variety myanmar cycle challenge 2018

Transcription

1 Asia variety myanmar cycle trip highlights Experience an integral part of Burmese life tea drinking in Yangon Discover the ancient capital of Amarapura and walk along the 200 year old teak bridge Journey along the Irrawaddy by boat Explore a forgotten and peaceful part of Bagan Minnanthu Shop the vibrant markets, see traditional handicrafts and lacquerware Visit SeLan village and Myitchay village great for photographing local life Explore the Pindaya caves Trek through the Shan hills and explore the local tribes and villages Cook with a traditional Intha native creating traditional dishes Trip Duration 13 days Trip Code: VAC Grade Introductory to Moderate Activities Cycling, Trekking, Cooking Summary 11 nights comfortable hotel accommodation, twin share basis welcome to World Expeditions At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!! why travel with World Expeditions? We were the first company to pioneer cycle touring in Asia in Our bicycle equipment is the best available and we provide a support crew and vehicle. Most meals and excursions are included. Our expert local guides are the best available, and to ensure the smooth operation of all trips our partners in Vietnam continually work with us to improve our itineraries to ensure we are taking the paths less travelled. Most importantly, our adventures always aim to benefit the local people we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience World Expeditions Travel Group - Natalie Tambolash 7/5/ :16:10 AM

2 trip cost Joining Auckland: $6590 All prices are per person options & supplements the trip This years Variety Cycle Challenge sees NZ s favourite journalist, Mike McRoberts, behind the handlebars for this unique journey through Myanmar. Mike is a much loved journalist who is best known for his work in some of the world s most dangerous places, covering conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Gaza, East Timor and Solomon Islands. He has covered some of the world s worst natural disasters from tsunamis, to wildfires and earthquakes, including the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, the Japan earthquake and tsunami and then, close to home, his coverage of the Christchurch earthquake in 2010 and When he is not reporting, Mike interests include rugby, reading and music Mike follows in the footsteps of some other great ambassadors for Variety that have taken up the cycle challenge, including tv and radio personality Rawdon Christie, actress Antonia Prebble and Olympian Sarah Walker. Mike is excited about helping kiwi kids through the Variety programme, having two children himself. He believes that all children deserve a fighting chance at a wonderful life and if we can start by helping our own children to achieve this, then this is a wonderful thing. Come and explore all that Myanmar has to offer, experiencing the sights and sounds at handlebar level, all whilst getting fitter and helping our very own kiwi kids back home supporting Variety s Bikes for Kids Programme. about your leader/escort Your tour will be led by fabulous Myanmar local guides who will give you insightful information during your travels, answer questions you may have and provide a safe and happy environment during your travels. They are bilingual guides there to guide you every step of the way through this beautiful country. at a glance DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9 DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12 DAY 13 DEPART AUCKLAND - ARRIVE YANGON - SIGHTSEEING YANGON TO MANDALAY MANDALAY - AMARAPURA, MINGUN AND BOAT RIDE ON IRRAWADDY. MANDALAY TO BAGAN BAGAN - SIGHTSEEING BAGAN - BIKING PLANTATIONS, LOCAL VILLAGES AND LOCAL LIFE BAGAN - HEHO - KALAW KALAW AND INLE LAKE - TREKKING AND TRIBES THROUGH THE SHAN MOUNTAINS INLE LAKE - SHAN COOKING CLASS AND WINERY WALK AROUND INLE LAKE - CYCLING DAY INLE LAKE - HEHO - YANGON DEPART YANGON FOR AUCKLAND ARRIVE AUCKLAND additional deposits required This trip requires the prepayment of group airfares and ground arrangements. Therefore in addition to the standard NZD $400 per person deposit, we also require an additional NZD $300 per person deposit thus a total non refundable deposit of NZD $700 per person to confirm your place on the trip. We recommend you take out travel insurance at the time of booking World Expeditions Travel Group - Natalie Tambolash 7/5/ :16:10 AM

3 Feb - 04 Mar trip dates fast facts Countries Visited: Myanmar Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: Asia *Ask our staff for more information. what s included Return Singapore Airlines Economy airfares to Myanmar from Auckland (other NZ cities on request and at additional charge) Domestic flights Yangon/Mandalay, Mandalay/Bagan, Bagan/Heho and Heho/ Yangon 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners Airport transfers in Rangon (day 1 and 12 only) Comfortable accommodation on a twin share basis in hotels Bike rental, 1 water bottle Bike mechanic and support vehicle on cycling days Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary Expert bilingual guide Group medical kit ** $500 donation to Variety The Children s Charity ** A Variety T shirt for a fabulous Myanmar group picture ** Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. detailed itinerary DAY 1 Depart Auckland - Arrive Yangon - Sightseeing You will depart Auckland at 1.15am bound for Yangon via Singapore On arrival in Yangon you will be met by our crew and transferred to your group hotel, for a chance to freshen up. From here continue to downtown Yangon to explore the fabulous mix of colonial architecture and religious monuments. We will take a short walking tour past the most famous buildings such as City Hall and the Post Office. Depending on the time there is the option to stop at a local tea shop to experience an integral part of Burmese life: drinking tea! Select from an array of snacks and enjoy a coffee or tea as you sit amid businessmen, friends and families who gather at the tea shop to socialize or conduct business. The tea shop is also unique in the way they prepare the tea, so be sure to have your camera ready. Lunch to be taken at a local restaurant. Late this afternoon, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. The central stupa is 90 meters tall and gilded with gold leaf. As the sun begins to set enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pagoda and surrounding skyline. Welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Yangon meals: L,D DAY 2 Yangon to Mandalay Following breakfast this morning we transfer to airport for the flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival at Mandalay, transfer to the hotel. Your bikes will be waiting here and after checking in, we will take some time to do a bike fitting. It s time to begin cycling! This afternoon you will explore the hidden places of the city by bike. Stops will be made at a workshop making gold leaf, where the craftsmen use ancient techniques handed down over generations. You ll also visit Mahamuni Pagoda, home to one of the country s most World Expeditions Travel Group - Natalie Tambolash 7/5/ :16:10 AM

4 responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website trip grading Introductory to Moderate Our Variety Myanmar Cycle Challenge trip is rated introductory to moderate and therefore requires a good level of fitness. These adventures involve cycling or trekking for up to 4 or 5 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. The majority of our introductory to moderate graded treks involve the carrying of a day pack only, though some may involve carrying a full pack. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Suggested preparation; 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week and extended periods of exercise during the weekend will accustom you to regular exercise. revered Buddha images which, over the years, has been covered with gold leaf giving it an almost lumpy texture. End the day with enjoying the magnificent sunset view from the top of Mandalay Hill and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: Mandalay DAY 3 Mandalay - Amarapura, Mingun and boat ride on Irrawaddy. After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you on a bike ride to Mandalay s outskirts. Heading to the southwest of the city, your first destination is the 18th century capital of Amarapura (17 kms/ app 1 hour). Stop here to visit U Bein Bridge for a walk along this 200 year-old teak structure. The bridge spans over 2 kilometres in length and offers fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams. Continue by bike across the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing and over to Mingun (48 kms/app 3 hours). Visit the main sites of Mingun beginning with the famous Mingun Pahtodawqyi. This huge brick structure was left unfinished after an astrologer predicted the King would die should the temple be completed. In the 1800s, an earthquake left several large cracks in the structure. Continue your visit at the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda whose distinctive style is meant to resemble the mythical Mount Meru. Then see the Mingun Bell which weighs 90 tonnes and is considered the world s largest uncracked ringing bell. Lunch boxes will be served on the way in typical Myanmar tiffin boxes at a local monastery. You return to Mandalay by boat. This hour journey along the Irrawaddy is a great way to observe the lives of the fishermen and enjoy the beautiful, tranquil scenery. Upon reaching Mandalay, continue by bike to you hotel (10 minutes). Dinner will be at the hotel. Overnight: Mandalay DAY 4 Mandalay to Bagan After breakfast, transfer to Mandalay airport for flight to Bagan, on arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. Minnanthu is probably the favourite temple area amongst frequent Bagan visitors and you know why? It s quiet, it s a beautiful area and the temples here are often completely deserted. The guide brings you by car to this forgotten part of Bagan and will spread out a blanket and serve you a great picnic lunch in this historical setting. After lunch, let s start biking. Off the beaten track and visiting the temples that are not yet on all tourist maps and discovering the hidden temples of Bagan. Our guide will take you to ancient temples and monasteries with mural paintings, temples that have not been cleaned for tourists and places you won t find hordes of souvenir sellers. One of the hidden temples is even tucked away at the compound of a police station. A fantastic day that certainly shows you the secrets of Bagan as only few have seen it. Overnight: Bagan DAY 5 Bagan - Sightseeing After breakfast at the hotel, spend a full day biking around the ancient temples. Start with a visit to the colourful Nyaung Oo Market where the locals come to buy and trade fresh produce and handicrafts. Continue to Shwezigon Pagoda, known for its magnificent golden stupa, World Expeditions Travel Group - Natalie Tambolash 7/5/ :16:10 AM

5 adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent. important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control. and Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jatakas murals paintings. Your final visit this morning is at the elegant Htilominlo Temple noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. Take a break from the midday heat for lunch and a chance to relax. The dry zone (as the area around Bagan is called) is not known for its fertile lands as the main crops grown are rice, peanuts, sesame seeds and tamarind. The food created from it is delicious though and we will serve you some beautiful food in a traditional monastery for you to enjoy at lunch. This afternoon, observe the process of traditional lacquerware, one of Myanmar s best-known handicrafts and a specialty of Bagan. Then, visit Ananda, an architectural masterpiece reflecting the early-style of Bagan temple construction and containing four impressive standing Buddha images. Continue to nearby Ananda Okkyaung, one of the few surviving brick monasteries from the early Bagan period. Dinner tonight will be enjoyed at a local restaurant. Biking Distance: Approximately 16 km Overnight: Bagan DAY 6 Bagan - Biking plantations, local villages and local life Following breakfast this morning, we start the day biking from the hotel to the Z-Craft Jetty in Old Bagan. In the morning you find a busy market where locals bring their merchandise from across the river. After checking out the market we take a 10 minute boat ride across to SeLan village on the other side of the Ayeyarwaddy River. We spend about an hour biking through vegetable plantations and seeing the local way of life through to Myitchay village. Here we will visit workshops like cotton weaving and cane/bamboo ware workshops. Lunch will be in a local restaurant. After lunch we continue on our bikes south (10 km) to KyaungChaung Jetty where our boat will be waiting for us to bring us back to Old Bagan. From here we return to our hotel by bike. For those that love photography, this is a great place to take photos of local life and people. Dinner tonight at the hotel. Overnight: Bagan DAY 7 Bagan - Heho - Kalaw After breakfast, you transfer to Nyaung Oo Airport for a flight to Heho. Today we explore the rolling countryside to Pindaya. Pindaya is known for the caves and although they are impressive, when you drive all the way there just to see the caves it feels like you re missing out on something. The most spectacular part of Pindaya, is not the town itself, but the rolling countryside with is changing colours depending on the season. Sesame, cauliflower, tea leaves, rice and many other crops are grown during the year. From Heho airport, we take you to the starting point of a leisurely bike ride of about 2 hours to truly absorb the fantastic scenery. Sometimes the road is paved, sometimes not but the scenery of the fields and the villages is truly memorable. We stop for a picnic lunch at a viewpoint and continue by car to the starting point of an easy Danu village walk (about 45 minutes) ending at the entrance of the caves that are filled with thousands of Buddha statues. We will also see how typical Shan paper and umbrellas are made before heading to the hotel in Kalaw. Dinner at Seven sisters restaurant. Overnight: Nyaung Shwe DAY 8 Kalaw and Inle Lake - Trekking and Tribes through the Shan Mountains Start trekking early in the morning (08:00 AM) from your hotel in Kalaw, the trekking takes about 3 hours passing through Danu Village where you will see the Danu hill tribes and their daily activities, a mix of forest and fields where products like sesame, tea, cauliflower and rice are cultivated. We arrive Myin Dike at 11:00 AM and from here we take a fantastic train ride through the picturesque World Expeditions Travel Group - Natalie Tambolash 7/5/ :16:10 AM

6 colonial Kalaw train station that brings you over the mountains and through the valleys towards Inle Lake. A simple lunch will be served on the way. A unique local experience that offers great views and a glimpse of local life in the Shan hills. Arrival in Shwe Nyaung is planned around 17:30 PM and could be delayed if the trains stops longer then normally in local hill tribe villages to on or off load local goods a colourful sight!. On arrival in Shwe Nyaung a transfer is arranged to your hotel. Not only a more sustainable way to travel, certainly also a more interesting one! Dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant. Overnight: Nyaung Shwe DAY 9 Inle Lake - Shan Cooking Class and Winery Walk After breakfast, we head off to meet Tin Tin an Intha native from the lake who will share her traditional Shan recipes with you today during a traditional Shan cooking class in a family house built on stilt on the lake. It s not a Master Chef course from a Michelin restaurant owner but it s simple, tasteful, home-cooked food from a local lady who has been cooking her whole life for her family and enjoys it! Together with your guide, we visit the local market to find all ingredients, go by boat to the traditional house and help clean vegetables, chop ingredients, fry, boil and make a delicious meal. The class ends with a very tasty lunch. This afternoon will be a nice relaxing one. From Nyaung Shwe we go by car towards Aythaya market and stop on the way in a local Pa O village to get to know this interesting tribe from this area a bit better. We have tea in a local house and continue by car to the lively local market. The guide will give you 1000 Kyats per person with a challenge to find as many different types of local snacks to taste, a good way to learn your first words of Pa O or Shan language spoken in this area and interact with the locals. From the market we start a walk through the different plantations (about 1.5 hours) and arrive at the entrance of the Aythaya winery, where we walk through the vineyard for another 30 minutes to arrive at the restaurant for a Shan dinner together with a wine tasting. Overnight: Nyaung Shwe DAY 10 Around Inle Lake - cycling day The day begins as you load your bicycle on a local boat and take a ride from Nyaung Shwe to Nampan to check out the local market. After a short bit of shopping, you will board the boat and cross the small lake village of Indein. You ll wave goodbye to boat on the banks of Indein and unload your bicycle. In Indein, you will reach Alaung Sitthou, an area filled with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below. We go for a short ride through the hidden ancient ruins then walk through the ruined site, where the jungle is beginning to take over, and search for hidden Buddha images. Next, jump back on the saddle of your bicycle and head north up the western shore. Lunch at local restaurant. The road back to Nyaung Shwe is mostly paved and on a decline with some undulating hills scattered in between. You ll ride through the trees and alongside towering Shan mountains as the backdrop. You ll see rice paddies below and the open road ahead. Have a quick snack break at Khaung Daing village, known for their delicious handmade soy bean crackers, tofu and other treats. After reaching Nyaung Shwe after your ride, return to your hotel where dinner will be enjoyed tonight. Overnight: Nyaung Shwe DAY 11 Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon After breakfast, visit the lake s morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake s villages in a 5 day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares. (Note: market is daily except on dark moon day and full moon day). Then, World Expeditions Travel Group - Natalie Tambolash 7/5/ :16:10 AM

7 you will observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Continue to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. While the Shan and the Pa O people live around the lake, the Intha people traditionally live ON the lake, literally in houses built on stilts on the lake. A home-cooked Intha style lunch including noodles, salads, soup and exotic looking food wrapped in banana leaves is prepared for you in a pop-up restaurant created to support the Intha community. Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand. After lunch, you will transfer to Heho for the domestic flight to Yangon. Upon arrival at Yangon, transfer to your hotel. Our farewell dinner tonight will be at Taing Yin Thar. The only place in Yangon offering traditional food from all over the country. Taing Yin Thar means tribes and the food reflects that. We have pre-selected some of the best dishes for you including several salads from all over the country and Shan style grilled fish. Overnight: Yangon DAY 12 Depart Yangon for Auckland Our time in Myanmar must come to an end and we will be transferred to Yangon Airport after an early breakfast, for our return to Auckland on SQ 997 departing at 1025am meals: B DAY 13 Arrive Auckland All good things must come to an end and you are scheduled to arrive back into Auckland at around 11.45am meals: NIL This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. cycling We believe that cycling is one of the best ways to see a country. Our cycling trips have been well researched to take you on the best route which usually means a combination of tarmac and dirt roads, the odd main road but generally smaller secondary roads. And sometimes even the occasional hill! All of this so that you can see the incredible scenery and landscapes, view the main sights and along the way eat delicious food, stay at unique accommodation and discover the incredible people. Generally we supply you with geared (21 27) mountain or touring bikes and support vehicle which will follow the group on almost all sections of the ride. All equipment and luggage will be carried by the support vehicle. You will need to carry a small day pack with your camera, sunscreen and water. It is important to remember that these cycling journeys are not designed to be a marathon event. No one needs to feel under pressure to ride. If at any point you do not wish to ride the vehicle is always available for you and your bike to be transported. Usually we stop every 10 to 20kms for a rest. This will be the time to recover your breath and replenish your fluids and energy with water and snacks. Remember that cycling involves some physical exertion, so you cannot expect that you will not feel tired. A little bit of preparation will go a long way. Cycling, of course, is an active pursuit and to maximise your own personal protection in case of a tumble or fall, the wearing of a bicycle helmet is compulsory at all times whilst cycling. country information Also known as Burma, Myanmar is an Asian nation bounded by Tibet in the north, by Laos, China and Thailand in the east, on the south by the Bay of Bengal and to the west by India and World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 8/2/ :49:38 AM

8 Bangladesh. The Irrawaddy River is the country s most dominant natural feature as well as a string of mountains in the north which rise as high as 5900 metres, with Hkakabo Razi being the highest peak in South East Asia. While Myanmar lies at the crossroads of China and India, its ethnicity is a blend of both civilizations but also interspersed with Myanmar native characteristics. The country s name has progressed from Burma, which is linked to just one of the ethnic groups, to Myanmar to satisfy an all encompassing title. There are 135 different ethnic groups that make up the population. Buddhism strongly influences daily life and this is demonstrated by the number of pagodas and monasteries strewn throughout the country. The people are known for their friendliness and hospitality. The language spoken is predominantly Myanmar (Bamar) while ethnic minorities speak Chin, Kachin, Kayin, Shan and another 135 hill tribe dialects. Being once a British colony English is also widely spoken. climate Most of Myanmar lies within the Tropic Zone. The hot season extends from March until October, and the cool season, from November through to February. Temperatures during these seasons range from 17 to 40 C (62 to 104 F) in lower Myanmar. Temperatures in upper Myanmar are usually less and mountainous regions can at times be cold. The country receives practically all its yearly rainfall between mid May and October, the period of the Southwest Monsoon. Myanmar is in the northern hemisphere so it is also winter from November to February. You will need to bring some warm clothing for early mornings everywhere, and especially for higher areas like Shan State (Kalaw, Inle Lake, Pindaya). The hotels in these areas are NOT equipped with heating or fireplaces so be prepared for some colder nights. a typical day When sightseeing we will be met by our guide early in the morning for a full day of activities. For detailed information on cycling days please read the cycling paragraph in this document. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. what you carry In your daypack you will need to carry a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip eze etc. equipment required A bike helmet is compulsory on this trip. We also highly recommend bike pants, gloves and a gel seat cover for your own comfort. A full gear list will be provided on booking World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 8/2/ :49:38 AM

9 vehicles & safety During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example, public bus transfers or specialised transport such as tuk tuk s could be another. Where seat belts are not provided we strongly recommend that you hold tight to a fixed part of the vehicle at all times. what s not included Travel insurance (compulsory) Bike Helmet (compulsory) Visa fees Tips and gratuities Meals and beverages not not indicated in the itinerary Any optional tours, sightseeing and entry fees not listed in the itinerary Expenditure of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry etc visas A visa for Myanmar is required prior to arrival for passport holders from the following countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, United Kingdom. evisa is now available for Myanmar should you wish to arrange this online prior to travel. For more information please go to < You will need the following before you apply: Your passport validity must have at least (6) months. You have to upload one COLOUR PHOTO (4.8 cm X 3.8 cm) taking during last (3) months. Visa, Master, American Express or JCB credit cards for the payment of USD Tourist Visa processing information: The validity of evisa approval letter is 90 days from the issued date. If it is expired, entry will be denied. Length of stay is (28) days from the date of arrival in Myanmar. evisa service is non refundable. You will receive an acknowledgement within 1 hour after successful payment. The processing time is upto (3) working days. If the applicant has child(ren) under (7) years old on the same passport, you have to put the name of that child, date of birth in the minor section of the application form. The applicant should complete individual personal data whether passenger is FIT or package tour evisa is a only valid for a single entry. Re entry will require a new visa. Currently passengers with evisa are only permitted to enter via following ports : 1. Yangon International Airport 2. Mandalay International Airport 3. Nay Pyi Taw International Aiport All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate. Please bear in mind that visas may be required for countries you are visiting en route or transiting through on the way to your destination. It is important that you check the requirements of all countries you will visit. Visa costs and requirements do change regularly so we suggest you check with your travel agent or World Expeditions reservations consultant. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary visas World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 8/2/ :49:38 AM

10 funding Money raised will provide brand new bikes and helmets for disadvantaged Kiwi kids as part of Variety s Bikes for Kids programme. Every year 450 bikes and helmets are given to children who have overcome adverse circumstances, come from a family simply not in a position to purchase a bike and in other cases the programme recognises and rewards children who are role models at their school or in their community. This recognition not only benefits the child concerned, but provides an incentive for their peers to follow in their footsteps and become good school and community citizens. The cost of this trip includes at $500 donation to Variety and all participants are encouraged to fundraise even more money an extra $200 will purchase another bike & helmet how many bikes can you fundraise for?? subscribe to our e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, or contact our office. social networking Follow us on Facebook at trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 8/2/ :49:38 AM