Yangon Cycling and Trekking To Golden Rock – 3 Days

Yangon Cycling and Trekking To Golden Rock – 3 Days
Tour Itinerary

Yangon Cycling and Trekking To Golden Rock . The Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, also called the Golden Rock is one of Burma’s most sacred Buddhist sites. A massive boulder on the edge of a cliff with a pagoda on top of it enshrining a hair of the Buddha is an important pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists. The huge Golden Rock in the mountains North East of Yangon hanging over a steep cliff provides for an amazing sight. The rock that appears to be gold is actually a granite boulder that is covered with gold leaf applied to the rock by Buddhist devotees.

Day 1: Yangon-Bago-Kyaik Hto-Kyaik Hti Yo(Trekking 7 hours!) ( L, D )

8:00 Am our team will pick you up at your hotel, our truck loaded with the mountain bikes will pick you up to start the taste of a little bit of adventure. It takes about 4 hours to reach the Kinpun Base Camp where you start your hiking up to the Golden Rock. On the way, the Ancient Capital of Second Myanmar Dynasty, Hantharwaddy, or Bago presently named. You can do the sight-seeing at Bago on the way back. Upon arrival, leave your bikes and equipment at the hotel, Golden Sunrise.

Start your hiking up to the summit of Golden Rock, approximately 7 hours up to the summit of Golden Rock, Paung Laung mountain measuring 1000 meters above sea-level. The distance from Kinpun Base camp to Golden Rock is just 8 miles. Thousands of pilgrims will be your fellows who are also doing trekking and hiking to the Golden Rock in order to get more merits than those going up by open truck. The views and sceneries on the way up to the top make your tiredness relieved. You may take a rest from time to time at the rest houses all the way up.

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and you can visit Golden Rock from your hotel in the evening or at night.

Overnight at Golden Rock.

Day 2: Kyaik Htiyo-Kyaik Hto-Kyaik Htee Saung(Cycling for 4-5 hours + Trekking to Kaylatha Hill 2.5 hours) ( B , L , D )

Early morning, after breakfast (you may go to Golden Rock again in the early morning if you want!!), walk down to Hermit Hill to take the open truck ascending to Kinpun Base Camp where your mountain bikes are waiting for you to taste your cycling adventure.

Upon arrival at Kinpun base camp, get yourself equipped with the necessities; Helmet, Gloves, Sun Glasses and so on. Start your biking from the base camp to Kyaik Hto town approximately 25 minutes along the High way. From the town, Kyaik Hto, turn to the rice fields to start the Unspoiled Biking Route to Kyaik Htee Saung Village. The scenes all the way to the Village relax you bit and piece and you never feel tired. Passing by the Mon Villages, you will arrive at the foot of Kaylartha Hill (The history and excavations strongly prove that on the other side of the foot of that hill lies the Thuwuuna Bhumi Kingdom, the Kingdom of the Gold!). You start your hiking up the Kaylartha Hill for the awesome views to the Mataban Sea and Bay.

After a rest on the Famed Kaylartha Hill and the Pagoda which is believed to have a Buddha’s hair enshrined, you may walk down to your bikes on the Cycling Route to go ahead to Kyaik Htee Saung Village.

Kyaik Htee Saung village is very famous for its monk who is believed to attain the last stage of Nirvana and many a pilgrim visits him daily. Besides that, it has the ancient Granite Kingdom Wall. You will arrive there around nightfall. Enjoy the photographing to your heart’s content all the way to the people, villages, and old palace wall.

Then, drive back to your hotel in Kyaik Hto.

Overnight at Golden Sunrise Hotel

Day 3: Kyaik Hto-Bago-Yangon 

After breakfast, drive to Kyaik Hto town to visit Kyaik Hto Morning market where you can see a lot of local foods, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fish and prawns. Walk around in the market and take pictures. Talk to the vendors who are very friendly and not accustomed to the visits of foreigners. Then, proceed to Bago. On the way, stop from time to time to take the photo opportunities at some villages. Upon arrival at Bago, visit Shwe Maw Daw pagoda, the biggest and tallest Pagoda in Southern Myanmar,Bago Central Market, Shwe Thar Lyaung(Reclining Buddha) which dates back to centuries and which has the astounding history of its recovery from the bushes, and finally before continuing to Yangon, on the way visit Kyaik Pun pagoda with four Giant Buddhas sitting in back-to-back position. Upon arrival at Yangon, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

(End of Tour Program)

 

Departure date : Based on your inquiry

Group Size  : From 2 to 16 riders

Tour cost : Contact Us

Travel Information

Pre Departure
All visitors to Southeast Asia must be in possession of a valid passport, with at least 6 months unexpired validity from the date of your departure from the area. A visa or visa on arrival (VOA) must be obtained before entering Myanmar. Although Indochina Holidays Travel may facilitate the securing of visas, it is ultimately the responsibility of each individual traveler to ensure that they are in possession of any necessary and valid visa and/or documentation and Indochina Holidays Travel assumes no responsibility for the consequences of any failure to comply.

When traveling in a developing country, preparation is our hedge against unexpected but common issues that may arise during a trip. Enclosed in your pre-tour packet is our tour guide, a booklet which provides useful information about Myanmar and your tour, please read this and other enclosed documentation carefully to prepare for your trip. Despite careful preparation and planning, please be prepared for events which may change plans.

Food

Food is a very essential part of these trips. We make sure that the meals we offer is method delicious, unless you ask for dull meals. You are also permitted the choice of veggie or non-vegetarian meals. We suggest that you consume only the canned standard water. Please make sure that the container is enclosed.

What to bring

  • Footwear
  • Bike shoes
  • Helmet
  • Pedal
  • Water Bottle
  • Sun cream lotion
  • Relaxed shoes for walking
  • Shoes for other sightseeing
  • Socks
  • Torch
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Eyewear, cap
  • Sun lotion of spf at least 35
  • Individual Bike riding equipment like bar finishes, pedals, chairs and headgear
  • Helmets for riding a bike

Bikes: Trek MTB Bikes

Bike Hire: Includes on Tour Cost. You may bring your own bikes, but in this case let us know in advance. Other equipment provided: Pedals, helmet, water bottles.

Air Travel
Myanmar remains one of the few countries in Asia still using paper, not electronic tickets. If you have domestic air travel with us, your air tickets will be given to you by our staff, who will be at the airport in Yangon on the day of your arrival to join Indochina Holidays Travel .

Luggage
Due to airline restrictions luggage is limited to a weight of 20 Kilograms per person. Your passport, travel documents, jewelry, money, camera, fragile items and any medication should be hand-carried and not checked in. On domestic flights, each passenger is allowed one piece of hand luggage. When planning your packing, please bear in mind that on your trip you may be constantly on the go, staying in a new hotel at least every other day and you'll want to pack lightly for mobility and convenience as well as have a day pack for your van. Please remember to retain your travel documents and any hand baggage.

Transport and Travel
Some road conditions in Myanmar are still quite poor and travelling by car, bus, and bike can be bumpy. Most available cars and coaches are quite old and therefore not in perfect condition, however rest assured we will always do our utmost to arrange cars or buses of the best possible local quality available for your transfers and tours.

Health and Medical
Malaria occurs throughout Myanmar, though is rare in the typical places we travel. Please research and take appropriate measures. While no immunizations are formally required, malaria prophylaxis is often recommended. As well as typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations. Drink only bottled or boiled water and food should not be purchased from sidewalk vendors. Insect repellent should be brought, especially up-country and in wooded areas. Recent news articles have mentioned a general increase in Dengue fever risk in SE. Asian countries. All travelers are required to have medical-evacuation insurance. Hospitals in Myanmar are inadequate for advanced medical care. Although a few private clinics may provide emergency care, in the event of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore will be recommended.

Emergencies

Indochina Holidays Travel is always prepared to contact International SOS Emergency evacuation services. Since 1998 we have experience using their emergency clinics and have used their private jet emergency evacuation services. Although guides and local managers are trained in the procedures of working with SOS in the event of an emergency, travelers may also contact International SOS independently.

Money Matters
Plan to bring enough US cash for your trip (in mint-condition bills), there are not many ATM machines, credit cards are not widely accepted, and foreign currencies (other than US dollars) and travellers cheques are not accepted in Myanmar. If you intend shopping for souvenirs, you will need to ensure that you are carrying sufficient US Dollars in small denomination notes that are in mint condition.

Only payment for extra charges in larger hotels may be made by Visa and MasterCard. Payment for extra charges at the Governors Residence may be made by Visa or MasterCard (Note: American Express is not accepted in Myanmar nor much of Asia). On tour your expenses will be limited to visa on arrival fees (US$25), some meals, souvenirs, airline departure fees, and gratuities (about $20-50 per day for your guide, about half that for your driver).

Myanmar currency is known as the 'kyat' (pronounced 'chaat'). The market rate was about 950 to one USD as of July 2018. Dollars may be changed into kyat at the local market rate at airports. Major hotels and a few restaurants will charge in USD but most other expenses in Myanmar will be in kyats.

Telecommunications & Internet
Your mobile phone will not work in Myanmar. An inexpensive, international handset may be rented at an airport kiosk in Yangon upon arrival. The rental service, Yadanarpon Teleport, is located within the airport terminal where mobile phones with international capability may now be rented as well as GSM SIM cards* for your own handset (note that you may not currently use international roaming in Myanmar). Current rental rates from this vendor as of September, 2011 are $4/day for phone and $2/day for domestic SIM card, in additional to pre-paid cards from US$12 to $50 for international. Coverage is quite good along the "classic" route (not remote areas).

Internet is widely available at hotels with decent bandwidth, but is unreliable in remote areas. Please plan accordingly.

Electrical
Electricity in Yangon and most of Myanmar is 220-230V. Electric power sockets come in varieties, including two round pins, English three-prong and round three-prong with dual US style outlets. Your Kindle, iPad, camera, laptop or other device should automatically accept 220v, but check your adapter's fine print. Sporadic power outages are common, but most hotels have generator backup.

What to Wear
Light clothing is adequate for Yangon and most low land tourist areas. High elevations around Inle Lake may reach near freezing at night during the 'winter' season but is usually pleasant during the day. Travelers should bring appropriate cold weather clothing. Revealing clothing is not welcome in this conservative and largely Buddhist culture. When visiting religious shrines and temples, modest dress is required and easily removable footwear is recommended since such sacred grounds must be visited only in bare feet (no socks). A sarong is handy for covering up before entering religious sites. Bring a hat and sunglasses, and umbrella for rainy season.

What to expect
This is not a luxury tour, as Myanmar remains an undevloped destination, but hopefully why you have come — for an authentic, deep cultural experience in a country closed off to the world for decades. You will be very safe, always looked after, and expect wonderful service, comfortable and a typically pleasant if not exceptional trip. However, Myanmar remains a primitive, undeveloped country with the inconveniences are random issues that arise with travel in such places .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Myanmar safe for travel?
Absolutely. Our past travelers always cite how warm and friendly the Burmese are one of their strongest impressions. Past tragic events associated with political unrest have been largely centered in Yangon and have never affected travelers. Almost all of our travel is in remote areas in the central part of the country, places tourists have visited for decades without any issues. Rather, almost every traveler on our Myanmar tours has been struck how tranquil the country is and how warm and gracious the Burmese are to visitors and whose hospitality we've been enjoying since 1999. We'd be happy to put you in contact with our past travelers for their impressions.

What is the weather like?
Daytime temperatures can reach the high 70s between September through December. In January through April, temperatures steadily climb and at lower elevations we can expect 80 to 90s F. Higher elevations like Kalaw Highlands and Inle Lake located at nearly 1,000 meters are temperate and cooler this time of year.

What are the daily rides like?
This is a moderately challenging ride with rolling hills, medium distances on poor condition roads with low traffic. There are no major passes and our support vehicles allow you to ride as much or as little as you would like. See the detailed itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation information. of course, as private tour you may ride as little or as much as you would like.

What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
Our Myanmar trips are best suitable for non-cycling companions who do not mind a slow, leapfrogging van ride across the central region. If a non-rider wants to accompany a rider guest on this trip, they would need to spend many hours in the van but the support vehicle does stop every 10-15 kilometers allowing access to local villages and sites (where few other travelers venture). Photography opportunities are excellent throughout.

Community
You will be moved by the wonderful people you meet along the way, many who live in poverty. It may be hard not to feel compelled to give something, but think about doing so will change the dynamic of your people encounters and those who follow you. If you do feel compelled to give, we recommend pens, simple to carry with you, useful and beyond the budget of most families. We never encourage giving money, candy or the like. For giving before or after your trip, we recommend these charities.

Other Questions?

Please call our reservations office at (+84) 91337755 or email : sales@indochinaholidaystravel.com

 

Tour Cost Includes:

  • Accommodation based on Twin Sharing - 2 nights
  • Bikes for complete Tour and helmet
  • All Meals B = Breakfast , L = Lunch , D =Dinner
  • Lunch in Midway restaurant/City Restaurant or Pack Lunch
  • Mechanic throughout the tour
  • Back up AC vehicle for complete tour ( Bus , + Truck for group )
  • English speaking Local Guide - Cum biking guide
  • Fresh Fruits/Snacks (Only Cycling Part)
  • Unlimited filter water during cycling (Only Cycling Part)
  • All road and transport taxes
  • Driver Allowance
  • Toll and Parking charges
  • 10% Government Taxe

Tour Cost Excludes:

  • International flight tickets , visa
  • Accommodation in Yangon
  • Other personal expenses
  • Tips and Gratitude
  • Travel insurance
  • Any Hard and Soft Drink with meals
  • Yangon Cycling and Trekking To Golden Rock – 3 Days 1
  • Yangon Cycling and Trekking To Golden Rock – 3 Days 2
  • Yangon Cycling and Trekking To Golden Rock – 3 Days 3
  • Yangon Cycling and Trekking To Golden Rock – 3 Days 4
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