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THE ROAD FROM MANDALAY
TRIP PROFILE
The country
formerly known as Burma, straddles two of Asia's great rivers as
well as the mountainous foothills of the Himalayas. It is the gateway
to Southeast Asia and the diversity of its people, culture, and
topography combined with a rich history make it one of the most
fascinating and beautiful countries in the region. Political problems
and divisions within the country have ensured that Myanmar has missed
out on the economic booms experienced by some of its neighbours,
and it remains a rural, undeveloped nation.
Our trip takes us from Kipling's Mandalay on the imperious Irrawaddy
River, into the mountains of the Shan States and the wondrous Inle
Lake, before flying back to the capital, Rangoon.
On the way we visit the ancient city of Bagan and cycle amongst
the thousands of pagodas, stupas, and temples that dominate a river
valley which was once the centre of a great and deeply religious
empire.
We stay in some beautiful colonial and teak hotels in the historic
cities of Mandalay, Bagan, and Rangoon.
Riding through the countryside, we will be greeted by a warm and
friendly people, who have had little contact with foreigners. In
the mountains we will encounter a variety of tribal people, as well
as enjoying the splendid colonial charm of Kalaw, where the officers
of the Raj escaped the heat of the Burmese summer.
In fact the variety of people, historic sights, and scenery make
this one of the most continually interesting tours I've ever been
on.
This is a touring trip for mountain bikers and road cyclists. We
will ride point to point through central Myanmar, covering between
600 and 700 kilometres on country lanes which are rarely busy.
We cycle on eight full days covering between 60 and 100-kilometres
a day, and there are some optional rest days. The roads, apart from
two days when they are narrow and potholed, are in reasonable repair.
The first few days riding are in the flat Irrawaddy basin and cut
through quiet backroads between rice fields, temples, and scenic
countryside. Passing through many small villages, you will find
the people curious, friendly and polite. We will share the road
with ox carts, other cyclists, and excited children.
The second phase of the tour takes us east into mountainous Shan
State. There will be a few climbs as we visit the British hill station
of Kalaw, and cycle up onto the Shan plateau, home to a multitude
of tribal people, before we reach magnificent Inle Lake.
The trip is fully supported and an air-conditioned bus will follow
us for the entire journey. As we ride along major arteries riders
can find their own pace and met up at prearranged points along the
way.
The range of surfaces and incredible variety of rides on this tour
will ensure that every kind of cyclist is satisfied, whilst the
first-class support and bewildering range of sights to see along
the way mean it is also popular with inexperienced and non-riders.
HIGHLIGHTS
The history
and culture of Mandalay, and the temples and archaeological sites
of Bagan.
The comfort
and service of colonial hotels, and an air-conditioned support bus.
The tribal
people and hills of the Shan State and Inle Lake.
ITINERARY
DAY
1: Mid-day departure with Thai International
Airways from London, Heathrow.
DAY
2: Arrive/meet in Rangoon (We can organise flights from Bangkok
- please ask for prices). Transfer to airport for flight to Mandalay.
DAY 3: Morning free for sightseeing. Afternoon ride to Sagaing
and back. Overnight Mandalay.
DAY 4: Cycle to Myittha.
DAY 5: Cycle to Myingyan.
DAY 6: Cycle to Bagan.
DAY 7: Tour the temples of Bagan archaeological park by bike.
Overnight Bagan.
DAY 8: Cycle to Kyaukpadaung.
DAY 9: Cycle to Meiktila.
DAY 10: Cycle to Kalaw.
DAY 11: Cycle to Pindaya.
DAY 12: Cycle to Inle Lake. Stay in Nyaungshwe.
DAY 13: Morning boat tour of Inle Lake. Afternoon flight
from Heho to Rangoon.
DAY 14: Day free for sightseeing. Overnight Rangoon.
DAY 15: Morning free for shopping. Afternoon transfer to
Airport for flight to Bangkok and onward flight.
DAY 16: Arrive London/Heathrow.
Click
here for further details: Escorted Group Cycle Tour Dossier. BCT14
INCLUDED
IN THE PRICE
Economy class
return flights with Thai International airlines (will be booked
separately, see main box).
UK Air Passenger
Duty Tax
Accommodation
as specified (tax and service charges are also included as is breakfast)
Services of
a Western tour leader throughout
Local guide
throughout
Private air-conditioned vehicles in each location
Private (group) transfers to and from airports
and train stations
Entrance fees to museums, etc., permits, etc.
Breakfasts, Lunch & Dinners
The services of our local staff in Burma
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Items of a
personal nature such as laundry, drinks, tips, etc.
Visas
Airport transfers
on arrival and departure if you are not arriving on our standard
flights (supplement payable).
Bicycle Hire
Helmet or equipment.
Airport taxes
payable locally on each departure
ACCOMMODATION. We use a wide range of accommodation for this
trip, ranging from four-start comfort to very basic. You can be
sure we spend a great deal of time making sure you get the best
possible hotel or guest house for your money. In Rangoon we use
a four star hotel: all rooms have a/c, fridge, room service; there
is an excellent swimming pool and the service is first class (if
expensive). In Mandalay we use a four-star hotel: a/c, fridge, pool
and of course, Kipling's Bar. In Bagan, Nyaungshwe, Kalaw, Meiktila,
and Pindaya we use three-star hotels with a/c and hot water. In
Myingyan and Kyauk Padang we stay in guesthouses with mosquito nets
and fan. In Myittha we stay in a monastery: dormitory room with
mosquito nets and sleeping bags provided.
GROUP, STAFF
& SUPPORT. The group size will be between 6 and 15. All
groups will be accompanied by an experienced English guide, plus
a Cambodian guide and where applicable a local driver. All your
luggage and personal belongings will be carried by the support vehicle.
FOOD.
Most meals on this trip are included. In Bagan and Mandalay the
itinerary is flexible so you will need to find your own lunch. Otherwise
we will be eating some great Burman or Chinese food. Burma's cuisine
is very under rated and really is excellent. In the large towns
you will find a wide variety of food, both western and Burmese style.
We will eat Barmar style, which is a blend of Indian and Chinese,
and there is also a healthy similarity to Thai cuisine, especially
in Shan State. We always make sure there is a lot of food on the
table and individual preferences will be taken into account when
ordering. But rest assured, you will never be hungry on this tour.
There are also opportunities to buy snacks and try some local favourites
as we ride past plenty roadside stalls where noodles and snacks
(extra fuel) can be bought cheaply. Beer is freely available everywhere
in Burma and is quite good and pretty cheap, so you can be sure
there will be plenty of cold 'uns ready for thirsty cyclists.
EXTRA EXPENSES.
There are fees for almost everything in Myanmar. The tour price
includes the zone fees for each state we visit, but not for individual
temples and pagodas. In Bagan, Mandalay, and Rangoon there will
be charges for each place you visit, ranging from $1 to $10. Allow
approximately $20-$30 for entrance fees.
DEPARTURE
DATES AND PRICES
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2007
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Duration
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Price
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Flight ex London
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| 23rd
Sept - 8th Oct |
16
days |
£955.00 |
£645.00
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For currency
conversions, click here: XE.com
Personal Currency Assistant
Single supplement
£135.00
Bike Hire £135.00
We will arrange
twin share accommodation for single travellers, the supplement is
for those requesting for their own rooms.
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