Trek over hills enjoying the crisp air, view spectacular lakes, and visit tribal villages to learn more about the local inhabitants in the far northern Shan State of Myanmar.
Duration: 7 Days
Grading:MODERATEMax Group Size: 10
Type:TAILOR-MADEPrices from: £390
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Tour Overview
The far northern Shan State of Myanmar sits in an area filled with a rolling landscape of green plateaus and jade lakes. The region is home to numerous ethnic groups who still practice a way of life that has been passed down for centuries. Come and meet them for yourself on a cycling and trekking adventure that will stay in your mind long after you return home.
On this Myanmar biking and trekking tour, you'll trek over hills enjoying the crisp air, view spectacular lakes, and visit tribal villages to learn more about the local inhabitants. You'll start your journey in Heho, from where you'll cycle to Kalaw, a former British Hill Station. The town is dotted with historic colonial houses and hemmed in by a cool pine forest, the ideal place to relax after a day of cycling.
Continue onward on foot as you take a four-day trek to the small town of Pindaya. Along the way, visit villages home to Danu, Palaung, Shan, and Pa-O people all of whom have been living on this land for generations. Learn about their remarkable lifestyle and cultures, and be charmed by friendly smiles and warm greetings of the local inhabitants.
From Pindaya, take a short drive to Nyaung Shwe, one of a handful of towns along the banks of the immense Inle Lake. The lake sustains Intha families, who live entirely on stilted villages, their crops grown on cleverly suspended floating gardens. Take in the scenes by boat tour, marveling at the leg-rowing fishermen and local craftsmen who specialize in weaving, silver crafting, and making the local cigars, called cheroots. The lake is also home to the stunning Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, and the amusing jumping cats monastery', where the monks have trained cats to perform a variety of unusual feats.
Join Exotissimo on this adventure, and get ready to be amazed by what the natural environs of Myanmar has to offer you.
The far northern Shan State of Myanmar sits in an area filled with a rolling landscape of green plateaus and jade lakes. The region is home to numerous ethnic groups who still practice a way of life that has been passed down for centuries.
Activities
The far northern Shan State of Myanmar sits in an area filled with a rolling landscape of green plateaus and jade lakes. The region is home to numerous ethnic groups who still practice a way of life that has been passed down for centuries. Come and meet them for yourself on a cycling and trekking adventure that will stay in your mind long after you return home.
You'll trek over hills enjoying the crisp air, view spectacular lakes, and visit tribal villages to learn more about the local inhabitants. You'll start your journey in Heho, from where you'll cycle to Kalaw, a former British Hill Station. The town is dotted with historic colonial houses and hemmed in by a cool pine forest, the ideal place to relax after a day of cycling.
Continue onward on foot as you take a four-day trek to the small town of Pindaya. Along the way, visit villages home to Danu, Palaung, Shan, and Pa-O people all of whom have been living on this land for generations. Learn about their remarkable lifestyle and cultures, and be charmed by friendly smiles and warm greetings of the local inhabitants.
From Pindaya, take a short drive to Nyaung Shwe, one of a handful of towns along the banks of the immense Inle Lake. The lake sustains Intha families, who live entirely on stilted villages, their crops grown on cleverly suspended floating gardens. Take in the scenes by boat tour, marveling at the leg-rowing fishermen and local craftsmen who specialize in weaving, silver crafting, and making the local cigars, called cheroots. The lake is also home to the stunning Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, and the amusing jumping cats monastery', where the monks have trained cats to perform a variety of unusual feats.
Join Exotissimo on this adventure, and get ready to be amazed by what the natural environs of Myanmar has to offer you.
Guiding and support
- English-speaking local guide for biking & trekking - Supporting van/bus (with space for bikes) during the biking trip - Porters throughout trekking trip
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Tour Highlights
Hiking that passes several traditional tribe villages in the far northern Shan State, from Kalaw to Pindaya - Scenic morning ride that brings you to the village of Nyaung Shwe, on the banks of the massive Inle Lake, Myanmar's second largest lake and home to the Intha people - Private boat tour through Inle Lake's floating gardens and villages.
Our Bike & Trek The Shan Hills Tour includes:
* 6 nights accommodation on half twin basis at selected hotel/ at local village monastery (mattress, bed sheets and blanket provided by Exo) * Meals as indicated in the program * Entrance fee for the visit mentioned in the program * All transfers and excursions with private air-conditioned vehicles * Supporting van/bus (with space for bikes) during the biking trip * English-speaking local guide for biking & trekking * Private boat for visits on Inle Lake * Bike rental * Porters throughout trekking trip
Itinerary
Day 1 | Heho to Kalaw Cycling
After arriving at the Heho Airport you will cycle to the former British hill station of Kalaw. Stop on the way to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Upon reaching your destination you can explore the surrounding pine forests and colonial houses while inhaling the cool mountain air.
Overnight at Dream Villa, Kalaw.
(L,D)
Day 2 | Kalaw to Pindaya Trekking
Today you will start your trekking in the direction of Pindaya, hiking past several traditional villages of the Palaung tribe. They are thought to be the earliest inhabitants of Myanmar, and they still live a very traditional lifestyle. You will learn about the seasonal crops they grow, which include the leaves used to produce the ubiquitous cheroots. Early arriving arrive a local monastery where you will enjoy dinner and a welcomed chance to relax.
Overnight at village monastery.
(B,L,D)
Day 3 | Trekking the Pindaya Highlands
The trek to Pindaya continues with several stops at different tribal villages, such as Danu and Pa-o. You will get a fascinating introduction into their culture, as you learn about their ancestral customs. A boxed lunch will be enjoyed at one of the villages on the way.
Overnight at a village monastery or local homestay.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 | Trekking the Pindaya Highlands
Arise to the cool mountain air and enjoy breakfast before setting out on a full day of trekking. Along the way you will be exposed to the spectacular natural scenery of the surrounding mountains. Stop by several villages, enjoying the sight of women in colorful ethnic clothing and experiencing more of their rural way of life.
Overnight in a village monastery or local homestay.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 | Trekking to Pindaya
We head onwards early in the morning, passing traditional villages along the way. After lunch, complete the final downhill descent to Pindaya, a quiet town on the banks of the serene Botoloke Lake. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and dinner.
Overnight at Golden Cave Hotel, Pindaya.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 | Pindaya to Inle Cycling
A scenic morning ride brings you to the village of Nyaung Shwe, on the banks of the massive Inle Lake. This massive lake is Myanmar's second largest and home to the Intha people. The Intha's have lived for years in stilted villages upon the lake, and make their livelihood fishing and growing crops on unique floating gardens. The lake is set in beautiful surrounds, with the mountains providing a beautiful backdrop to the colossal body of water.
Overnight at Paradise Nyaung Shwe Hotel, Nyaung Shwe
(B,L,D)
Day 7 | Depart Inle
On the final day of your trip you tour the lake by private boat. Admire the floating gardens, wind through stilted villages, watch the famed leg-rowing fishermen of the lake and enjoy a delicious Shan lunch whilst overlooking the tranquil waters. In the afternoon visit the Phaung Daw Oo pagoda, a local weaving village and a teak monastery where the monk's have trained resident cat's to jump through hoops. Upon returning to Nyaung Shwe from your day on the water, your journey with Exotissimo will draw to an end.
Our Trusted Partner's Responsible and Sustainable Travel Policy
As guests to this region, we all have a responsibility to protect Southeast Asia’s unique natural and cultural heritage. We must all find ways to minimize and eliminate the damage done to this beautiful part of the world.
We work with local charities to support community development. As part of our long-term commitment to this region, we have listed some simple things you can do to have an enjoyable trip while still preserving the area for generations.
About our Trusted Partner
Exotissimo Travel was established in 1993 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We were the first foreign company to be granted a tourism operating license in Vietnam. We are now one of the longest established inbound tour operators in Indochina, Myanmar and Thailand and one of the best known. Today we have 14 offices and over 380 full-time staff working from our destination based offices in Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. We have the expertise and connections to create your perfect trip at the best possible price in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
Kalaw Trek, Myanmar : Bike and Trek the Shan Hills at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Kalaw Trek, Myanmar
Kalaw Trek, Myanmar : Bike and Trek the Shan Hills at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Kalaw Trek, Myanmar
People at Kalaw, Shan State, Myanmar : Bike and Trek the Shan Hills at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
People at Kalaw, Shan State, Myanmar
Kid playing with buffalo, Kalaw, Shan State, Myanmar : Bike and Trek the Shan Hills at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Kid playing with buffalo, Kalaw, Shan State, Myanmar
Ox cart near Pindaya, Myanmar : Bike and Trek the Shan Hills at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Ox cart near Pindaya, Myanmar
Inle Lake floating village, Myanmar : Bike and Trek the Shan Hills at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
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