Burma - Mountains, Beaches and Stupas

In Yangon we begin with a sunset trip to the splendid Shwedagon Pagoda. Locally known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw the shimmering golden temple is 99 meters high and can be seen from most areas of Yangon, day and night.

Travelling north we visit Inle Lake in the Shan Hills, enjoying a memorable boat trip. The lake is famous for its floating villages and gardens and minority communities. You will witness the unique Intha oarsmen navigating their traditional leg-rowed boats and encounter Pao hill tribes who come to the area to trade their wares.

Our cycling begins with a ride along picturesque road. We visit the Pindaya Caves; a magnificent Buddhist pilgrimage site with over 8 000 statues, located within limestone ridge. Many legends are told about the caves, including a tale of seven princesses bathing in a lake, who were captured by a giant spider and trapped in the cave only to be rescued by Prince Kummabhaya of Yawnghwe. Our holiday continues as we cycle along a rural inland route through forested areas of banana and coconut trees and farmland with a wide variety of crops from rice fields to peanuts, sesame and peas to reach the mighty volcanic Mount Popa. You can ascend all 777 steps to the summit to experience panoramic views, sacred symbolism as you mingle amongst pilgrims and encounter the local population of monkeys.

We cycle on to reach the ancient holy city of Bagan. Set on the banks of the Irrawaddy River over 2000 temples spread across the plain.  Dating back to the 11th Century, Bagan is one of the world's most significant historic and religious sites and the former capital of the ancient Kingdom of Pagan. Here you can explore the many stupas, the old town, Nyaung Oo Market and the shimmering Shwezigon Pagoda.

As we head on to the west, we fly to beautiful Ngapali Bay. Located on the Bay of Bengal, Ngapali has a relaxed fishing village atmosphere and unspoiled white sand beaches, framed by coconut tree palms that look out at cobalt blue seas. We have a few days to relax and explore the area around Ngapali.

We return to Yangon for the penultimate day of redspokes Mountains Beaches and Stupas, Burma cycling holiday. There is time this afternoon to see more of the city.

You will be left with lasting memories of Myanmar culture, rural landscapes and intriguing cities.