MOEYUNGYI Bird Sanctuary
2 days from Yangon
Moeyungyi wetlands (40acres) just of the Yangon-Mandalay Highway, close to Bago, was created by the British colonial administration in the late 19th century to collect rainwater, which was then used during the dry period to float down logs from the Bago Mountain ranges. Later it naturally changed into wetlands, which have been notified as a wildlife sanctuary since 1988. The wetlands are offering to watch many different kinds of birds as Spot-billed Pelican, Little Grebe, Sarus Crane, Asian Open-Bill, Ruddy Shelducks or Eurasian Woodcocks, estimated are 42 water bird species and 33 species of shore birds. Additional it is the breeding ground for cranes, common moorhens and other birds. The best season to visit this vital shelter for both resident and migratory waterfowls is from November to March.

We will leave Yangon in the afternoon to arrive before dusk and enjoy the sunset from the decks of the houseboats, which serve as accommodation. On the next morning we will start before sunrise to catch the waking up of the birds and explore the area by motorized canoes. It is a beautiful way to enjoy the scenery. After lunch we will head back to Yangon.

ELEPHANT CAMP
2 days from Yangon
The Elephant camp is situated 160 miles north of Yangon near Taungoo in an area of teak logging sites. Myanmar is one of few countries using elephants for timber logging, which is actually making less damge to the forest eco-system as mechanical logging.

We would leave Yangon very early in the morning to drive around 7 hours by 4 Wheel drive to the Elephant Camp. At the Camp we will be able to observe the elephants at work, dragging heavy timber logs. Dinner will be served at the camp. On the next morning we will watch the Oozies (the elephant riders) bathing the elephants in the creek nearby and ride as great final experience on one of the elephants before we return to Yangon.

Accommodation is basic in tents with sleeping bags on bamboo decks, bathing possibilities are only in the water of the nearby creek. The best season for a visit is between December and March.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Since the area is malaria infested, visitors need to take malaria preventive pills, one week before the trip and two weeks after return from the camp.

ELEPHANT CAMP & MOEYUNGYI
3 days from Yangon
A trip to the Elephant camp can be easily combined with a visit to the Moeyungyi Wetlands.

We will proceed by car on the first day early mornings to the Elephant Camp and stay there until late morning of the next day. Then we will drive south to the Moeyungyi Bird Sanctuary and stay there over night. On the third day we will return to Yangon after our excursions through the wetlands.

TREKKING at YASAGYI Mountain
2 days from Pindaya
Pindaya is a perfect spot for visits into the surrounding villages around Yasagyi Mountain with its different hill tribes. The life in these villages is still very authentic and the inhabitants are usually wearing their traditional costumes. We will start our hike early in the morning from Pindaya to reach Yasagyi Village in the afternoon. During the trek we will pass villages of the Danu tribe. Yasagyi itself is inhabited by the Palaung, who live in long houses together in many generations and families. You can view as well the traditional weaving process of their costumes.

We will stay overnight in the monastery in Yasagyi before we return the next day to Pindaya. Fast climbers are welcome to climb up Yasagyi Mountain in the morning before the return. The way down to Pindaya leads us on a different route through Thaungyo villages.
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BALLOONS OVER BAGAN
1/2 days from Bagan
This is the experience in Bagan, so some say: “you have to see Bagan on a hot air balloon or you have not seen Bagan and its temples at all”. From the elevated position you have a magnificient view over the vast area of the Bagan Plain dotted with its many temples and pagodas. These champagne flights take place early in the morning, at sunrise or about an hour before sunset. They last about 2 ½ hrs with an average of 45 minutes flight time. Light winds and stable weather conditions are needed, the speed of the balloon and the length of the flight are governed by the strength and velocity of the wind. After the return to the ground the passengers will celebrate with champagne and receive their flight certificates.