Myanmar Birdwatching Journey - From Ancient Temples to Natural Habitats

Meals: Dinner at a local restaurant
Accommodation: Rupar Mandalar Resort or similar

Upon arrival at Mandalay International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and assisted with your transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, complete the check-in formalities and settle into your room.

After some time to refresh, begin your first birdwatching excursion along the banks of the majestic Ayeyarwady River and through the surrounding habitats. The riverbanks, exposed sandbars and nearby agricultural areas create a varied landscape that offers excellent opportunities to observe a range of resident and migratory birdlife. The afternoon will be spent exploring these habitats at a relaxed pace, with time to observe bird activity and enjoy the natural surroundings.

As the day draws to a close, proceed to U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teakwood bridge. The surrounding landscape becomes particularly atmospheric in the evening, providing excellent opportunities for both birdwatching and landscape photography. As birds return to their roosting areas, enjoy the changing light and scenic views across the surrounding waterways and countryside.

After the sunset experience, proceed to a local restaurant for dinner before returning to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant
Accommodation: Rupar Mandalar Resort or similar

Rise early for a morning birdwatching excursion to selected wetlands, reservoirs and dry forest habitats around Mandalay, taking advantage of the early hours when bird activity is generally at its peak. These varied habitats offer excellent opportunities to explore Myanmar’s dry-zone landscapes and observe a diverse range of resident and migratory birdlife.

With your local guide, explore the different habitats at a relaxed pace, listening for bird calls and scanning the surrounding vegetation, wetlands and open areas. Your guide will assist with bird identification by both sight and sound while sharing information about the habitats, behaviour and seasonal movements of the birds encountered.

Continue to another nearby birdwatching site, where you will have further opportunities to observe and photograph birds in their natural surroundings. The varied landscapes and changing habitats provide a rewarding morning of birding and wildlife photography.

After the morning excursion, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Mahamuni Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s most revered Buddhist sites and an important cultural landmark of Mandalay. Take some time to appreciate the pagoda’s architecture, religious significance, and atmosphere before continuing with the day’s activities.

Later in the afternoon, return to the Ayeyarwady River for another birdwatching session. Explore the riverbanks, sandbanks and surrounding wetland habitats, which can attract a variety of waterbirds as well as seasonal migratory species. The peaceful river landscape also provides excellent opportunities for photography as the afternoon light softens.

After completing the evening birdwatching session, return to the hotel and enjoy dinner.

Meals: Breakfast at Mandalay Hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant, Dinner at Bagan Hotel
Accommodation: Hotel @ Tharabar Gate or similar

After an early breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart Mandalay by private vehicle for Bagan, a journey of approximately 4–5 hours. The drive takes you through the changing landscapes of Myanmar’s dry zone, with opportunities to enjoy the countryside and observe the transition from the Mandalay region towards the distinctive landscapes around Mt. Popa.

En route, visit Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano rising approximately 1,518 metres above sea level and regarded as the spiritual home of Myanmar’s legendary 37 Nats (guardian spirits). The mountain and its surrounding landscapes are not only culturally significant but also offer interesting opportunities for nature and birdwatching.

Spend time birdwatching in the dry forest and foothill habitats of Popa Mountain Park, exploring the area at a relaxed pace. The varied vegetation and elevation create suitable habitats for a range of resident and dry-zone birdlife. Your guide will assist with identifying birds by sight and sound while helping you make the most of the available birding opportunities.

Continue to Taung Kalat, the famous monastery dramatically situated atop a volcanic plug. For those interested, there is an option to climb the 777 steps to the summit. The climb is optional and offers panoramic views across the surrounding plains and volcanic landscape for those who choose to undertake it.

After the visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Mt. Popa before continuing the drive towards Bagan.

Upon arrival in Bagan, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax after the journey. The evening will be at leisure to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch and Dinner at a local restaurant
Accommodation: Hotel @ Tharabar Gate or similar

Begin the day with an early morning birdwatching excursion through the distinctive landscapes of Bagan, taking advantage of the cooler morning hours when bird activity is at its highest. The combination of dry forests, open plains, agricultural fields and riverside habitats creates a varied environment that supports a diverse range of resident and migratory birdlife.

Explore the Bagan Archaeological Zone, where centuries-old temples and monuments are interspersed with natural vegetation, cultivated fields and open landscapes. This unique combination of cultural and natural surroundings provides an excellent setting for both birdwatching and photography. Continue through the surrounding dry forest and agricultural areas, exploring suitable habitats and looking for the characteristic birdlife of Myanmar’s dry zone.

Later, proceed towards the Ayeyarwady River and explore its banks and surrounding riverine habitats. The river and nearby areas attract a variety of waterbirds and other birdlife, offering further opportunities for observation and wildlife photography. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings while your guide helps identify birds and locate productive areas for birding.

After the morning excursion, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Ananda Temple, one of Bagan’s finest and best-preserved temples, celebrated for its elegant architecture and four impressive standing Buddha images. Take time to appreciate the temple’s cultural and historical significance before continuing with the day’s birdwatching activities.

After the temple visit, explore nearby birdwatching locations, focusing on additional dry-zone habitats and riverside areas. The afternoon session provides another opportunity to observe birds in different environments and photograph them in the changing light.

As the day draws to a close, enjoy a final birdwatching session around suitable areas of Bagan. The late afternoon light creates a particularly atmospheric setting, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography with the ancient temples and surrounding landscapes providing a spectacular backdrop.

After sunset, proceed to a local restaurant for dinner before returning to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at Bagan Hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant, Dinner at Inle Lake Hotel
Accommodation: View Point Ecolodge or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Nyaung U Airport for your flight to Heho, the gateway to Shan State and the renowned Inle Lake region.

Upon arrival at Heho Airport, meet your local representative and continue by private vehicle to Nyaung Shwe, the main gateway town to Inle Lake. The drive takes approximately one hour and offers an opportunity to enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Shan Plateau. Travel through quiet villages, agricultural areas and rolling mountain scenery, experiencing the changing landscape as you approach the lake region.

After lunch at a local restaurant, begin your first birdwatching excursion around the Inle Lake wetlands. The lake’s distinctive ecosystem, comprising floating vegetation, marshes, canals and surrounding agricultural areas, provides a variety of habitats for resident and migratory birdlife.

Explore the wetlands at a relaxed pace, taking time to observe bird activity and photograph birds in their natural surroundings. The waterways and open wetland areas also offer an opportunity to experience the unique character of life around Inle Lake.

Along the way, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the lake and observe the traditional way of life, including local fishermen, agricultural activities and the distinctive landscapes that surround this remarkable wetland environment.

After completing the birdwatching excursion, return to the hotel and relax.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant
Accommodation: View Point Ecolodge or similar

Begin the day with an early morning boat excursion on the beautiful Inle Lake, when bird activity is at its peak and the soft morning light creates excellent conditions for birdwatching and photography.

Travel by traditional long-tail boat through the lake’s diverse habitats, exploring:

• Floating Gardens – Unique agricultural areas where local farmers cultivate vegetables on floating beds, attracting various birds that search for food among the vegetation.

• Wetlands & Open Water Areas – Important feeding grounds for resident and migratory waterbirds.

• Reed Areas & Marshlands – Suitable habitats for herons, egrets, ducks and other wetland species.

• Local Villages & Waterways – Opportunities to observe birdlife alongside the traditional lifestyle and daily activities of the Intha people.

Continue exploring the lake by boat while enjoying its tranquil scenery and distinctive floating landscapes.

Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue sightseeing around Inle Lake. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, one of the most revered religious sites in Shan State, and explore the nearby floating villages, where houses, monasteries and everyday activities are closely connected to the lake’s waterways.

On the return boat journey, continue birdwatching through the surrounding wetlands and waterways, making the most of the afternoon light for additional birdwatching and photography opportunities.

Return to the hotel and relax.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at Inle Lake Hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant, Dinner at Kalaw Hotel
Accommodation: Kalaw Heritage Hotel or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, depart by private vehicle for Kalaw, a charming hill station situated on the scenic Shan Plateau. Known for its cool climate, pine forests and diverse habitats, Kalaw is one of Myanmar’s renowned birdwatching destinations, offering excellent opportunities to explore forest and montane habitats.

Upon arrival, begin birdwatching in the surrounding pine forests, where the peaceful woodland environment provides ideal conditions for observing forest-dwelling birds. Continue exploring nearby evergreen forests, plantation areas and forest edges, searching for a variety of resident and seasonal birdlife. Your guide will assist with bird identification through calls, behavior and field characteristics while sharing insights into the local ecosystem and surrounding habitats.

As you explore, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Shan Highlands, with rolling pine-covered hills, tea plantations, traditional villages and peaceful countryside landscapes. The combination of natural surroundings and diverse habitats makes Kalaw a rewarding destination for both birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue birdwatching at selected forest and plantation sites, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and active birdlife. After the afternoon birdwatching session, transfer to your hotel in Kalaw and check in.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at Kalaw Hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant, Dinner at Yangon Hotel
Accommodation: Hotel Boundary or similar

After an early breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a final morning birdwatching session around Kalaw’s pine forests and surrounding habitats. Take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures and peak bird activity for one last opportunity to observe and photograph the region’s forest and montane birdlife.

After the birdwatching session, depart Kalaw by private vehicle and transfer to Heho Airport for your flight to Yangon.

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, transfer to a local restaurant for lunch.

In the afternoon, continue your birdwatching journey at Kandawgyi Lake, one of Yangon’s most scenic urban green spaces. The lake and its surrounding park areas provide a peaceful setting for observing a variety of urban, wetland and woodland birdlife. Explore the lakeside pathways and surrounding vegetation, looking for waterbirds, kingfishers, doves, bulbuls, barbets and other resident bird species, while enjoying opportunities for wildlife photography.

The tranquil lake environment, combined with surrounding greenery and views of the iconic Karaweik Palace, offers a pleasant introduction to Yangon’s natural habitats and urban landscapes.

After the birdwatching excursion, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch and Dinner at a local restaurant
Accommodation: Hotel Boundary or similar

Rise early and set out for a full-day birdwatching excursion to Hlawga Wildlife Park and other nearby natural areas around Yangon. The early morning hours offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching, when bird activity is at its highest and the surrounding habitats are at their most peaceful.

Explore a variety of habitats, including freshwater lakes, wetlands, open grasslands and mixed woodland, searching for a wide range of resident and migratory bird species. Depending on the season, there may also be opportunities to observe additional woodland and wetland birdlife. Your expert birding guide will assist with bird identification and share insights into the habitats, behavior and ecology of the local birdlife.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue birdwatching at selected habitats around Yangon, allowing ample time for observation and photography. Enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings while searching for additional birdlife before returning to the city.

Complete the day with a visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular monuments. Explore the impressive golden stupa and surrounding complex, and enjoy the breathtaking atmosphere as the setting sun casts a warm glow over the golden structure.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the completion of your Myanmar birdwatching adventure and the memorable experiences gathered throughout the journey.

Return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast at Hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Yangon International Airport by private vehicle for your onward international departure flight.

Your memorable Myanmar birdwatching adventure comes to an end as you depart Yangon with wonderful memories of the country’s diverse landscapes, wetlands, forests and birdlife.

Note: Please note that minor adjustments to the tour itinerary may be necessary because of flight availability and other unforeseen circumstances.