Day 1 : Mandalay – Mogok by car (217 km)
Meal: ( Nil)
After breakfast at your hotel in Mandalay you will be picked up at 8am by our guide and driver for a private transfer to Mogok, located 200km and a six-hour drive north of Mandalay. The first half of the drive is reasonably smooth sailing, whereas the second half winds along mountain roads. The magnificent views make it well worth the adventure. Along the way we will make stops for you to stretch your legs and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (client’s own account).
Around 2pm we reach the outskirts of Mogok, nestled in a large mountainous valley at an altitude of 1,170 metres. Before entering the town, a stop at Kyauk Pyat Thut Pagoda beckons with its network of staircases and stupas set dramatically atop a rocky outcrop. The view from the top is stunning, consisting of rolling green mountains dotted with patches of red soil marking the locations of operating gem mines. It is said that this region of Myanmar is where 90% of the world’s high-grade rubies are found.
The birds-eye view provides a great overview of the mining area and is followed up with a visit to the nearby ruby and sapphire mines of Yadanar-kaday-kadar. Here, our guide will share with you information about the mines and the people that work there so you have a better idea about the history and process of gem-mining here. Then, it is time to enter the town of Mogok itself, situated around a beautiful lake.
For decades, Mogok was a restricted area closed to foreign visitors. However, it is now open to international visitors with a special permit. Our local expertise allows us to arrange permits for you to discover this ‘hidden gem’.
In the late afternoon, check in to your hotel and spend a relaxing evening wandering around the pleasant town.
Overnight in Mogok.
Day 2 : Mogok Valley
Meal: (B)
This morning our guide will meet you at your hotel at 8.30am to explore Mani Mingalar Gems Market, at its most vibrant in the morning with buyers and sellers of rough and cut gemstones found in the mines around Mogok. Spend an hour or so wandering around absorbing the enterprising energy before heading 10km out of town by car to famous Bernard village, named after the former British Chief Commissioner of Upper Burma.
A British War Cemetery is located here, commemorating soldiers who fell in the aftermath of the third and final anglo-Anglo Burmese War (1885). The village also provides an interesting insight into indigenous cultures and traditional life around Mogok. The village market is a great place to try traditional Shan snacks and warm drinks. Our guide can point out the best spots to taste delicious Shan noodle soup and hot Shan coffee or warming wine to lunch like a local (client’s own account).
After this cultural experience we return to Mogok, stopping at Pyaung Gaung Lay village along the way to see mines where peridot, a gorgeous green gemstone, are found. These gems are large and the ones found in this mine are renowned for being of extremely high quality. Upon our return to Mogok, visit the town’s main jewels market, known as ‘Umbrella Market’. In contrast to the morning visit, this market is at its most lively in the afternoon, set up with dozens of tables sheltered by umbrellas, which give it its name. Routine at this market is not like most other markets – it is the buyers who ‘set up shop’ at a table while the sellers come to them.
In the late afternoon as the sun begins to set, make your way up to Padamyar Pagoda to experience beautiful views from the top of the hill, looking down on the town and its lake below. This evening, our guide will escort you to the night market (open from 4-9pm) which is the town’s social hub after dark. Steam and smoke rise into the air as traditional snacks such as bundles of steaming mustard leaf in rice flour and steamed mushrooms entice you for a flavourful dinner (client’s own account).
Overnight in Mogok.
Day 3 : Mogok – Mandalay
Meal: (B)
Skip breakfast at your hotel this morning to venture out at 7am to the local market for a traditional breakfast of local rice noodles. The warm soup is perfect for the chilly weather and will prepare you for a walk around the central part of Mogok town, consisting of elevated pathways and traditional brick ‘Nogging’ houses.
After this short walking tour, remain in the town centre to visit the golden stupa of Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, featuring an impressive white marble Buddha and two sacred gilded Buddhas. Admire the intricate patterns of mirrored walls and columns before proceeding to Daw Nan Kyi Mountain western part of Mogok city which has a very interesting legend behind it. Unlike the surrounding mountains where gems were abundant, nothing could be extracted from this particular mountain, leading to the construction of a pagoda at the summit to celebrate its uniqueness. Enjoy one last panoramic view over the nature below before returning to Mandalay by private car.
As on the drive to Mogok, stops will be made along the way to stretch your legs and fuel up.
