Monday, October 29, 2012

7D Highlights of Myanmar Dep 15Dec

7D Highlights of Myanmar

Yangon
Shwedagone Pagoda
Lawka Chanthar, the world’s biggest marble Buddha
Bogyoke Market

Bagan
Htilominlo Pagoda
Myazedi Pagoda
Amanpura - City of Immortality

Fort Sagaing Hill

Mandalay
Mandalay Hill

DEP: 15Dec, 22Dec
PRICE - $2,580 + Tax (FLY SINGAPORE AIRLINES )
FULL BOARD, INCLUSIVE OF THE DOMESTIC FLIGHTS


Day 1: Singapore - Yangon
Assemble at Changi Airport for your flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, be met with your tour guide and transferred to your hotel for check in. You will visit Sule Pagoda (located on a roundabout in downtown Yangon), Yangon City Hall (featuring classic Myanmar architectural design), and the High Court (noted for its British colonial architecture, including its clock tower and its red-bricked exterior). Next, you’ll visit Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, built in 1966 and famous for its huge image of the Reclining Buddha, which replaced the older image built in 1907. In the early evening, you will visit the famous Shwedagone Pagoda. Its massive bell-shaped golden spires are plated with 60 tons of gold, while the tip of the stupa is inset with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and topaz. You’ll have a restful overnight in Yangon. Kandawgyi Palace Hotel

Day 2: Yangon – Bagan (B, L, D)
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for a flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, you will go for a sightseeing drive to Nyaung Oo Market, Shwezigone Pagoda (home to the Frontlet Relic of Buddha), Gubyaukgyi Temple (noted for its wall paintings), Htilominlo Pagoda (one of the largest temples of Bagan and noted for its fine plaster carvings) and Ananda Temple (the finest, largest and best preserved of all the Bagan temples). You will also get to explore Ananda Okkyaung (a brick monastery with 18th Century mural paintings) and Dhammayangyi Pagoda (extending approximately 255 feet on each of its four sides, making it Bagan's most massive shrine). After lunch, you will visit a local family workshop to watch and learn about the production process of lacquer ware, one of Myanmar's best-known handicrafts. You will then continue on to visit Thatbyinnyu Pagoda (Bagan's tallest temple at almost 217feet high) and Nanpaya temple (a unique sandstone monument). Then you will enjoy the breathtaking sunset from Shwesandaw Pagoda, the most popular sunset-viewing spot in Bagan, before retiring for the evening in Bagan. Myanmar Treasure Bagan Resort

Day 3: Bagan full day sightseeing (B, L, D)
After breakfast, you will continue your visit with a trip to Nathlaung Kyaung, the only remaining Hindu temple in Bagan. Next, you’ll visit Myazedi Pagoda (well known for its stone inscription which was engraved in the four languages of Myanmar) and Nagayon Pagoda, which was built at the end of the 11th Century and which resembles the Indian temples of the area of Orissa. Your next destination will be Abeyatanar Pagoda (famous for paintings that cover the inner walls) and then lunch at a local restaurant. Your journey will continue to Nga-kywe-na-daung Pagoda (with early Pyu type brick masonry stupa), Manual Temple (one of the oldest temples in Bagan), and Mingalarzedi (noted for its fine proportions and many beautiful jataka tiles its three square terraces). Myanmar Treasure Bagan Resort

Day 4: Bagan - Mandalay – Amarapura (B, L, D)
There will be an early morning transfer to Bagan Airport for a flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, you will take an excursion to Amarapura, which means “City of Immortality” and which was founded in 1783 AD. You’ll then visit Mahaganthayon Monastery, the largest teaching monastery in Myanmar. Next, you will enjoy the serenity of the U Bein wooden bridge (constructed in 1849 and measuring about three quarters of a mile long) and Taung-Ta-Man Lak (which always enchants visitors). After your hotel check in, you will continue your tour by visiting Mahar Myat Muni Buddha Image (the most ancient bronze cast Buddha image in Myanmar) and the reconstructed Mya Nan San Kyaw Palace. This golden palace represents Myanmar’s sovereignty and independence, which arouses national patriotic spirit among the Myanmar people. Then you will be on your way to the handicraft workshops, where you will witness things such as bronze sculpting, gold leaf beating and marble stone carving. In the afternoon, you will visit Cathode Pagoda, which is often called the world's largest book because it is home to a set of 729 huge stone slabs, on which Buddhist scriptures are inscribed. You will finish the tour by visiting Mandalay Hill, a natural watchtower where visitors can watch the sunrise or sunset over the city plains.

Day 5: Mandalay - Sagaing – Mingun (B, L, D)
After breakfast, you will set out fort Sagaing Hill, which has over 600 Buddhist monasteries where monks and nuns study and meditate. You’ll also visit U Min Thonze (or “Thirty Caves Pagoda”, which has many Buddha images in a crescent shaped colonnade), Ywahtaung Village (where you can see silver workers producing bowls and other silver items by traditional methods) and the impressive Soon Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda nearby. After that, you will take a private boat to Mingun, which is famous for its huge and incomplete Pahtodawgyi Pagoda built by King Bodaw Badon in 1791 and the Mingun Bell, which is the biggest hanging bell in the world. Then you will head to the handicraft workshops and witness bronze sculpting, gold leaf beating and marble stone carving, before an overnight stay in Mandalay. Red Canal Hotel

Day 6: Mandalay– Yangon (B, L, D)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will fly back to Yangon, where you will continue your city tour with a visit to Lawka Chanthar, the world’s biggest marble Buddha and royal white elephant. On the way, you may stop at the Naga Cave Monastic School, where you can learn the Myanmar monastic education system. You also have the option to visit Kandawgyi Lake and surrounding areas, which offer numerous photo opportunities. After lunch, you can go shopping in the Bogyoke market (formerly "Scott Market"), where you can get a wide range of Myanmar handicrafts, jewelry, fabrics, lacquer ware and so on. You can also visit China Town markets selling fresh fruits, flowers and local delicacies. Time permitting, your guide will bring you to the famous MK gems shop, where high quality gems are displayed in eight different decorated show rooms. This is just one example of why Myanmar is the world’s number one producer of precious stones. You will have an overnight stay in Yangon. Kandawgyi Palace Hotel

Day 7: Departure (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Contact Olevia Cheong
olevia@gmail.com

Monday, October 22, 2012

Dear all,

If you are planning for your year end holidays, do look at what we have here..

100 Best Cities

DEC 2012
07Dec,12D Nepal & Bhutan, $3688 + Tax, $445
*** Best Seller ***

12Dec, 15D Israel, and Jordan. $3788 + tax, $270
8Dec, 8D Rajasthan, $5188 + tax $490 ( 5 star hotels)


JAN 2013
18Jan, 8D Rajasthan Tour, $5188 + tax $490 ( 5 star hotels )

FEB
08Feb, 8D Kashmir & Golden Triangle, $1588 + tax $490
10Feb, 15D Israel & Jordan. $3788 + Tax $280
11Feb, 12D Nepal & Bhutan ( Festival at Punakha ) $3588 + tax $445


MAR
Every Fri dep for 10D Nepal Annapurna Foothills Trek
**** Spring - rhododendrons blooming on the trail, beautiful burst of colours!
Bhutan - luxury package (7 nights Uma Paro/Uma Punakha)
**** See below the beautiful setting of Uma Punakha Lodge (5 star), opened Sep2012****



Uma Punakha Lodge *Bedroom - Valley View (from Balcony)


APR
09Apr, 9D Best of Kashmir ( Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam) $1788+ tax $490
**** NOTE : Tulips season !! ****

19Apr, 12D Nepal & Bhutan $3588 + Tax $445
19Apr, 22D Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Lake $3088 + tax $360

Note:
Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Contact Olevia Cheong

olevia@gmail.com

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Best of Kashmir 09Apr

100 Best Cities

Dear all,

Thanks for coming back.
Please take a look at this itinerary that covers the best of Kashmir,
Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar.



Dep - 09Apr
This is planned such that it coincide with the tulip season in Srinagar.
Fly by JetAirways.
Price - To be Advised

FLIGHT DETAILS :

  9W 17G     09APR T SINDEL        2300 0215   +1
  9W 603G  10APR W DELSXR   1030 1150                      

  9W 604G  16APR T SXRDEL     1230 1355                      
  9W 18G    17APR W DELSIN      0845 1705  


Day 01 : Arrive Delhi, transfer to hotel (MOB)

Day 02 Delhi - Srinagar (By Flight)

Today we taka a flight to Srinagar, upon arrival at Srinagar our representative would assist you at the Airport & transfer to the Houseboat - Hotel. Srinagar, The city was founded by the King Pravarasena-II over 2,000 years ago, & the city of Srinagar has a history dating back at least to the 3rd century BC. The city lies on both banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus River. The city is famous for its lakes & houseboats floating over them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts & dry fruits. It city was a part of the Maurya Empire, one of the largest empires of the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka introduced Buddhism to the Kashmir valley & the adjoining regions around the city became a centre of Buddhism. In the 1st century, the region was under the control of Kushans & several rulers of this dynasty strengthened the Buddhist tradition. Also known as "Paradise on Earth" Shikara boatride on Dal lake is one of the most soothing & relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir. Later in the afternoon we explore the Dal Lake & its Waterways & visit the floating vegetable market in a traditional Shikara boat. This unique kind of market can be only witnessed in Thailand & Kashmir. En route we shall see many species of aquatic birds on the lake, nestling on surrounding trees on floating marshes used for growing vegetables by local people, who have inherited a unique lifestyle living on the Lake for over decades.
Overnight Houseboat - Srinagar (B,L,D)

Day 03 : Srinagar
Today we visit the ancient Shankaracharya Temple & famous Mughal Gardens- Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure) was built by Asif Khan Brother-in -law of Jehangir in 1632 AD. The largest of the gardens, Nishat has seven terraces with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle. Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love) was built in the year 1619 A.D for was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. The Garden has four terraces; the 4th terrace was once reserved for royal ladies. Chashme Shahi (The Royal Spring) was originally laid out by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD. It is a tastefully laid garden in terraces, which commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake below & surrounding mountain ranges. The cool water of the spring is highly refreshing & digestive. All the gardens are situated on the banks of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background & Shankaracharya Temple located on a hillock, thus providing a panoramic view of entire city, Dal Lake & River Jhelum. Shankaracharya Temple is located at 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-E-Suleiman. The Shiva temple was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in the year 371 BC & as such is the oldest shrine in Kashmir. Later in the evening we can visit handicraft & handloom centres famous for production of Pashmina - Shahtoosh shawls, world famous Carpets etc.
Overnight Houseboat - Srinagar (B, L, D)


                                                                    GULMARG


Day 04 : Srinagar - Gulmarg (60 kms- 2.5 hrs)
Today we drive to Gulmarg, a legendary beauty, prime location & proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hills in the country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. It was a favorite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty but also a the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, & is the country's premier ski resort in the winter. Also known as the “Meadow of Wild Flowers” Later we take the Gondola ride (cable car) & enjoy the nature at its best. Overnight Hotel - Gulmarg (B, L, D)



Day 05 : Gulmarg - Pahalgam (140 km - 05 hrs)
Today we take an Excursion to Pahalgam, Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake & the Lidder River, (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. The undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. It has within it no fewer than eight tiny villages, one of which is Mamal. There is a Shiva temple here, generally considered to be Kashmir's oldest existing temple, dating to the 5th century.
You can take a pony ride in the open fields to seven springs & to a lake, which remains frozen till June.
Overnight Hotel – Pahalgam (B, L, D)

Day 06 : Pahalgam - Srinagar (90 kms - 03 hrs)
Today we drive back to Srinagar, Rest of the day we relax on Dhal Lake
Overnight Deluxe Houseboat – Srinagar (B, L, D)


                                                        SONAMARG VALLEY



Day 07 : Srinagar – Sonamarg – Srinagar (90 kms - 03 hrs)
Today we drive to Sonamarg, Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, ‘The meadow of gold’, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout & mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwasglacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months. The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. It is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes. Evening return back to Srinagar
Overnight Deluxe Houseboats – Srinagar (B, L, D)

Day 08 : Srinagar - Delhi (By Flight)
Today we drive to airport to take a flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi our representative would assist you at the airport & to the hotel for check-in. Full Day Tour Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan. In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Evening we leave for onward destination

Day 09 DELHI – SINGAPORE (B)
Early morning transfer to airport to catch flight to Singapore.

Bhutan
http://inlovewithbhutan.blogspot.com

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Pictures of Thimphu Festival

100 Best Cities

Dear all, Welcome back. I had mentioned in my previous post that I will put up some photos of the Thimphu
Festival in my new post. Please find just a few of my shots taken at the Festival
hich I had attended on the 27Sep 2012.
It was actually held over three days in Thimphu, and the locals who live in the
Capital city, enjoy the three days as public holidays.

It was indeed a captivating experience with the various masked dances. There are usually about five
to six of such dances with different interpretations to the life events of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava),
who spread Buddhism to Bhutan in the eighth century.
























If you like what you see, and want to experience the festival mood, the next upcoming festival that you could catch would be the Punakha Festival.

We have departures on the 11Feb, for 12D Nepal, and Bhutan.
Email me, olevia@gmail.com
Note that during this time, the sky is normally very clear, thus it is excellent for photography.

Dec - departures on Fri (7D Magical Bhutan)

Fly via Bangkok
Direct flights by DrukAir only depart on every Sunday, and Thursday.

Read about my blog -
http://inlovewithbhutan.blogspot.com

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Thanks for coming back.

Olevia Cheong
olevia@gmail.com

Monday, October 1, 2012

Latest departures for Nepal & Bhutan



Thanks for coming back with the latest departures for Oct, and Dec

100 Best Cities

Do come back soon for pictures of the Thimphu Festival ( Tshechu) which took place from the 25-27Sep in the coming post!

Bhutan 10D Bumthang Festival Tour
Dep - 25 Oct 2012
Visit not just West Bhutan, but also the famous Central Valley of Bumthang!
at the same time, join the locals for the Bumthang Festival held in Jambhay Lakhang ( Temple)
Book Early to secure hotel rooms.

NOV departures
16NOV 10D Annapurna Foothill Trek

DEC departures
01DEC 8D Kashmir & Golden Triangle

05DEC 10D Wonders of Nepal
Highlights - 1. Kathmandu & Patan Durbar Square
2. Lake resort town of Pokhara, with views of Annapurna
3. Nargarkot, and Everest views

05DEC 12D Nepal & Bhutan
Click here for Itinerary
Highlights - 1. Paro Valley, Paro Dzong
2. Thimphu Dzong, National Library, Memorial Chortens, Takin Reserve
3. Punakha Dzong, rice paddy fields, Chimi Lakhamg Temple

08DEC 8D Kashmir & Golden Triangle
12DEC 15D Israel & Jordan
23DEC 15D Glories of Egypt & Jordan

2013 Departures
FEB departures
11Feb 8D Kashmir & Golden Triangle
11Feb 12D Nepal & Bhutan
Click here for Itinerary
Special departure for the Punakha Drubchen Festival

APR departures
06APR 9D Scenic Kashmir
19APR 22D Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lake
Strenuous Trek , max altitude reached - 5500 m above sea level
Classic Trek with the superb view for Everest from Gokyo Lake

More information will be provided on the itineraries, and the latest pricing!
Email Olevia Cheong
olevia@gmail.com
8112 8393

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