Adventures - trip code APMM08
Departures: February, April, June, October, November, December