Magnificent Mogok – The Valley of Rubies

From

$359.00

For decades, Mogok was closed to foreign visitors. Only recently has the ‘Ruby Land’ of Myanmar opened up for you to explore its beautiful scenery and unique gem-mining history. Get first-hand knowledge about how some of the most precious gems in the world are extracted and then exchanged between buyers and sellers at buzzing markets (gem market) nearby. All this set in the stunning mountainous backdrop of Mogok.

Who would love this tour?

Friends, Couple, Youth, Senior, Solo

Duration

3 Days

Departure

8:00 am

Pickup Place

Hotel in Mandalay

Tour End

Mandalay

Highlights

Highlights of Magnificent Mogok – The Valley of Rubies

 

  • Track Mogok’s high-quality gems from the mines to the markets
  • Discover local life and traditional food within communities in and around town
  • Experience magnificent views from the mountains surrounding Mogok

Accommodation

We use smart and clean hotels for our valuable clients to secure in every condition except under some experiential and local activities. If in case, the mentioned hotels are not available on your travel dates with the valid reasons, then we will try to maintain alternative hotels which are at the same level.

  • Mogok: 2 nights at Mogok Hill hotel

Anyhow, if you do not satisfy the HOTEL we provide though we fitted the prime one in every destination, you are still welcome to address in advance upon your preferences.

Note: If your travel dates are fallen during X’s Mas and New Year, our tour price can be changed with the prior notice. If you have any more question please contact us this email (office@myanmarupperland.com).

Destinations in this tour

View of Mogok Lake

Mogok

Kuthodaw Pagoda

Mandalay

Itinerary

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.

include & exclude

What is included in this tour?
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

 

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off service
  • 2 Nights accommodation with daily breakfast (twin sharing room)
  • Professional licensed tour guide service
  • Admission fees and permission fees for the visit
  • All transportation by car (until 7:00 pm for the day) ,
  • Drinking Water and towel
What is not included in this tour?
Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • International Air tickets and airport tax
  • Airport pick up and transfer
  • Meals and beverages
  • Visa fees and arrangements
  • other services not mentioned

FAQ

Do I need to apply permission for this tour?

We will say Yes,  this tour needs a permission. But do not worry our package included permission for the tour. You just need to provide us necessary documents for the permission to apply. It will take about 10 working days.

What is cancellation policy for this tour?

All cancellations made by travelers will be charged as follows:

  • Cancellation more than 45 days before travel start date: there is no charges.
  • Between 30– 45 days before travel start date: 25% of the tour cost.
  • Less than 30 days before travel start date (or) No-show: 100% of the tour cost.
  • The Government Tax (5%) is non-refundable.
Can I book this tour in last minute?

You need to book this tour 10 days in advance.

I am solo traveler, can I book this tour?

We operate this tour in privately as we, MUL considered to the privacy of the travellers and not sharing with other travelers. Our mentioned price is based on 2 passengers for a bookng, but solo traveler can still book this tour  requesting for solo price by email (office@myanmarupperland.com).

What is the best season to do this tour?

We have three season in Myanmar, October to February is Winter (cold) season with average temperatures 20-24 C, March to May is Summer (hot) season with average temperatures 30-35 C) and  June to September is the Monsoon (rainy) season, with high rainfall and average temperatures 25-30 C.

We offer this tour all year round and but the best season to do this tour is Winter season (Oct – Feb).

Can I exten my trip for longer days or more exploration?

Yes, We offer  extension tour packages and/or other travel related services depend on your request. Please contact us at office@myanmarupperland.com.

 

Maps

Trip-to-Mogok-ruby-land

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Magnificent Mogok – The Valley of Rubies

As said, MUL take the time to get to know you and your travel desires to design a tailor-made plan even on our package deal except for the Destinations and means of Transports for this tour. 

Personal Info

Still, if you desire to design a more specific tailor-made itinerary, go and Plan your Trip