Overview

This Myanmar nature discovery and yoga tour is a treat for mind, body ​and soul. ProVacation takes you to the heart of Burmese culture to engage with various tribes who have lived here for centuries. You will discover traditional ways of life and local customs that have remained unchanged for ages. Our expert guide will pick the most appropriate paths for you on this trekking tour, and along the way you can soak in the pristine natural beauty of Myanmar. Our nature discovery and yoga tour also gives you the chance to connect with some of the largest land mammals on earth. At the Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp, you can bathe and feed these gentle giants under the watchful eyes of their mahouts. This visit offers an insight into the close connection between man and animals here in Myanmar and their respect for each other. You will understand how the elephants help with industry and also how they are cared for by the community. Finally, we will whisk you away to a peaceful village to learn the ancient science of yoga and meditation. Here, you will feed your soul and mind and learn how to connect with yourself. Expert yogis will lead you through the sessions, which are interspersed with walks through the local communities and farms. Discover yourself with this Myanmar nature discovery and yoga tour!

6 Nights 7 Days Available on request He Hoe, Shan
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • Air-conditioned transfers and entrance fees as mentioned
  • Local guides fluent in English for tours, treks and hikes
  • Potable water and wet towels
  • Baggage handling, room tax, service charges

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Domestic flights, sedan chair to ascend/descend mountain
  • Visas, travel insurance and personal expenses
  • Throughout guide surcharges (any language)
  • Alcohol and any meals or services not mentioned in the schedule
  • Peak season compulsory gala dinners
Highlights
What makes this tour special
  • Treks through exotic countryside to tribal villages
  • Engage with local communities
  • Enjoy pristine mountain air and stunning valley views
  • Visit to Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp
  • Peaceful yoga retreat in the hills
Itinerary
Day 1: Kalaw - Myin Daik
  • Once you arrive in Heho, our guide will pick you up from the airport and take you on a scenic drive to Kalaw. This was a summer retreat for the British during colonial times and they headed here to escape the searing tropical heat. Here we will take you to visit the picturesque train station, and you can opt to trek up to the old Catholic church on the hill if it is open. Enjoy a packed lunch which we will provide.
  • Later, we embark on a three-hour hike past a Nepalese village to see Myin Daik. This is an excellent example of how the tribal Taung Yoe have lived their lives for decades. Rice fields and stunning landscapes make up the scenery as you make the ascent. Along the way, you will get the chance to observe Pa-O, Taung Yoe and Danu tribes toiling in their farms and take in the lovely natural beauty around.
  • You’ll enjoy a traditional dinner in the village before settling down for the night at a local house nearby.
  • Meals: Lunch and dinner are provided
Day 2: Myin Ma Ti - Kalaw
  • A hearty local breakfast will have you well fed and eager to set off on the 3.5 hour trek that engages you with the Burmese communities of the region.
  • Our expert local guide will take you thick pine forests that give way to fields where the Danu tribe grow mountain rice, potatoes and vegetables. Mechanised farming is non-existent and the locals rely on a close relationship with their oxen to grow food in huge fields. The laborious process to put food on the tables of Myanmar is simply mind-blowing.
  • This Myanmar hiking tour takes you through the villages of Ywa-pu, Lutpyin and Taung Gyi Chai villages before you reach Myin Ma Ti, famous for its 200m long lime cave. Along the way, you will be able to observe the local way of life, as the farming community - children and older folk alike - get together to earn their bread.
  • After an interesting time in Myin Ma Ti, we will transfer you back to Kalaw by car where you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Your accommodation for the night is a Deluxe Room with Mountain View at Kalaw Heritage Hotel or a similar property in the vicinity (until September 30, 2018).
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided
Day 3: Kalaw
  • Our Myanmar nature discovery and yoga retreat tour engages closely with the locals in conservation and caring for the environment. Today, you will learn more about The Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp and see the important work they do preserving the ecosystem.
  • At the hour-long visit to Magwe’s elephant camp, the friendly team will help you understand more about the project while you enjoy some refreshments. Take a short walk down to the river to get closely connected with the elephants here who love being fed and bathed. You can join in and splash them with water! The camp also has a forest conservation programme which you can support by planting a teak tree.
  • Your walk back to the camp lodge is rewarded with a scrumptious lunch overlooking the green valley below as birds and butterflies flit about in the orchids.
  • Your accommodation for the night is a Deluxe Room with Mountain View at Kalaw Heritage Hotel or a similar property in the vicinity (until September 30, 2018).
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided
Day 4: Kalaw
  • Today, you will move to a yoga retreat in the vicinity. Kalaw Hill Lodge. You will be welcomed with a drink at your hotel before getting some well-deserved rest. Spend the day at leisure, soaking in the peace and quiet that surrounds you. Enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch and take some time off and enjoy peaceful moments around the property or lounge in your room.
  • A 90-minute full body massage awaits you to get you into a restful state of mind. Your first yoga class starts at around 1700 hours where you will learn how to utilise this ancient science to bring a peaceful calm to your mind.
  • Yoga and meditation go hand-in-hand to bring balance and health to both mind and body. Our trained experts will teach you more about meditation, how to free your mind of thoughts and encourage your mind and body to rejuvenate. A health vegetarian dinner follows.
  • Your accommodation for the night is at Kalaw Hill Lodge, Kalaw.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided
Day 5: Hinterland Exploration
  • This part of the Myanmar nature discovery and yoga retreat tour immerses you in yourself, seeking to return balance to your being. In this light, you will start the day early with a meditation session to help clear your mind. This will be followed by a yoga class led by a trained expert. After a late breakfast, we head off to learn more about the community in the surrounding area.
  • It starts with the vegetable garden at the lodge which grows a variety of local produce using traditional farming methods. Nearby the community has built shrines to local guardian spirits and here you will get the chance to understand more about the prevailing religious beliefs.
  • As we walk around the villages, observe the vast traditional farms where man and buffalo work together to grow produce in the rich soil. You can also help the community by planting pine trees or even take the opportunity to feed the farm animals and milk cows. Don’t miss out on a local ox cart ride. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience!
  • Back at the lodge, a scrumptious vegetarian spread awaits you for lunch. In the evening, you will attend another yoga class before engaging in meditation to relax yourself from the day. This is followed by a healthy dinner.
  • Your accommodation for the night is at Kalaw Hill Lodge, Kalaw.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided
Day 6: Community Hiking (Half Day)                                 
  • Today too you will attend a meditation and yoga session before a hearty breakfast. Then, we head out into the villages for a half-day community trail hike. You will find yourself immersed in the local way of life as Pro Vacation takes you through the little seen side of Myanmar.
  • We start off with the spiritual at a local Buddhist monastery where the head monk is happy to answer any questions you might have about the faith or the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. From here, we head to a local library and begin the soft hiking tour towards Namthe, a small village inhabited by the Danu tribe.
  • Take a walk around the village and observe their customs, and daily living styles. One of the local houses serves rice and plum wines so do have a taste of these unique spirits. For lunch, we hike to a Nepalese village nearby.
  • We hike back to the lodge where the trained experts await you for your yoga and meditation session before a healthy vegetarian dinner.
  • Your accommodation for the night is at Kalaw Hill Lodge, Kalaw.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided
Day 7: Heho                         
  • You are expected to check-out by noon (1200 hours) so we can transfer you to Heho airport for your flight.

Points To Note

  • December 15 - January 15, and April 13-17 is peak season. There may be additional charges during Christmas, New Year and the Water Festival
  • You will be notified of compulsory gala dinner charges when booking
  • Hotel prices can be adjusted for higher or lower categories on request. Featured hotels are subject to availability during booking, and you will be notified of any deposits when booking
  • Domestic airfares prior to booking are calculated based on averages and are subject to change. The most convenient flight is booked and final price confirmed once tickets are issued based on class of seat and availability

At the monastery, please remember:

  • Mats are arranged dormitory style, and are thin. Carry your own sleeping bag or bed sheet
  • Pillows are provided, but carry a pillow case for hygiene
  • Couples are not allowed to stay together as sleeping areas for men and women are separate
  • Washing facilities are available outdoors in certain designated areas. No hot water is available
  • Only traditional toilets are available

At the Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp, please remember:

  • Wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and supportive sandals that can be used in the river
  • Carry a hat and sunscreen
  • Use insect repellent
  • Strictly follow the instructions of the camp manager and mahout team when interacting with the elephants for your safety

What to bring on your Myanmar trekking and hiking tour:

  • Sleeping bag
  • Sturdy walking shoes
  • Warm clothes for chilly nights
  • Sarong and towels
  • First aid kit
  • Cotton trousers and long-sleeve shirt / blouse
  • Insect repellent
  • Day pack
Pickup point
Directions.
Heho, Myanmar (Burma) View on Map