The traditional Kachin Manao Festival, celebrated a day before Kachin State Day on January 10th, is a vibrant and joyous occasion. The festival ground comes alive with beautifully decorated Manaw poles, adorned with colorful Kachin motifs, standing proudly at the center. This celebration marks the New Year, historic victories, and the reunion of the tribes.The highlight of the festival is the spiritual Manaw dance, where participants line up behind one another, moving in harmony around the Manaw poles. Clad in traditional attire, everyone joins in the dance, creating a mesmerizing display of unity and cultural pride. The Kachin Manao Festival is a living testament to the rich heritage and enduring spirit of the Kachin people.

Day 01: Yangon Sightseeing

Upon arrival at Yangon Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a drive through downtown Yangon to visit several interesting places. Start with the Chaukhtetkyi Pagoda, home to a huge reclining Buddha, then visit Karaweik Hall, a royal floating barge on the royal lake. Explore the National Museum before ending the day with a stunning sunset at the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the world’s wonders. Overnight stay in Yangon.

Day 2: Myitkyina-Myitsone-Jawbon Tower-Karein Naw View Point

In the morning, fly to Myitkyina. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Begin your sightseeing around the Myitkyina area, then drive to Myitsone, the confluence of the Maykha and Maylikha Rivers, which forms the starting point of the Ayeyarwaddy River.
Take an excursion by a small boat along the Mighty Maykha River to observe the gold washing areas. This lovely and interesting place offers much to see in a relaxed atmosphere. Visit Kachin and Lisu villages and enjoy grilled river fish at a traditional restaurant near the confluence.
On the way back to Myitkyina, stop at Jaw Bon Tower (Prayer Mountain) for a fantastic panoramic view over Myitkyina and the mountains, and visit Karein Naw View Point. End the day with dinner at River View Restaurant, savoring delicious Kachin traditional cuisine, juice, and beverages.

Day 3: MyitKyiNa–WaineMaw–WashaungDaw-ChineseMountainPagoda

After breakfast at the hotel, drive over a bridge spanning the Ayeyarwaddy River to visit the small town of Waine Maw. Explore local cottage industry workshops, including blacksmiths, and visit a small rural market. Continue to Washaung Dam, Chinese Mountain Pagoda, and the Sutangpyi Reclining Buddha Image. Return to Myitkyina for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Enjoy Kachin Traditional Manaw Festival

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Manaw Stadium (Wunpawng Minggawn Manao Wang) to enjoy the Kachin races’ Manau Festival. Immerse yourself in the local tribe’s lifestyle and join in their vibrant Kachin dances. Dance to the rhythmic beat of the ceremonial gong, dressed in colorful ceremonial attire. It is a fantastic and captivating experience.
 

Day5: MyitKyiNa – InDawGyi Lake

Early in the morning, depart to Indawgyi Lake by 4-wheel double cab. Indawgyi is the largest natural lake in Myanmar. Along the way, visit and learn about Kachin minority villages. Upon arriving at Indawgyi Lake, take a boat to cruise across the lake, visit the famous Shwe Myitzu Pagoda in the middle of the lake, and enjoy bird watching. Overnight at a guest house with a good viewpoint overlooking the lake.

Day6: InDawGyi Lake sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing around the Indawgyi area and visit Shwe Taung (Golden Mountain) at the north of Indawgyi Lake. The mountain has a monastery and pagoda on top, offering great, sweeping views of the lake. Return to Myitkyina in the late afternoon. Overnight in Myitkyina.

Day7: Myitkyina Sightseeing

In the morning, enjoy sightseeing in Myitkyina. Then, transfer to the airport for departure.