Cycle Burma (Myanmar)

The day has arrived and it’s finally time for the long-awaited departure to Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Meet the rest of your team and the Charity Challenge representative get ready for your adventure.

After breakfast transfer to the start point for about 3 hours where your cycling challenge begins. The transfer will take you out of the city to avoid the busy traffic.  Start the cycle on the paved road to Monywa for approx 28km as your first leg; en-route they will be time to stop and visit the Hindu-style Thanbodday Temple and Boditahtaung Pagoda.
After lunch at a local restaurant in Monywa, cross the Chindwin River by boat and continue cycling to Pho Win Taung Cave famous for its carving and mural paintings dated between the 14th and 18th centuries for another 22 km; passing through several small farms and villages where you will have a glimpse of the Burmese way of life. After visiting the cave, return to Monywa by car or option to ride 32 km more to the jetty by riding on different dirt trail. 

This morning rise early for breakfast and then depart for your cycle from your hotel on a mix of back roads and tar roads to Mt Popa and Taung Kalat, a volcanic standing 1518 metres high. Today’s cycle will involve a climb up to Mt Popa on the bike, but you will be rewarded by the incredible views.

Mt Popa has played an important role in Myanmar culture, religion and history since earliest times. Its shrine, located at the top of Taung Kalat, is dedicated to the worship of the 37 Nats, the Burmese ancient animist spirits. Learn about Nats and Nat-worship as you climb the 770 stairs to the top of the tower with your local guide. This will allow you to see impressive views over the Myingyan Plain from the top of the volcanic peak. After the hike, you will transfer on to Meiktila.

Today make your way to Inle Lake starting with a great downhill ride to Aungban before hitting the off-road into the hills. There is a stretch of rolling hills then climbs down to Indein when you see Inle Lake. On the way, pass through small villages, its huge monasteries. Reach Indein at the noon time. Lunch at local restaurant in Indein.
Indein is a Pa-Oh village which is known for its stupa-covered hill at Alaung Sitthu. Spend time exploring Indein on foot, making your way to the top of Alaung Sitthou where you can wander amid the weather-beaten stupas and enjoy magnificent views of the lake below. Proceed cycling to Nyaung Shwe along the western shore of Inle Lake with a stop at Kaung Dhine village and arriving at Nyaung Shwein the later afternoon.  Nyaung Shwein is located north of Inle Lake, one of Asia’s most beautiful inland waters.

Fly from Heho to Yangon for the final day of the trip. As the hard work is over we indulge in a sightseeing tour of the city, taking in the Shwedagon Pagoda, the country’s most revered Buddhist temple. Built more than 2,500 years ago, this massive temple complex offers breath-taking views and the perfect finale before we transfer to the airport for the flight home.