A River Cruise on the Upper Irrawaddy in Burma

A River Journey on the Upper Irrawaddy in Burma

11 days from £3180 per person

Farmer ploughing their paddy field with two bison in rural Burma

This expeditionary cruise on the northern section of the mighty Irrawaddy River explores a remote and predominately rural territory. Travelling between Mandalay and Katha, this ten night cruise operates from September to March and largely focuses on both the history and religious life of this fascinating region. Visits are made to the monasteries of Khanyat, the tiny fishing village of Kyun Daw, ancient Tagaung and Mingun – site of the world’s bronze bell. A full day will also be spent in delightful Katha which provided the setting for George Orwell’s novel ‘Burmese Days’ and, memorably, both the Second and Third Defiles of the Irrawaddy will be navigated. Traversing an isolated area, flexibility is required and the routing of the itinerary and certain visits may change.

Route: Mandalay - Khanyat - Katha - Kyun Daw - Tagaung - Minguin - Ava - Bagan

Itinerary Highlights

Famed for its three defiles – steep-sided river gorges – the upper reaches of the Irrawaddy are wild and dramatic with strong currents, swirling rapids and beautifully varied scenery.

Spend a day is the delightful colonial town of Katha. Once the home of George Orwell, follow in his footsteps to retrace the events in his novel ‘Burmese Days’ which was set in the town.

The village of Kyun Daw is located on an island in the middle of the Irrawaddy River. Visit traditional stilt homes and local shrines and look for the increasingly rare Irrawaddy dolphin.

Itinerary
What's Included

Itinerary: A River Journey on the Upper Irrawaddy in Burma

Day 1 Mandalay

This morning transfer to Saggai Lay Kyun Man Aung Jetty in Mandalay and embark at 11:00. Here board the RV Kalay Pandaw or the RV Zawgyi Pandaw for the ten night downstream ‘Upper Irrawaddy’ cruise. During a tour of Mandalay visit the Mahamuni Pagoda, a gold leaf and tapestry work shop and the famous “U Bein” bridge, the world’s longest teak wood bridge. That evening sail over to Taungthaman Lake by small boats and enjoy the spectacular sunset. (L/D)

Day 2 Mandalay to Khanyat via Kyauk -Myoung

Depart Mandalay in the morning, sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you start the cruise. The first stop will be at the remarkable potteries of Kyauk-Myoung. Here see all stages of manufacture from the throwing of the pots to the week-long firing in huge kilns. Re-board the boat and cruise north entering the Third Defile of the Irrawaddy and continuing towards Khanyat. (B/L/D)

Day 3 Arrive Khanyat /Khanyat to Katha

Today continue sailing upstream and disembark in Khanyat. There will be an opportunity to enter a selection of the monasteries that are located here as well as the village’s Buddhist orphanage. A visit will also be made to the home of a former head teacher which houses a small museum of items personally collected and the grave of a 19th century English officer who died during the colonial period. End the day with an ascent of Pagoda Hill in Tigyang for far-reaching views of the Irrawaddy River. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Arrive Katha

Located on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River, Katha is a charming and historic town with strong literary associations. The setting for George Orwell’s influential novel ‘Burmese Days’, many of the sites, such as the British Club, which feature heavily in the book can still be seen here. Katha was also the final resting place of the original Irrawaddy flotilla which was scuppered in 1942 to avoid them falling into the hands of the Japanese. The local fire station has a collection of ships bells from these historic vessels and a visit will also be made to the hardwood forests upstream of the town. (B/L/D)

Day 5 Katha – visit Kyun Daw

Today travel by local boat to the fishing village of Kyun Daw. This tiny settlement is actually set on an island in the Irrawaddy and the rickety wooden homes are all built on stilts. Kyun Daw is also home to a noted Buddhist nunnery and you will be able to visit some of the hundreds of small shrines that dot the religious complex. If lucky, you may also spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphin which has been sighted here in the past. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Katha to Tagaung

Returning downstream, this morning depart Katha and pass through the Second Defile of the Irrawaddy – the most dramatic of the river’s three gorges. The remainder of the day is spent on the river as the boat continues towards the ancient town of Tagaung. (B/L/D)

Day 7 Arrive Tagaung

Disembark in Tagaung for a walking tour of this fascinating town. Thought to be one of the earliest inhabited settlements in the country, view the extensive fortifications, visit a well-known nat spirit shrine and take a tour of the current archaeological excavations. Enjoy the evening at leisure on the boat. (B/L/D)

Day 8 Taguang to Minguin

Casting off early in the morning, stop at Mingun to see the world’s largest working bell as well as the unfinished pagoda that is the largest single mass of brick building in the world. Visit the Mingun Old People’s Home originally established with the assistance of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the 1930s. Later that afternoon drive through the beautiful Sagaing Hill, enjoy the amazing hilltop views over the region and snaking Irrawaddy River. (B/L/D)

Day 9 Minguin to Ava

This morning cruise to Ava and explore the ancient ruins where you will visit Bagaya Kyaung, a 200-year-old royal monastery made of teak with elaborate woodcarvings. That afternoon arrive at Yandabo village, famous for its production of terracotta pottery from the riverbank clay. Enjoy dinner and drinks on the boat in the evening. (B/L/D)

Day 10 Ava to Bagan

Today cruise to Bagan. One of Asia’s most important archaeological sites dating to 849 AD, Bagan is a highlight of any visit to the country. Arriving in the morning, enjoy the magnificent views as the temples and pagodas reveal themselves in the morning light. The remainder of the day will be spent touring a selection of the UNESCO protected monuments. The stupas and temples are incredibly varied, large and small, intricate and plain and whilst only 3,000 of the original 10,000 remain, the scale of the site is staggering. (B/L/D)

Day 11 End Irrawaddy Cruise

After breakfast disembark the Pagan Ayer Jetty at 08:30 in Bagan. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

Cruise accommodation and sightseeing with other passengers
Shared transfers as specified

What's not included

Any International flights
Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

A River Journey on the Upper Irrawaddy in Burma

11 days from £3180 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: A River Journey on the Upper Irrawaddy in Burma

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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