Burma Heritage by Bicycle

As you cycle among the ancient temples on your route from Mandalay to Bagan you'll also soon be impressed by the diversity of its people, culture, and topography which all make Burma one of the region’s most fascinating and beautiful countries.

Our trip takes us from Kipling’s Mandalay on the imperious Irrawaddy River, to the temples at Bagan, before flying back to the capital, Yangon. We'll ride around Mandalay stopping at the famous 200-year-old teak U Bein bridge whilst greeting warm, friendly people. We visit the ancient city of Bagan and cycle amongst the pagodas, stupas, and temples dominating a river valley that once formed the centre of a great and deeply religious empire. The sunset view of Bagan's skyline is something you will truly never forget. On our way back through Yangon we visit the Shwedagon Paya, Burma’s holiest religious site, before heading to the airport for the flight home.

Due to the popularity of Burma as a destination we highly recommend booking early to guarantee your place on the tour. Bookings less than 30 days before departure run the risk of not being confirmed.

Receive a US$150 discount off any of Heritage Tour that departs between now and October 1 if you book by March 31. Just enter HERITAGE to receive your discount when booking. (This cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts)

Tour Cost	$1,950	Single Supplement	$295
Bike Hire	Is Included	Total Cycling Distance	272 km
Tour Grade	out of 5	Number of Days	7 days / 6 nights
Number of Cycling Days	4 full days, 1 half day	Tour Meets	Yangon
Tour Ends	Yangon	Countries Visited	Burma
Group Size	Minimum 2. Maximum16.	Minimum age on scheduled departures	18 years old

Day 1

We will pick you up at Yangon International Airport and transfer you to our meeting point. In the afternoon we fly to Mandalay and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2

As we make our way towards Mingun we stop at the famous 200-year-old teak U Bein bridge. Our route follows the Irrawaddy all the way and there'll be plenty of photos ops. In Mingun we'll visit the ruins of Pahtodawgyi and see the Mingun bell, which weighs 90 tons. After lunch a boat takes us downstream to Mandalay.

Day 3

Today we transfer about an hour to the small town of Myin-Mu and then start our ride to the non-touristy town of Monywa. This is a pleasant ride on a tarmac road with little traffic as we cycle through the Chindwin Valley. From Monywa we visit Po Win Taung Cave before transferring to our hotel.

Day 4

We start our day in Nyaung Pin Gyi. The scenery is varied and the road good and flat as we ride towards the Irrawaddy River and there are plenty of villages to stop at and opportunities to interact with locals. After lunch in Pakkoku we'll have a relaxing afternoon as we boat to Bagan.

Day 5

Bicycles are the perfect way to explore the temples of Bagan. We take a morning cycle around the Archaeological Zone before returning for a dip in the pool. The sunset, with views across the plains studded with chedis and temples is something you will never forget.

Day 6

Following the highway east, we transfer by bus up to Mt Popa. As you climb the almost 900 stairs to the top of Popa Taung Kalat you will pass dozens of nat (spirit) shrines and see pilgrims who come to honour the spirits. After your visit, begin biking downhill to Bagan through villages and quiet lanes.

Day 7

In the morning we transfer to Nyaung U airport and fly back to Yangon. On arrival we'll visit Bogyoke Aung San market before lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we visit Shwedagon Paya, Burma's holiest religious sight before heading to the airport for the flight home.

• Guides English was satisfactory. both the driver and guide where excellent, keen to serve. The snacks along the way were great. the heavy (curry) lunches got a little challenging. Guides were great and flexible, offering other food options.

  Mary Mohun - March 2012

• The tour in general was well done with very good support and the guides were also very good. This was my 6th Spice Roads tour that I have signed up for and will probably do another one this year. Thanks.

  Jeff Schwarck - March 2012

• The trip exceeded my expectiations in terms of scenery and the people we met. I have never seen so many beautifully gilded stupas, and I live in Thailand! I'm so glad my introduction to Myanmar was on a bicycle and not on a tour bus: it made the experience for me.

  Sara Weaver - January 2012