TRAVELS EXPLORING MYANMAR: THE LAND ... - Harvard Alumni

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.
Overnight at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel
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
Meals Provided: B L D
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.
Overnight at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26
YANGON / BAGAN
Meals Provided: B L D
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
Economy Class
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
Meals Provided: B L D
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
Meals Provided: B L D
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
Meals Provided: B L D
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
Meals Provided: B L D
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
Meals Provided: B L D
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
Economy Class
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
Meals Provided: B L D
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
Economy Class
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.
Overnight at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel
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.