Description

The Golden Land
One of the world's most colorful and exotic countries, Burma has been a favorite destination of Rustic Pathways travelers for the past eight years. Recent advances in the country's air travel and infrastructure now allow us to offer an exhilarating one-week snapshot of this magical country. Whether you've never been to Southeast Asia or are a seasoned student traveler, you will find something unforgettable in this land of colorful Hill Tribe people, fascinating cultural traditions, and some of the most startling beauty in all of Asia. We invite you to join us in Burma for a journey through the Golden Land that promises something new and unexpected.

Shwedagon and New Burmese Friends
Yangon, Burma's capital and largest city is the jumping-off point for the trip. After an orientation to the country at your beautiful, five-star colonial-era hotel, you will head out for your first taste of Burmese food, shopping at a lively local market, and a chance to get to know your fantastic and friendly new Burmese staff.

No trip to Yangon would be complete without a visit to Burma's most defining monument, the three-hundred-foot-tall Shwedagon Pagoda. A shimmering golden shrine in the middle of the city, the pagoda is the most sacred place in Burma and one of the holiest sites in the Buddhist world. All Burmese people hope to make the pilgrimage here at least once in their lifetime why not start the trip off on the right path?

Burma's Ancient Heartland
A one-hour flight north will bring you to Bagan, where a beautiful resort situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River will be your home base as you explore the region. Bagan is home to over 1,200 ancient temples, and your trip here will begin with a sunset picnic on top of one of these 1,000-year-old shrines. Then take a trip into the Burmese countryside, stopping along the way to make friends with buffaloes, taste fresh palm sugar and Burmese sweet tea, and barter for local crafts.

A visit to nearby Mount Popa will introduce you to another side of Burmese spiritual belief the mischievous and playful nats. Pay respect to these powerful local spirits before climbing the winding staircase to the peak of Mount Popa. Watch out for the mountain's many monkeys as you make your way up and marvel at the stunning view of the region that will greet you at the top.

After a full day immersed in the sights of Bagan, take a late afternoon cruise across the Irrawaddy River to the island home of Tuna one of our Burmese staff members. Play soccer with the local kids, meet Tuna's friends and family, and share in a traditional (and delicious!) Burmese meal before heading back to the hotel for an evening of swimming and hanging out with new friends.

Monks and Mountains
A 30-minute flight north will bring you to Mandalay. Here you will watch in wonder as more than 1,300 monks eat their one daily meal in silence, walk across the world's longest teak bridge, barter for bracelets and charms with lively local vendors, and share a cold drink with the family of one of our local staff members. Then return to the beautiful Mandalay Hill Resort where a swimming party and a Thai banquet will cap off an exciting day.

From Mandalay, you will travel north to the charming town of Pyin Oo Lwin. Groove into local life in this cool mountain town as you chat with monks, check out Burma's national gardens, and explore local markets. You will also be part of a very special ceremony at a small monastery that the Chairman of Rustic Pathways supports.

The Life Aquatic
Your last two days will be spent at Inle Lake, one of Burma's most unforgettable places. Imagine a watery world where gardens float on serene water, houses are built on stilts right above the lake, and everyone moves by boat. Nestled in a valley at the edge of the Shan Hills, the lake is miles long and life here exists entirely on the water. Watch in wonder as men row vegetable-laden boats with one foot, visit the jumping-cats monastery, hunt for treasures at Hill Tribe markets, and immerse yourself in life on this stunning waterway. Home to Intha, Pa-Oh, Shan, Kayah, and Taung Yo people, Inle Lake will offer a fascinating window on Burma's great cultural diversity and the traditional life of its many Hill Tribe people.

Great Connections
There are direct flights from most of our Southeast Asia program locations directly to Yangon. And new nonstop jet service from Chiang Mai to Yangon makes it especially easy to connect from Amazing Thailand, the Elephant Conservation Project, and the Hill Tribe Orphanage directly to Amazing Burma. Combine this program with Amazing Thailand and experience a wonderful two-week adventure in two of Asia's most spectacular destinations.

Highlights

JOIN US for a once-in-a-lifetime, awe-inspiring adventure in one of Southeast Asia's most fascinating and culturally diverse nations!

EXPERIENCE a country that few people ever visit and go home with a deep understanding of this beautiful corner of the world.

WATCH in wonder as 1,300 monks eat their one daily meal in silence, walk across the longest teak bridge in the world, and barter for local crafts with the animated vendors of Mandalay.

DRIFT through life as you explore the floating villages, magical mountains, and fascinating Hill Tribe markets of Inle Lake.

MARVEL at Shwedagon Pagoda, a 321-foot-tall golden shrine that is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Burma.

EXPLORE a surreal landscape dotted by thousands of ancient temples in Bagan, Burma's historic heart.

Travel Types

• Overland Tours
• Student Tours
• Tours

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Student Tours

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,495 USD + 490 USD Internal Airfare + International Air

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983