The Ancient Capitals of Myanmar By Bike

📍 Transfer from Mandalay Airport to the hotel: 1 hour

Welcome to Mandalay, the second largest city of Myanmar and the starting point of this cycling adventure. 

On arrival, be welcomed by your adventure guide and be transferred to the hotel for check-in. We then drive to the base of Mandalay Hill to visit Shwe Nandaw Kyuang, the Golden Palace Monastery which is noted for its intricate wood carvings, and onwards to Kayuk Taw Gyi Pagoda to view the huge marble Buddha. The marble is from Sagyin quarry and took 10,000 men almost two weeks to transfer the rock from the riverside to its current location. Next, explore Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to ‘the world’s largest book’, a collection of more than 700 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. 

Enjoy a spectacular sunset with panoramic views from atop Mandalay Hill, situated 240 metres above the city. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, Irrawaddy River, and city centre. 

Overnight in Mandalay.

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Cycling distance: up to 40 km Elevation: +350m / - 313 m Difficulty: Medium Transfer by boat (Mandalay to Mingun): approx. 1 hour

Wake up early for your first full day of cycling. Your adventure guide and bikes will be ready at your hotel around 7:30 AM. We do a bike fitting at the hotel before setting off to the jetty to catch a boat and transfer to the other side of the Irrawaddy River. We then  unload the bikes and start cycling to the main sites of Mingun, beginning with the famous Mingun Pahtodawgyi. This huge brick structure was left unfinished after an astrologer predicted the king would die should the temple be completed. In the 1800’s, an earthquake left several large cracks in the structure giving it the iconic fractured appearance it has today. Continuing on to the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda, whose distinctive style is meant to resemble the mythical Mount Meru.  Afterwards, view the Mingun Bell which weighs 90 tons and is considered the world’s largest uncracked ringing bell. 

It's then back on two wheels as we head towards In Daung Village. On the way, we will stop at Shein Ma Gar to visit its ancient monastery, village and preserved forest. We enjoy lunch at Shein Ma Gar.      

After lunch, we re-saddle and keep riding north. After a few kilometers we rest and spend time at Ywar Thit Village to visit its pottery workshops. Finally we continue to In Daung Village where we stay overnight at the Dolphin Community Lodge. If time permits, we can stroll around the village to see how locals live in a traditional Ayarwaddy River fishing village. 

Dinner at community lodge.  

Dolphin Community Lodge, In Daung.

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Cycling distance: up to 53 km Elevation: +335m / - 321 m Difficulty: Medium

Wake up early and head out for a once in a lifetime experience. By boat, we’ll go in search of the endangered Irrawady Dolphin and see how they co-exist with the local fishing community. We then bid farewell to our lodge hosts and continue cycling to our next destination, Hanlin. Upon arrival to Hanlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will spend time wondering around the ancient capital before we continue riding to Shwebo. Here we visit the Maw Daw Myi Thar Pagoda and a small British Wartime Cemetery. After a break we then explore the grounds of King Alaungpaya and conclude our day with a visit to Myo Daunt Zedi. 

Overnight in Shwebo.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Cycling distance: up to 66 km Elevation: +295m / - 200 m Difficulty: Medium Transfer to Monywa: approx. 1 hour

Today we kick start our day, on bike, with a visit of Shwebo Market and Golden Palace. We then ride onwards to Seik Khun Village which is famous for its weaving. We continue our pleasant ride on a tarmac road, with little traffic, as we cycle through the Chindwin Valley and see a variety of crops from orange orchards to sugar cane. Our day ends with a visit to Monywa's famous Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya which  dates back to 1303 and claims to house more than 500,000 images of Buddha. 

Overnight in Monywa.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Cycling distance: up to 52 km (from Monywa to Ma Au) Elevation: +86m / - 85 m Difficulty: Medium Transfer from Ma Au to Pakkoku: approx. 1 hour

Today we head out from the hotel for an exciting 52Km ride. Most of the day will be spent off-roading (There may be some sections where our support vehicle is not permitted.) We start by heading south along the Irrawaddy River bank in search of A Myint & A Neint villages where you can find a group of ancient pagodas and experience the real charm of locals living life as they have done for hundreds of years. It’s a lovely ride, rural and quiet and a great opportunity to discover hidden temples decorated with mural paintings as well as old monasteries. We will stop frequently to interact with the local community who rarely come into contact with for people from overseas. After 40kms on dirt trail we continue cycling on paved road to a small village called Ma Au where you will end your cycling and enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch.  

After lunch our legs take a rest as we transfer by minivan back to Bagan via Pakkoku. Upon arrival to Bagan the rest of your afternoon is at leisure. 

Overnight in Bagan.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Cycling distance: 27 km Elevation: +123m / - 124 m Difficulty: Very Easy

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Balloon Experience Over Bagan - Start your morning with an incredible hot-air balloon flight over Bagan’s temple-studded plains. Start your morning snack on pastries and croissants, and sipping coffee and tea as the balloon is inflated.  Climb aboard before gently rising above thousands of gilded stupas and earthen temples all back-dropped by the impressive Irrawaddy River.  A truly unforgettable and unique experience. (Note: available only from late- October to late-March; all flights weather permitting)

Available Period: From October to March

Bicycles are the perfect way to explore the temples of Bagan. We take an early morning cycle around the Archaeological Zone before returning to your hotel for a dip in the pool and in time for check-out.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch