TRAVELS EXPLORING MYANMAR: THE LAND OF THE GOLDEN PAGOGA FEBRUARY 22-MARCH 7, 2013 Myanmar, often referred to as Burma, has a long way to go in terms of reforms, yet the progress it has made over the past few years has been surprising. Now is an interesting and exciting time to visit. Even with the recent developments, it seems as though you have stepped back 30 years in time. A treasure trove of cultural wonders undiscovered by the tour-bus crowd awaits exploration. Tribes nearly untouched by outside influence populate the hills, stunning empty beaches lie in anticipation of discovery, and the tinkling of temple bells evokes the ambiance of an earlier age. Indeed, you may hardly believe that such a world exists outside the works of Kipling. Your journey begins in Yangon (Rangoon), a city that has retained the grit, charm, and splendor of old Asia and is the site of the fabulous golden Shwedagon Pagoda. You ll stay in a splendid hotel, enjoying the wonderful style and service reminiscent of the days of the Raj. Next, fly to the ancient capital of Pagan now known as Bagan. Today, after a thousand years, numerous earthquakes and the depredations of Kublai Khan, what remains still boggles the mind. Then up the Irrawaddy River a lazy, fascinating journey by chartered riverboat reserved exclusively for the Harvard Alumni Association to Mandalay, Burma s last royal capital and now the country s cultural and spiritual epicenter. There are many fine temples and interesting crafts in the country s cultural center, Mandalay, and in nearby Amarapura and Sagaing, two former capitals. Finally, visit the Shan Hills, hiking to remote villages populated by Pa-O and Danu tribal people, and spend a dreamy day on Inle Lake, boating to thefloating gardens, and a weaving village on stilts. For this trip we are working directly with private guides and privately owned hotels and restaurants as opposed to government-run agencies. This grassroots approach results in an insightful, authentic connection to Myanmar s people and places, and its economics directly benefits locals. STUDY LEADER: To be announced GROUP SIZE: 14-28 guests (Harvard exclusive) PRICING: $7,595 DOUBLE / $9,490 SINGLE
SCHEDULE BY DAY B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, R=Reception FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 DEPART FROM U.S. TO YANGON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 EN ROUTE TO YANGON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 ARRIVALS / YANGON Meals Provided: L D On arrival in Yangon this morning turn your watches back 30 minutes (from Bangkok), or is it 60 years! After clearing Immigration and Customs formalities transfer to your centrally located luxury hotel for check-in. You will have a few hours to rest and relax before reconvening for lunch followed by an afternoon orientation tour of the former Burmese capital. Start your tour with a visit to Yangon's Reclining Buddha, one of the largest in the World followed by a visit to Scott (Bogyoke) Market, the city's busiest and most colorful bazaar. It gives a wonderful feel for the daily life of Yangon's citizens, and offers a huge variety of everyday items and souvenirs, such as lacquer ware, gems, gold and gold leaf, textiles, and marionettes. Spend the late afternoon and sunset hours at the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda. This glistening golden pagoda, which stands over 350 feet tall, is the most revered shrine in the country and is a site that all Burmese Buddhists aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime. This elegant property enjoys a splendid location, overlooking tranquil gardens, a beautiful lake, and the fabulous Shwedagon Pagoda. It is a sanctuary in traditional style that excites the senses and soothes the soul. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25 YANGON Start with a walk around Yangon's shaded, tree-lined streets, which were laid out by the British in the typical colonial grid pattern. Explore the downtown's frenetic markets and fading colonial buildings aboard a trishaw or on foot. Pass Buddhist pagodas, Hindu shrines, Chinese temples, Islamic mosques, Anglican cathedrals, and a Jewish synagogue. Late this morning visit the Kalaywa Tawya Monastery where over 1,300 monks and novices reside. Witness the monks gathering to partake in the midday meal which is the last of the day. After lunch on your own, visit the National Museum, housing interesting exhibits on Burmese history, culture and ethnic groups. Of great interest in the museum is the glittering Lion Throne of King Thibaw, an extraordinary work of art, which stands over twenty feet tall and is covered with carvings depicting scenes from Burmese mythology. Late this afternoon enjoy a private music recital at the Gitameit Music Center. In Pali and Burmese gita means music, and meit means friendship. Gitameit Music Center was started in 2003 by pianist Kit Young and colleagues from Myanmar in order to build a supportive community of musicians and audiences locally, and to encourage sustained, meaningful contact with international institutions, teachers and performers. Gitameit Music Center is a nonprofit community center and music school in downtown Yangon devoted to music teaching and nurturing, performing, offering exchange possibilities for Burmese students to study abroad, and inviting international artists and teachers for performances and workshops in Yangon.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 YANGON / BAGAN Early this morning take a quick breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight to Bagan. Fly Yangon to Bagan on Air Mandalay 6T 401, departing 06:30, arriving 07:50 Upon arrival in Bagan, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, depart on a full-day exploration of the ancient monuments and temples of Bagan. During its golden age in the 12th century, Bagan was known as the city of four million pagodas." While Kublai Khan and several massive earthquakes have reduced that inflated number drastically, what remains is quite incredible. Explore the principal pagodas and temples of the archeological zone by private vehicle. Built in 1090, the whitewashed and gilded Ananda is among the finest and best preserved of the temples, with delicate decorations in glazed tiles along its base and terraces. Late in the afternoon, climb to the summit of a tall, serene structure and watch the sun drop into the distant hills. Over the next two days visit the principal pagodas, some rarely seen stupas, several small villages and a museum. Your expert tour leader and local guides will provide insightful explanations of all you see. This afternoon is free to relax, or take a bicycle or horse cart and lose yourself amidst the crumbling spires. Overnight at the Hotel at Tharabar Gate The Hotel at Tharabar Gate is located in the heart of one of Southeast Asia's most unique historic areas, the ancient capital of the Burmese Empire, Old Bagan. Surrounded by more than 4000 ancient temples and Pagodas, you will be enchanted by the breathtaking views. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 BAGAN A generation before William crossed the English Channel, King Anawrahta ascended to the throne of Bagan, conquered the formidable Mon kingdom of lower Burma and founded a dynasty that prospered until 1287, when it was overwhelmed by the forces of Kublai Khan. Following breakfast depart on another full day tour of Bagan beginning with the village of Myinkaba, with the opportunity to explore the local market. From Myinkaba, head to the 12th century Gubyaukgyi temple, an Indian-style monument that features exquisite interior murals. On your way back to Old Bagan, visit the Shwesandaw, a graceful 11th century temple. Climb the terraces and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding temples, including the 14th century Shwegugyi temple. After lunch continue on an afternoon exploration of Bagan. Begin with the beautiful 12th century Suliman pagoda, a classic example of Bagan's late, sophisticated temple design. Notice the plethora of windows that allowed for improved natural lighting. Also, look for the monastic niches carved into the temple walls, a feature unique among Bagan's ancient monasteries. At sunset, visit another temple as you climb high to witness the magnificent sunset. Overnight at the Hotel at Tharabar Gate THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 BAGAN / EMBARK IRRAWADDY PRINCESS II Following breakfast, transfer to the Bagan Jetty to board your privately charted river boat for a two-night journey up the majestic Irrawaddy (Ayerwaddy) River to Mandalay. The Irrawaddy gives Burma its life. Named after the Hindu eravati or "elephant river,"
the river (like the Ganges is to India) is a spiritual entity and the provider of life, happiness and material as well as spiritual well-being. Rising in the southern Himalayas, it dissects the land from north to south for 1,350 miles, emptying through a nine-armed delta into the Indian Ocean. In colonial times, before railways and land roads, the river was known as the "Road to Mandalay." To follow the Irrawaddy's entire course, from its undiscovered source lost in the Himalayas to the Delta, would be to run the gamut of Burma's varied climatic zones. Enjoy the day as you cruise down the mighty Irrawaddy River, passing magical scenes of old Asia women pounding their laundry on rocks, old paddle steamers churning the muddy waters, ox carts inching down rutted roads and small children waving gaily at your passing vessel. Overnight onboard the Irrawaddy Princess II (Private Charter) FRIDAY, MARCH 1 IRRAWADDY RIVER Today enjoy stops in small, remote villages that see few visitors. Meet the locals, and explore their villages and beautiful pagodas. For many, encountering the warm, welcoming people on these stops is the highlight of the journey. Overnight onboard the Irrawaddy Princess II (Private Charter) SATURDAY, MARCH 2 MANDALAY Meals Provided: B L On arrival this morning in Mandalay, transfer to your centrally located hotel and begin exploring Mandalay's main sights. Interesting sites include the Shwenandaw Kyaung Pagoda, the Kuthodaw Pagoda featuring hundreds of marble slabs inscribed with the entire Buddhist Canon, and the venerable Mahamuni Pagoda where Buddha is covered with gold leaf. Late this afternoon, ascend Mandalay Hill at sunset for spectacular views of the city and the Irrawaddy River. Overnight at the Sedona Hotel This lovely property offers elegant rooms with superb views of the Mandalay Hill and the Royal Palace. All the rooms are graciously designed with an aesthetic eye for both contemporary elegance and traditional grace. SUNDAY, MARCH 3 MANDALAY / AMARAPURA This morning, begin the day with a visit to the Zegyo market, with its endless panoply of color, hustle and heady aromas. If you're feeling adventurous, try a bowl of mohinga (fish curry over noodles). Then it is off to the lovely countryside around Mandalay to explore Amarapura, which has fine pagodas, ruins of the old palace, a Chinese joss house, shops specializing in cotton and silk longyis (the Burmese-style sarong), as well as wood and marble carvings. Also visit local handicraft villages where paper and terracotta pottery is still made using traditional techniques. Then proceed to the Sagaing Hills, which sit above the Irrawaddy and are the site of crumbling pagodas and many active shrines. When Mandalay was Burma s capital, Sagaing was the annex town that housed hundreds of Buddhist monks. Explore its beautiful pagodas and the nearby kilometer-long, 16-span Ava Bridge that was built during British rule. En route back to Mandalay, stop at the U Bein Bridge, a long meandering structure built of teak, spanning a seasonal lake. At sunset, a stroll here is an absolute delight. Overnight at the Sedona Hotel
MONDAY, MARCH 4 MANDALAY / BAGAN / HEHO / INLE LAKE Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Heho, the airport that services Inle Lake, Pindaya, Kalaw and other areas in Southern Shan State. Fly Bagan to Heho on Air Mandalay 6T 504, departing 08:05, arriving 08:40 Upon arrival in Heho, you will be met and driven to the town of Nyaung Shwe on the shores of spectacular Inle Lake. Notice instantly how much cooler the air is here. Nights in the Shan State at this time of year can get quite cool so be prepared. In Nyaung Shwe, board a longtail boat which will be your chief means of transportation to explore this beautiful area. This afternoon will be spent exploring the breathtaking lake, which is surrounded on all sides by high hills. Here you will see the famous Intha fishermen and their floating gardens. Stop at a weaving village and visit several Shan temples. Late in the day, check into your deluxe lakefront resort followed by dinner. Overnight at the Inle Resort The delightful architecture of this hotel draws on the history, tradition and culture of the Shan people. A stylishly appointed interior is complimented by colorful surrounding gardens. TUESDAY, MARCH 5 INLE LAKE During your stay in the Inle Lake area, visit the Shan States tribal market, which rotates through towns in this region. It is a fascinating hodgepodge of brightly colored flowers, flopping fish and tribal people, each in their distinctive traditional dress. It is a feast for the sense and there will be photo opportunities galore. This morning travel by boat to Indein, a 16th-century temple to explore the seldom-visited group of stupas, yet another aspect of Burma s vast cultural wealth. Enjoy lunch at Nam Pan village and explore the area s interesting local market. Visit with silk weavers, boat makers, cheroot makers and blacksmiths. This afternoon board a boat to explore beautiful Inle Lake, surrounded on all sides by high hills. See the famous Intha fishermen rowing their fishing boats with a swirling move of their leg. Pass the floating gardens, where villagers actually grow tidy rows of vegetables on the lake s surface. Stop at a weaving village and visit several Shan temples. Then visit the Mine Thauk Orphanage. Overnight at the Inle Resort WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 INLE LAKE / HEHO / YANGON Meals Provided: B D This morning transfer back to Heho for your late morning flight to Yangon where you will spend your last day and night before returning home or heading to your next destination. Fly Heho to Yangon on Air Mandalay 6T 402, departing 09:50, arriving 11:00 On arrival in Yangon, transfer back to your familiar hotel with the remainder of the afternoon free to explore the city on your own. Early this evening reconvene for cocktails before enjoying a farewell dinner at Le Planteur. THURSDAY, MAR. 7, 2013 DEPART YANGON FOR U.S. Meals Provided: B This morning transfer back to the airport for your flights to Bangkok and Singapore for connections home.