Myanmar Remote&Cultural Expedition

It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure. ‘This is Burma', wrote Rudyard Kipling. ‘It will be quite unlike any land you know about.’ Amazingly, over a century later, Myanmar retains the power to surprise and delight even the most jaded of travellers. Be dazzled by the 'winking wonder' of Shwedagon Paya. Contemplate the 4000 sacred stupas scattered across the plains of Bagan. We will immerse in the local culture by visiting temples, remote villages, multiple ethnic groups, and town marketplaces and deeply understand the culture.

Myanmar Expedition 12 Days/ 11 Night Day 1 Arrive in Yangon – 11th Feb Meet our guide and photographer at Yangon airport and then transfer to your hotel for check-in. Head to Chauk Htat Gyi or high six layers statue of reclining Buddha image, one of the large pictures of the region. Then start your first photo shoots at Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the wonders of the world and it never fails to enchant visitors. This hundred- meter-high-dome shaped structure covered with hundreds of gold plates. According to legend, it was built 2600 year ago by enshrining eight strands of hair relic of Buddha. It is believed to be one of the earliest pagodas of the Gautama Buddha Era. Wander around china town, the busiest quarters in the city, to see how the oversea Chinese community made their living and to try some popular Chinese foods. Stay overnight in Yangon. (D) Day 2 Yangon- Bagan ( by flight) - 12th Feb In the early morning, transfer to Yangon airport for your domestic flight to Bagan. Arriving there, visit Nyaung Oo market where you can see daily activities of locals. Then drive to Shwezigon, the most outstanding stupa in Bagan. This high spire was the combined merit of King Anawrahta, and King Kyansittha built in the early 11th century. Continue to beautiful Ananda temple completed in 1090 to see the most significant achievement in the earlier style of Myanmar temple architecture. Then admire the beauty of Thatbyinyu, the highest temple in Bagan plain, before Lunch. Visit one of the monasteries to take the pictures of novices. In the afternoon, visit Manuha Paya temple with large Buddha images housed at small niches.Next, go to Dhamayangyi, the most massive temple noted for its beautiful brickwork. Watch the sunset at one of the artificial hills in Bagan. Stay overnight in Bagan. ( B/L/D)

Day 3 Bagan Balloon flight – Mindat - 13th Feb

In the early morning, get picked up from hotel for Hot-air balloon ride over Bagan. You will have many opportunities for an aerial shoot over temples. For those who do not want to join Balloon flight will have many opportunities for taking Bagan temples at Sunrise. At 10:30, after check out from the hotel, drive to Mindat, a town in Chin State by passing through hilly road via Pakkukku. (4-5 hours’ drive). On arrival in Midat, check-in at Hotel Mindat. Then take a street photo of the town. Stay overnight in Mindat. ( B/L/D)

Day 4 Photo session – soft trekking around Mindat - 14th Feb After breakfast, go to chin ethnic museum where the community leader will organize photo sessions with different chin ethnic group. Then trek to the nearby Chin villages. Stay overnight at hotel in Mindat. ( B/L/D) Day 5 Mindat – Sagaing –Mingun- Mandalay - 15th Feb After checkout, drive to Mandalay (4-5 hour drive). On the way,stop in Sagaing and visit Kaungmudaw and then continue to Sagaing hill to see Soon Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda located in the second highest hill of Sagaing and U Min Thone Hse Pagoda with 30 crescent-shaped caves. Sagaing mountain range includes 37 cliffs along the bank of Ayeyarwady River. This place has reputed as a mountain retreat for monks and nuns. Then continue driving to Mingun along the narrow road on the bank of Ayeyarwady River. Mingun situates on the western bank of the Ayeyarwady River and famous for its gigantic human-made structures: Pathodawgyi, the considerable lion status, and the big bell. Visit Patowdawgyi, an unfinished colossal stupa built-in 1790. There are two substantial lion statues made of concrete at its entrance. Both severely damaged due to the earthquake in 1839. After a few minutes’ walks to the north, you will see another gigantic monument, the large Mingun bell. It has a weight of 90 tons and the second most massive bell in the world. Go to Mya Thein Dan pagoda with distinctive architectural style. Schoolgirls and kids will join us for your photo. Take a short boat ride to Mandalay where your coach is waiting for you for hotel transfer. Check-in and stay overnight at your hotel in Mandalay. ( B/L/D) Day 6 Mandalay- Amarapura- Inwa- Mandalay - 16th Feb In the morning, drive to Amarapura or Taung Myo situated 11 Km to the south of Mandalay. It was a royal city twice in 1783 and 1841. Take a short walk across the famous U Peins Bridge at Taungthaman Lake. U Peins Bridge is the longest wooden bridge in Myanmar and built in the year 1849. The supply of wood for the bridge came from the former old palace of Inwa. You can take a photo of fishers catching the fish on the lake. Watch the procession of monks for their Lunch at Maha Gandha Yon monastery, one of the teaching monasteries largest in Mandalay. Then head to the pier of Inwa, and then take a short ferry ride to reach the old city and then explore Inwa by the horse carts to see the monuments, ancient ruins and small communities living around the palace. You will see Bagaya wooden monastery supported by 267 teak pillars. It was the merit of King Bagyidaw and was built in 1834. Next to Nanmyint Palace tower built in 1822 and leaned by an earthquake in 1839. Visit Mae Nu Oak Kaung (brick monastery), donated to Sayadaw U Boak who is the most educated monk in Inwa era. Return to Mandalay city to visit Shwe kyaung and Kuthodaw. Watch the sunset at Mandalay hill. Stay overnight in Mandalay. ( B/L/D) Day 7 Mandalay- Heho - 17th Feb After checking out from your hotel, leave for Mandalay airport for the plane to Heho.(about one hour).On arrival at Heho airport, drive to Loikaw. Visit Taung Kwe Mountain, an iconic landmark of Kayar State. Stay overnight your hotel in Loikaw. ( B/L/D)

Day 8 Loikaw - 18th Feb These cultural tours offer you fascinating, fun insights into local life and culture in Pan Pet, an ethnic Kayan community. The brass rings worn by some Kayan ladies in this ethnic community have become an iconic symbol of Myanmar, and South East Asia tribal culture. After driving for 45 minutes, you will arrive in Pemasong village and welcomed by their local community guide. Then start the soft trekking (for approximately two hours) to the beautiful views of the hill. As you climb the mountain, the guide will make some stops to explain critical cultural sites. These include a monument which honors the village clan, and animist bird totem, and a guardian spirit cave. Continue your trekking to Salong Kana hamlet before artisans' trail in this village, stop for Lunch at one of the local houses. Next, visit traditional Kayan homes. You can see artisans making Kayan bracelets, weaving traditional textiles, carving wooden statues and weaving bamboo and other handworks. Stay overnight in Loikaw. ( B/L/D) Day 9 Loikaw- Nyaung Shwe - 19th Feb In the morning, leave for Nyaung Shwe and then check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon, begin a photo session on Inle lake with fishers. Stay overnight in Nyaung Shwe. ( B/L/D) Day 10 Inle lake – Yangon - 20th Feb After having breakfast, start morning photo session on Inle Lake with fishers again. Then start your boat tour by visiting at a local market where a variety of local agricultural products and foodstuff are available. The boat will take you a beautiful temple of Indein, located on the hill overlooking famous Inle Lake. Continue to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda to see five Buddha images heavily covered with gold foils in daily devotion. The photos look like golden balls rather than Buddha images. It is the primary pilgrimage site of locals in Inle Lake. After having Lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to the old Nga Pe Chaung Wooden Monastery to see magnificent and ancient wood carvings of religious artifacts inside it. Those who are interested in traditional handicrafts can visit cottage workshops in such as silversmith, boat making and silk and lotus fiber weaving workshops. On the way back to the hotel, visit the small human-made floating islands where Inthar people grow tomato, onion, and gourd and seasonal flowers. Stay overnight at your hotel in Nyaugshwe ( B/L/D) Day 11 Heho- Yangon - 21th Feb Check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your trip to Yangon. Go to Bogyoke market (also known as Scott market). It is one of the oldest bazaar dominated by jewelry shops, antique, some handicrafts and clothing shops. It closes on Monday and public holidays. Then drive to Kandaw Gyi Park and take a short walk around Kandawgyi Lake where you can enjoy the beautiful view of Shwe Dagon pagoda. ( B/L/D) Day 12 Yangon Departure - 22th Feb In the morning, transfer to Yangon airport for your international flight.

Note: You are going to travel in remote areas where sometimes the arrangement/logistic can slightly change due to weather condition Expeditions tot fees for 12Days/11Night Myanmar Expedition 4310 usd pp

Cost Includes: Accommodation for 11 nights with breakfasts (4-star hotels at Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Nyaung Shwe, and 3-star Hotels at Mindat and Loikaw) Three domestic flight tickets (Yangon-Bagan/ Mandalay-Heho/Heho-Yangon) All sightseeing and transfer with a private AC car (18/24 seater) Full board (10* Lunch, 11* Dinner) Bottled waters and towels All entrance tickets and Zone fee and camera fee Hot-air balloon flight over Bagan Tickets Boat trip from Mingun to Mandalay Sunrise boat ride near U Bein Bridge Ferry boat ticket at Inwa Boat trip in Inle Lake Horse cart ride at old Inwa city Expenses for local models and small donations Tour guide Porter Fees Price Excludes: Myanmar Visa fee International air tickets Any Beverages unless specified Personal expenses and Insurances Medical expenses Gratitude to Local guides, drivers and porters Any service not mentioned above itinerary To bring: This is a suggested packing list, which you should feel free to adjust to suit your needs.

• Backpack or soft bag / dowel bag for luggage • Day pack • Head lamp/flashlight • Spare batteries/bulb • Personal medications • Waterproof jacket with hood • Waterproof overpants • Long sleeve shirts • Lightweight trousers • Shorts • Sun hat • Sandals • Sun glasses • Sun cream • Resealing (ziploc) plastic bags • Binoculars/camera ( unless otherwise)

Deposit and Final Payment A deposit is required at time of booking. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellation

• On cancellations more than 120 days prior to departure, all monies are refunded less a $350 administrative fee and less any monies spent on the participants behalf, such as airline tickets, etc.

• Less than 120 but at least 90 days prior, total deposit amount is forfeited. • Less than 90 but at least 75 days prior, 50% of trip price is forfeited. • Less than 75 days prior to departure, 100% is forfeited.

Notification by phone or email is acceptable, but please follow with written notice. In the unlikely event we have to cancel a tour, a full refund will be given. If RemotExpeditions ltd is forced to change or cancel a trip after it has started because of events and situations outside his control - “force majeure” - no compensation will be paid. Force majeure includes, but is not limited to war or threat of war, terrorist activity, strike, natural disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, epidemics and health risks. In case of cancellation of the planned trip due to force majeure, RemotExpeditions ltd will make every effort to provide clients with a similar alternative itinerary but do not guarantee it. Upon cancellation by RemotExpeditions ltd for any reasons other than force majeure, like not reached the min participant (4 participants) in the expeditions, 100% compensation will be paid. In case of shortening of a trip that has already begun by RemotExpeditions ltd for any reasons other than force majeure, 100% compensation will be paid for every lost day of the trip. Responsibility Remotexpeditions ltd and their agents act only in the capacity as agents in all matters pertaining to hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours, and transportation, and are not responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or injury to person or property resulting from a defect in any vehicle, or the actions of any persons who provide services for this tour or for the action or inaction of any third party. Baggage is at the owner’s risk entirely. The tour operator reserves the right to withdraw the tour at any time, to decline any person as a member of the tour for any cause at any time. All prices are based on current rates of exchange and, while every effort will be made to hold them firm, they are subject to change. All participants are required to submit a signed Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability form prior to the tour’s departure. See Terms and Conditions in the Expeditions page.

Insurance and medical

Insurance Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all expeditions. You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a remote expedition and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy. Check-list. Please ensure that you check your insurance policy details and ensure they cover you for:

Emergency medical repatriation (to home country) including any associated expenses abroad of at least $500,000. Activities – ensure that any activities carried out on the expedition are included, these could be trekking, horse riding, rafting, mountain biking etc. Geographical region - check the geographical region you are going to is insured (often the US and Canada or areas such as Afghanistan are not insured). Foreign Ministry advice –check your insurance is not sensitive to any travel warnings issued by your respective foreign ministry. Dates – make sure the period of cover begins at the departure and ends at the return to your home country. Many flights take a day or two and time zones vary. Insurance companies may prejudice your claims due to this.

Pre-existing medical conditions – if you have any pre-existing medical conditions please ensure you disclose this to your insurance company. We also need to know the insurance company you are travelling with, their 24hr emergency number and your policy number. These details must be sent to info@remotexpeditions.com prior to travel. We are not able to comment on whether your cover is suitable for this expedition, if you have any doubts, please contact your insurance company for clarification. Vaccinations. Please seek advice from your health professional. Recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid and Diphtheria.

Risk Management

Risk Management. Expeditions are inherently risky affairs; this is part of the appeal for participants. We do not make expeditions safe, as by definition that is impossible. We do construct and implement a risk management approach to reduce risk to what we perceive as a tolerable level. In doing so we: Risk Assess. Conduct a thorough risk assessment of potential hazards and threats that may be encountered on the expedition and provide recommendations to reduce the likelihood of harm occurring and reduce the severity if it does occur. Safety Plan. As part of our expedition plan, we detail actions to be taken to implement and resource the recommendations of the risk assessment.

Deliver. The expedition leader is responsible for dynamic risk management on the expedition itself. Incident management and medical. You MUST be aware that on this expedition you will be in a wilderness environment and any medical evacuation will take a long time (potentially over 24 hours) and may require wilderness extraction techniques. In-country search and rescue and emergency services are very basic or non-existent and the expedition will rely on internal resources for medical evacuation. Informed consent. It is your responsibility to understand the risks associated with adventure travel in remote areas. You also must understand that medical evacuation will take an extended period of time. By joining this expedition, you accept the risks associated with the venture. You are voluntarily participating on a adventure with RemotExpeditions, with the knowledge of the risks and dangers involved. You agree that I will not sue, or otherwise make any claim against RemotExpeditions or it employees, agents, and contractors, for any loss, injury or damage resulting from participation in this photographic adventure. You freely and voluntarily assume all risks of injuries and damages and notwithstanding such risks You agree to participate in the adventure. You are aware that by agreeing to this agreement You are waiving certain legal rights, including the right to sue. You agree of my own free will. If you require any more information on specific risk management for this expedition, please get in touch with us.

info@remotexpeditions.com