MarathonBagan

Tuesday, 23 November 2021

Departure from home.

Wednesday, 24 November 2021

Welcome to Myanmar! You arrived at Yangon International Airport and will go to the hotel for check-in. Transportation from the airport is not provided, but there are plenty of taxis and the distance to your hotel is not far. If assistance is needed, a reception guide will be present after you have passed customs. At the hotel your tour guide and local guide will help you check in and give you information about the next few days. The rest of the day is free to explore Yangon on your own.

Thursday, 25 November 2021

Yangon sightseeing, panoramic helium balloon flight and flight to Bagan. The day begins with the Yangon Colonial Walking Tour, a mix of colonial buildings, churches, mosques (including Sunni and Shiite), a Buddhist monastery and more. The beautiful buildings reflect the mix of religions in the city. The next stop is one of the most iconic symbols of Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda which is considered by many to be the 'heart of Myanmar'. The pagoda is believed to be over 2,500 years old and the central stupa is surrounded by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues. Weather permitting, we can see a panoramic view of Yangon from a helium balloon flight that will take you up to 50 meters above the ground. The balloon can accommodate up to 15 people per ride. The balloon is attached to the ground with steel cables. We enjoy lunch in a nearby restaurant where you can taste the excellent Myanmar cuisine. After lunch we go to the airport to catch our flight to Bagan. The flight takes about one hour and twenty minutes and via a short stop in Mandalay we arrive at Nyaung U Airport just outside the Bagan Archaeological Zone. After checking in at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to experience the beautiful landscape of Bagan.

Friday, 26 November 2021

Bagan sightseeing: Today we explore the old surroundings of Bagan. We start with a visit to the Shwezigon pagoda, built in the 11th century by King Anawratha. It is still an active place of worship and today it is one of the most amazing and well-maintained pagodas in all of Bagan. We continue to Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece of Mon architecture. With its four standing Buddhas and adjoining brick monastery with well-preserved 18th century murals, this temple is one of the most important in Bagan. We end our sightseeing with a visit to the less visited pagodas at Tayok Pyi Paya and the village of Minnanthu, both part of tomorrow's racecourse. Back at the hotel the rest of the afternoon is free to relax and prepare for tomorrow's race. In the evening there is a pasta dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Saturday, 27 November 2021

Race day: Today is the big day! After an early breakfast at the hotel we get on the bus to the Htilominlo Temple where the marathon, half marathon and 10K race begin and end. Amidst the pagoda-strewn landscape we experience Bagan in all its glory and pass small picturesque villages and farmland. After the race we enjoy a snack on the steps of the iconic Htilominlo Temple. Shuttle buses take all participants (runners and spectators) back to the hotel, where the rest of the day and evening can be enjoyed as you wish.

Sunday, 28 November 2021

Explore Bagan on your own, guided tour at sunset and a celebrations dinner. Today you are free to relax, enjoy and explore further at your own pace. Whether you want to relax at the hotel with a cold drink or rent a bike and explore more of Bagan, it's up to you. If your legs can carry you, why not visit the Thatbinnyu Temple from 1144, also known as the Temple of Omniscience? Or why not visit one of the local villages or follow the walking route to the majestic Dhammayangyi Temple for a closer look. We meet in the late afternoon, and the rest of the evening is dedicated to celebrating our performance yesterday. A celebration dinner and award ceremony will lead to an unforgettable evening.

Monday, 29 November 2021

After an early breakfast and check-out we leave for the airport for our morning flight back to Yangon. If you have booked an extension it starts today. Flight time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes and arrival in Yangon is estimated for 12.00 noon. These times are not yet final and may change. As there are regular delays of domestic flights. On your own responsibility you will depart back to Yangon to your hotel of choice. The rest of the day is for leisure.

Tuesday, 30 November 2021

After a final breakfast and check-out, there is time today for leisure. You will return to the airport on your own for the return flight.

Wednesday, 01 December 2021

Welcome home!