This tour will introduce you to the mysterious Mogok, also known as the ruby land and where more than 80% of worlds rubies originate. Mogok has only started to open up for tourism in 2013 and will no doubt become one of the must visit places in Myanmar.
You will travel from Mandalay over jungle covered mountains to Mogok Valley to discover the interesting history of the region and to gain an insight to the gems mining and trading industry which Mogok is so famous for. Explore Mogok’s markets and a mine or two, should you wish, and take a walk on nature trails up the valleys’ forest covered slopes.
Your Mogok travel permits will be arranged by Discovery DMC.
DAY 1: MANDALAY – THABEIKKYIN – MOGOK
Pick up in Mandalay and drive 5hrs to Thabeikkyin , a junction town and gateway to Bhamo and Mogok. After lunch break in Thabeikkyin you will visit local market and jetty by the Ayeyarwaddy River before driving two more hrs to Mogok.
The latter part of the drive over lush jungle covered mountain ranges to Mogok is very scenic. You can make stops at couple interesting villages en-route.
Arrive to Mogok late afternoon and take a stroll through the town and meet the friendly locals. End the day with panoramic views from a viewpoint overlooking the beautiful valley of Mogok.
Meals: Lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Overnight stay: In Mogok at King Bridge Resort
DAY 2: MOGOK HIGHLIGHTS
After breakfast, visit a fascinating street market where gems traders congregate in the morning. Gain an insight to the gems trading which has been the main lively hood here for generations. Learn about different kinds precious and semi-precious stones that are so highly valued.
If you are interested you can stop by at stone cutters house to see how tiny rubies are shaped.
There is also another bigger market happening later during the day where you can see bigger and more valuable gems, often just laid out on open tables under run down parasols.
Subject to approval of local authorities you can visit one or two mines to see local mining methods which involve a lot of manual work.
Sometimes it is also possible to see at another family’s little workshop how they make stone paintings from lower quality rubies and other colorful gemstones. Note: this cannot be always guaranteed
On this day we can also visit some of the most popular pagodas of Mogok and take leisurely walks to explore the town and nearby villages.
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner at local restaurant
Overnight stay: at King Bridge Resort or similar
DAY 3: HIKING AND MOGOK SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast enjoy a leisurely morning hike to Lisu minority villages and tea plantations up the valley.
In the afternoon you will visit treasury of Mogok, a Buddhist monastery, overlooking the city, built in memoir of widow Nan Kyi whose family was killed by a king.
In the monastery you can see many kinds of gems and jewelry in vitrines all donated by the locals. The most impressive being huge ruby inserted to golden gems decorated throne of Buddha.
Should you wish to see how Myanmar gemstone paintings are made request your guide. Most orders are to china and rather irregularly.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Overnight stay: at King Bridge Resort or similar
DAY 4: MOGOK – MANDALAY
After breakfast drive back to Mandalay. Depending on the time of arrival you can do some sightseeing in Mandalay city.
Meals: lunch at local restaurant en-route to Mandalay
Overnight stay: –
TRAVEL TIPS
You can combine Mogok visit with couple of these destinations.
Shwebo – ruins of ancient kingdom
Pyin Oo Lwin – hill station and summer capital of the British
Kyaukme – trekking to Palaung tribe villages and tea plantations
What’s Included
- Private tours and transfers with air conditioned vehicles as specified in our itinerary.
- 2 bottles of water & 2 refreshing towels per passenger per day.
- Local English speaking guide for the excursion.
- Lodging with breakfast as specified in the itinerary.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
Not Included
- Visa to Myanmar (note that pre-arranged visa is required for tourists).
- Meals or any other item not described in the itinerary.
- Early check-in, late check-out. Normal check out time from hotels in Myanmar is 11am or 12 o’clock noon.
- Expenses of personal nature.
- Drinks during meals, hotel extras and personal spending.
- Camera & video fees. Some of the sites visited may ask small fees for photographing and video recording.
TOUR CODE: | MK4D |
PRICE: | $$$ |
DURATION: | 4 Days |
OPERATED: | Daily |
STARTS: | in Mandalay |
ENDS: | In Mandalay |
RATING: | Cultural Tour |
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