Everest Experience

The Himalaya is the youngest yet highest mountain range in the world and forms a natural border for Nepal in the northern front. For Nepalese these mountains are the sacred abode of the gods but they also continue to captivate millions around the world due to their sheer majesty and beauty; tempting thousands to attempt at conquering its peaks. Those who actually reach the Himalaya will tell you that the experience can indeed be very humbling.
Of the fourteen peaks higher than 8000 meters, eight are in Nepal. Although there is no denying that walking up and down the hills for a close up view of the Himalaya is very much worth the effort, this we have to confess is not for everyone, due to the physical and time requirements. Everest Experience is meant especially for those who don't want to leave Nepal without touching the sacred and majestic Himalaya.

To get the best of the weather conditions in the mountains where strong winds start blowing gathering clouds and raising snow plumes which block the view as the day progresses ahead, mountain flights take place early in the morning. Everest Experience is not something you want to miss; regardless of how late it was last night or how cold it is outside.

Upon receiving the green signal from the air traffic controller, the commander and co-pilot of the Beech craft 1900D, the safest plane operating in the domestic sector, start the engines to take you on the ride of your life. The flight heads north east upon take off and soon after the emerald green or golden paddy fields below, depending on the time of the year, start giving way to green sub alpine forests.
Less than ten minutes after being airborne, one gets the first glimpse of the snowy white peaks on the far left while below the hill slopes acquire a rocky rugged and barren look, like empty landscapes from another world. Within the next few minutes one is already flying above the snowy outlines of the greater Himalaya at an altitude of 25000 feet above the ground.

The first ones to come to view are the peaks straight north of Kathmandu Valley, starting with the 8013m high Shisha Pangma, the 14th highest mountain in the world, which is actually located in Tibet, a few kilometers from the border. Then come a series of several smaller peaks beginning with Dorje Lakpa (6966m) which looks like the figure eight and is located on the eastern edge of Langtang National Park, followed by Phurbi Ghyachu (6637m) on its right, the 5970m Choba Bhamare which remains unconquered, Gauri Shankar (7134m) named after Lord Shiva and his consort, Melungtse (7181m) all part of the Rolwaling range.

For most distinguishing one peak from another doesn't come easy. But Everest is something else. Known simply as Peak XV until 1856, the Great Trigonometric Survey of India established the first published the height of Everest. As Nepal and Tibet were both closed to foreigners the British Surveyor General of India at that time named it Everest after Sir George Everest who measured its height and pinpointed its location. The local names of the world’s highest peak though pay tribute to her majesty; the Nepali name Sagarmatha means "mother of the skies" while the Tibetan name Chomolongma means 'mother of the universe". In 1999 Everest was found to have grown by at least six inches since the last survey bringing its total height to 8850m possibly due to the same plate tectonic movements that raised the Himalaya from the bed of the Tethys Sea.

Jutting up behind Lhotse (8516m) and Nuptse (7855m) Everest is as distinct as is it should be for a mountain of its status. Even from a distance of 5 nautical miles one can clearly see why thousands are obsessed with the thought of conquering it. While most mountaineers still use the southeast ridge on the Nepal side considered to be technically easier to reach the summit, the northeast ridge which takes off from Tibet is also increasingly becoming popular.
Those who trek up to the Everest Base Camp located at height of 5380m may proudly state that they have been there but viewing the Himalaya from onboard a mountain flight is another experience altogether. What would on the ground take days of travel can easily viewed in a matter of minutes and from within the safety and comfort of the Beechcraft 1900D.

The duration of this flight is about one (1) hour.

Kumbh Mela - 2013

Unique Experiences !

Allahbad (Prayag)
25 January - 25 February

Adler Tours & Safaris invites you to an experience of a life time! The Maha Kumbh Mela- “The festival of the pot holding the nectar of immortality”- the largest human spectacle on the planet.

According to mythology, it is believed that during the Vedic period when Gods and Demons reigned the world, the duo made a temporary agreement to work together for churning Amrita (the nectar of immortality) from the Milky Ocean, and share it equally among them. But when the Kumbh (pot) containing Amrita appeared, the demons fled with it. The Gods chased them and fought with them for twelve days and nights (equivalent to twelve human years) in the sky for its possession. During this battle, drops of Amrita fell earth in four places: Prayag, Nasik, Haridwar and Ujjain. It is believed that due to drops of Amrita, these places have acquired mystical power (especially Prayag), and henceforth the Maha Kumbh on the twelve year cycle in Prayag, on the confluence of the Gangas, Yamuna and the Sarawati is considered the most sacred of all and is attended by millions of people.


According to astrologers, when the planet Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries, the holy event of the Kumbh Mela begins. It is believed that during this period, the passage from earth to other higher planets is open, and the soul can easily attain the celestial world. Thus by bathing in the Holy river, the past sins are washed off and the soul attains Moksha (becomes eligible for libration from cycle of birth and death). People take ritual baths in the holy river at a predetermined time, and forgetting the extreme temperatures. This river offers purity, wealth and fertility, and washes away the sins of those who bathe in it.

This unique blends religious and cultural features alike. Apart from the pilgrims, many acclaimed saints and sadhus (Hindu holy men) from all over the country come to participate in the Kumbh Mela. The most prominent are the naga sadhus who do not wear any clothes and smear ashes on their bodies. There are also the Urdhwavahurs, who belive in putting the body through severe austerities; the Parivajakas, who have taken a vow of silence and go about thinking little bells to get people out of their way; the Shirashasins who stand 24-hours and meditate for hours standing on their heads. The Kalpvasis spend the entire month of the Kumbh on the banks of the Ganga, meditating, performing rituals and bathing thrice a day.


The venue becomes the center of the religious discussion and religious assemblies where doctrine is debated and standardized. With the entire atmosphere saturated with chiming bells, incense and flower fragrance, Vedic hymens, mantras, beating of drums on horses, camels, and elephants during the processions of naga (naked) sadhus from different akhadas (orders) in their gold and silver chariots being pulled by devotees, as they show their strength and skills – pure enchantment for the soul.

Main Bathing Dates 2013:-

Paush Murnima – 27th January 2013


Ekadashi Snan – 6th February 2013


Mauni Amavasya Snan – 10th February 2013 (main date)


Basant Panchami Snan – 15th February 2013


Rath Saptami Snan – 17th February 2013


Bhishma Ekadasi Snan – 18th February 2013


Maghi Purnima Snan – 25th February 2013

SPECIAL RATES

(3nts/ 4days Program)

(Main bathing dates) 10th Feb. ( In 8th Feb –out 11th Feb);

27th January( In 25th Feb-out 28th Feb) ;

15/17/18 Feb ( In 13th Feb- 19th Feb) 3nts/7nts package.

DAY 01: Arrive Allahabad
Receive & proceed for check in at the Mohan’s Swiss Camp site, an ideal & Luxurious Kumbh Camp for a Spiritual holiday, photography tours & Yoga Retreats. Located close to the festival area.

After freshening -up the guests are briefed about the festival & the schedule. Followed by lunch (Vegetarian meals throughout the stay).
Post lunch visit near by Sadhu camps & discourses that are on at the time of your visit.

Return to Camp site for bonfire, dinner and Overnight stay.


Day 2/3/. Allahabad (Royal Bath) :

After early breakfast visit various camps & Akharas to meet the sadhus, pilgrims from various cultures of India & photograph them.

Meals shall all be at the camp.

This night we sleep early to wake up at 3.00am am to prepare for the walk to theprocession site that leaves for the Royal Bath. A breath-taking site.

After the Royal Procession, there is opportunity to take yourself the Holy dip at the confluence place of the rivers.

Return to camp to relax & earlysleep.

Day 4. Allahabad departure :

Leisure wakeup or free to visit around the camp & later proceed to your waiting transport to drive you to yournext destination.


Optional activities (will be organised between 1400 Hrs - 1630 Hrs only) :
1. Availability of Ayurvedic therapies for massage by specialized Ayurvedic physians / masseurs (from North India & Kerala) (at extra cost).
2. Reiki under the guidance of Reiki Master (at extra cost).

The cost (per night) & the facilities are as follows :

1. Deluxe luxury swiss cottage tent colony rates are as follows:

Rs. 7395/- (USD $140) (single) with breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Rs. 8010/- (USD $150)(double or twin) with breakfast, lunch & dinner.


2. Superior luxury swiss cottage tent colony rates are as follows:

Rs. 9860/- (USD $185) (single) with breakfast , lunch & dinner.
Rs. 10,780/- (USD $200)(double or twin) with breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Some of the major highlights of the camps:-

Accommodation in spacious all weather proof luxury-tents.

Attached baths and toilets with running Hot & Cold water.

Multi cuisine vegetarian satvik dining facilities offering international (Continental, Chinese) and regional cuisines (Garhwali, Punjabi, South India and other Indian cuisines).

Hot water bottles as sun down service.

Guided visits to the shrine.


First aid at camps with oxygen cylinders.

Well structured activity blocks at each of the campsites to take care of everyday

· Aarti
Religious discourses
Yoga lessons
Prayers
Meditation

· Ayurvedic massages & Spa Centre (extra cost)

· Escorted walks to various events during Maha Kumbh 2013

· Folk Dances every evening (on special request for groups)

· Safety Vault at reception for valuables

· Tea lounge 24 X 7


The camps are in the mela area & situated right on the Ganges. After you confirm we shall be giving you proper guidlines to reach the camp & also we can send someone for pickup at the railway station also.

Note : An English speaking guide to go around the ghats & the sadhu camps would cost Rs. 2500/- .

Yoga Retreat (7 day package)

Schedule starts at 0730 Hrs with the morning walk to the Ganga River.
The first session of yoga at the Holy river Ganga banks/yoga place at the camp (depending on theweather) led by the learned yoga instructors, who will explain the benefits of the different yoga postures & the art of performing for physical & mental benefits. (If yoga ispreferred to be done without walks, even that is possible)
Breakfast at 0830 Hrs.
Meditation class at 0930 Hrs. Delivering in 3 Levels (Basic, Gradual
and Advanced, as per Candidates).
Followed by a topic of the day discussion/lecture.
Buffet lunch at 1300 Hrs.
Relax time. Till 1430 Hrs.
Yoga & meditation at 1600 Hrs for one hours.

Time free to visit various Sadhu camps.

The 7 days cost & the facilities are as follows :

1. Deluxe luxury swiss cottage tent colony rates are as follows:
Rs. 46,570/- (USD $865) (single) with breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Rs. 50,960/- (USD $945) (double or twin) with breakfast, lunch & dinner.


2. Superior luxury swiss cottage tent colony rates are as follows:
Rs. 58,520/- (USD $1085) (single) with breakfast , lunch & dinner.
Rs. 64,375/- (USD $1195) (double or twin) with breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Some of the major highlights of the camps:-
- Accommodation in spacious all weather proof luxury-tents.
- Attached baths and toilets with running Hot & Cold water.
- Multi cuisine vegetarian satvik dining facilities offering international (Continental, Chinese) and regional cuisines (Garhwali, Punjabi, South India and other Indian cuisines).
- Hot water bottles as sun down service.
- First aid at camps with oxygen cylinders.
- Escorted walk and visits to nearby areas.
- Well structured activity blocks at each of the campsites to take care of everyday
- Aarti
- Religious discourses
- Yoga lessons
- Prayers
- Meditation
- Ayurvedic massages & Spa Centre (extra cost)
- Escorted walks to various events during Maha Kumbh 2013 (extra cost)
- Folk Dances every evening (on special request for groups at extra cost only)
- Safety Vault at reception for valuables
- Tea lounge 24 X 7


The camps are close to the mela area.

Note : An English speaking guide to go around the ghats & the sadhu camps would cost Rs. 2800/- (USD 54) .

Heaven On Earth- "Shrinagar, Kashmir"

Kashmir Valley, famous all over the world for its natural beauty and health resorts, is famous as the "Paradise on Earth". Snow-capped mountains, flower gardens and pristine lakes, this is what Shrinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is all about.

Located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, Shrinagar is a scintillating hill resort with lovely lakes and spacious houseboats, dry fruit vendors and magnificent Chinar trees. At an altitude of 1,730m above sea level, it spreads on both sides of River Jhelum. Srinagar offers the spectacular sights of lovely houseboats on the picturesque Dal Lake. The city of natural wealth is quite often referred to as the "Land of Lakes and Gardens" owing to the abundance of both.

Must See

Mughal Garden:-

Historically, Shrinagar was founded in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka but it were the Mughal emperors who gave the city its due. They treated the city as a beloved summer destination and cultivated gardens, built pleasure palaces and Srinagar has many well-laid out Mughal styled gardens such as Chashme Shahi or the "Royal Spring", Shalimar Bagh or the "Garden of Love" and Nishat Bagh on the Mughal concept of Paradise and are today very popular spots formpicnics and excursions. The greenery and bright colorful flowers against the backdrop of snow covered mountains would surely take your breath away. The drive around the area surround by the lake, not to mention the feel and fragrance of the air, is quite an experience in itself.

Sirajbagh:-

Located on the banks of the Dal Lake, Sirabagh is the largest tulip garden in India. It is a vast expanse of fertile land and is situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan mountains. Yellow, White, Pink, Purple, Red, Blue and crimson tulips impart a majestic look to the garden. These beautifully laid tulip fields are a romantic's dream come true.

Hazratbal Shrine:-

The Tomb of the Hazratbal, located on the outskirts of Shrinagar houses a relic believed to be a stand of hair from Prophet Mohammad's beard which is also called Moi-e-Muqqadas. Entry for women is barred in the room that houses the holly relic. The shrine is know by many names including Hazaratbhal, Assar-e-Sharif, Mandinat-us-sani, Dargah Sharief and dargah. The moi-e-Muqqadas is displayed on various occasions related with the life of the Prophet and his four holy companions. There is a plush garden laid out by Sadiq Khan in AD 1923 and also a palatial building known as Ishrat Mahal or Pleasure House.

Dal Lake:-

The Dal Lake has become an icon of Shrinagar. It covers 128sq. km. and is divided by causeways into four basins. A ride on the shikaras or the floating gardens is a delight in itself and the backdrop of the sunset infuses a magical charm to the view of the lake. Along majority of the shore of the lake is a boulevard lined with Mughal-era gardens, parks, and hotels. The waterworks in the gardens add to the beauty. During the winter season the lake somtimes freeze. The lake gets some of its water from many surrounding springs but is also supplemented by water from mountain lake, Mar Sar. The lake is a labyrinth of intricate waterways and channels, floating islands of vegetation and houseboats. The floating gardens, cultivated vegetable and melons make the lake quite interesting.

Shah Hamdan Masjid:-

The Khanqah-e-moulah is popularly known as the Khanqah mosque or the Shah Hamdan Masjid. This mosque is located on the banks of the river Jhelum. Tours and travel to this pilgrimage destination gives you the thrill of watching this ancient monument on the banks of the river Jhelum in its complete rustic glory. This mosque was constructed by Sultan Shah Sikander in the year 1395 to honor Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani, popularly known as Shah Hamdan who used to visit Kashmir for meditation. The word Khanqah basically means a lodge or resting place for Sufi saints.Devotees throng to this shrine on the sixth day of Dul-Haj, as per Islamic Lunar calendar Dul-Haj is the last month, the death anniversary of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani. The shrine bears a wooden structure with marvelously carved roof space and hanging bells. The interior of the mosque is richly carved with ancient religious sermons and historical inscriptions.

Must Do

Stay in Houseboat:-

If you believe in a picture saying a thousand words, the view you can see from the houseboat is poetry in motion. Adding to the experience of holidaying in this beautiful valley would be the cosily done up houseboat and the courteous staff here. The local cuisine that they whip up inside the moving house is unparalleled too. No female tourist in Kashmir moves out without getting dressed in the typically Kashmiri outfit and has several pictures taken.

Adventure Sport:-

Kashmir is a top Asian tourist destination popular among skiers, trekkers, anglers and river rafters. It offers verdant golf course at Shrinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam where one can play golf throughout the summer, with the mind whispering through enormous trees of Chinar and stately pine.

Skiing for fun:-

Skiing is another major attraction of the valley and can be enjoyed well at Gulmarg. The winter is the best time to be here, with the slopes are snow- laden and skiing is possible. There are a variety of options: gentle slopes for the first timers and steep ones for those raring to go. For those content with simpler pleasures, the vanilla - colored expanse provides many other options, like show fights, snow mobile rides and sledging. Alpheratz, a frozen blue lake, 13km from Gulmarg is another spot where you can skate in the winter. Skiing in winters attract the adventure lovers to Shrinagar.

What to Shop for

Shopping here in the valley is fun. Hop onto a shikara on the Dal Lake for some great deals on the floating market. Do not forget to buy saffron strands to remind you always of the valley.

With an identity that is both distinct and sought after, Kashmiri handicrafts are usually up for grabs. as beauteous and rich as the scenic endowments in Shrinagar are the arts and crafts of the valley. As the warm pashmina facinates you with its soft touch and warm feel, the captivating hand-embroidered designs go straight for your heart. Worth buying while in the valley are woven carpets, wooden carvings, sozni, crewel, and chain-stitched souvenirs. Papier mache handicrafts in brilliant colors embellished with gold paint are also very famous.

Nearby Places to visit

Gulmarg

Gulmarg, a saucer - shaped bowl is laid out as a golf course in the main Kashmir valley. It is about 51kms from Shrinagar. The first view that strikes you as you enter Gulmarg is that of rolling, undulating green slopes and snow- covered mountains. Around it are fields of rice, clusters of walnut, pear and mulbery, meadows, ridges, fairy tale cottages and dense, green forests behind them.

This is a hauntingly beautiful place, where you can sit for hours and hear the wind whistling in the nearby woods. A walk along the circular road that encircles Gulmarg, provides scenic view of massif of Nanga Parbat, Harmukh, and the rigged slopes of Ferozepur, Sunset peak and Aparwat Ridge. To go to Khilanmarg from Gulmarg one has to take a 40 minute journey through the valley's which offers a breathtaking view of the Majestic Peaks.

Pahalgam

A picture-square resort, Pahalgam is 85 km south of Shrinagar and is a popular tourist place which has played host to many Bollywood hits. At 2,130m is a humble shepherd's village with numerous hamlets and yellow saffron fields dotting its parameters. Situated at the convergence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Kale and the Lidder river, Pahalgam is renowned for its natural beauty. The golf course here is well equipped with golf sets and provides instructions on demand. There are many places of interest and as the resort is set between fairly steep hills the only mode of transport available is trail riding on Horseback. For the convenience of the tourists pony fairs are posted at prominent locations. The beautiful and undulating meadow of Baisaran is surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine.

The #Thrilling- #Gir

The Gir Forest National Park is the sole home of the Asiatic Lion and a popular tourist getaway in the Junagadh District of Gujarat. The majestic Asiatic Lion once a common sight throughout India and parts of Asia is now a threatened species, confined to an area of 258 sq kms encompassing the Gir National Park.

The National park came into being after the Nawab of Junagadh declared the region protected in the early 1900s, after widespread poaching and incessant trophy hunting resulted in lion numbers falling from many thousand to just a mere 15. Now with strict conservation methods and successful breeding programs, the lions of Gir now number 411 (April 2010 census).

The king of beasts shares his home turf with a multitude of other game like Leopard, Jackels, Hyena, Sambar/Chital Spotted Dear, Nilgai, Antelope, and Chinkara Gazelle.

So get ready for one Wild Safari.

2 nights package on Full Board at Club Mahindra Safari Resort, Sasan Gir, Gujarat

Valid from: 15th October 2011 to 14th June 2012

Room Category	Package on Full Borad
Superior Room	Rs.16,800/- (USD 310)
Extra Adult per night	Rs. 3200/- (USD 60)
Extra Child 5-12yrs per night	Rs. 1600/- (USD 30)

Valid from: 15th June 2012 to 14th October 2012

Room Category	Package on Full Borad
Superior Room	Rs. 12600/- (USD 240)
Extra Adult per night	Rs. 3200/- (USD 60)
Extra Child 5-12yrs per night	Rs. 1600/- (USD 30)

Package Includes

• Welcome Drink on arrival
• Accommodation in superior Room on Double occupancy for two guests
• Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner (Buffet/Fixed Menu basis).
• Tea/Coffee making facility in the room.
• Complimentary use of swimming pool with proper attire.
• Inclusive of all current applicable taxes.
• Child below 5yrs is compliemntary sharing the parent's room.
• Package extended on pro rata basis.

For more Information, Bookings & Reservations Contact us.
+09825673771.

Johar- The Jewel Of Malaysia

Johar, the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia, is characterized by pineapple, rubber and palm plantations, spectacular national parks, quaint fishing villages and 5-star resorts. Here, you’ll find serene beaches, islands that are a diver’s paradise, and some of the best golf courses in the country. Johor Bahru (JB), the state capital, boasts of historical landmarks, world-class hotels, glitzy malls and numerous options for dining and entertainment. Here’s a tour of the state…

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Must See

Endau-Rompin National Park

This 800 sq.km. Park is home to several exotic species like deer, elephants, leopards, tigers and the rare Sumatran Rhinoceros. Here, you can also see spectacular waterfalls, giant fat palms, climbing bamboo, as well as tapirs and bearded wild hogs.

Rawa Island

Rawa Island off Mersin is one of the most beautiful islands around. It is famous for its white coral sand, tall palm trees and offshore coral reefs, which make diving a not-to-be missed experience here.

Labis Hot Spring

Visitors throng this place to enjoy a warm bath and the healing qualities of this natural hot spring. The area is also ideal for hiking and picnicking.

Desaru Fruit Farm

Many different types of tropical fruits are grown at this farm. Their experienced guides show you around on a leisurely bullock-cart ride or in your own vehicle.

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Must Do

Gunung Ledang

Also know as Mount Ophir, this mountain is named after a beautiful princess- Gusti Putri- who spurned the hand of the Sultan of Malacca. This place is a magnet for picnickers, nature lovers, birdwatechers, rock-climbers and jungle trekkers.

Hutan Bandar

This public park offers recreational activities for the whole family. Kids will enjoy the well- equipped playground, as well as the open air swimming pool. There are many open spaces too, where you can enjoy a picnic, a game of football or a spot of kite-flying, rock climbing and jungle trekking.

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Must Experience

Sibu Island

From high above, the island looks like a bird with its wings outstretched. Its quiet ambience makes it ideal for a relaxing getaway, though you can also indulge in snorkeling, scuba diving, wind surfing and sailing.

Danga Bay

This is Malaysia’s premier waterfront city and the largest recreational park in Johor Bahru. Besides being a rustic residential getaway, it is also a great place to hang out, eat and shop till you drop.

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Heritage Places

Masjid Jamek

Built in 1999, this breath-taking mosque in Muar is fashioned after the Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim. The two mosques form a spectacular landmark for those who enter Muar from the river mouth.

Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

Preached on a hill-top, this mosque combines neo-classical Western and Islamic architecture, and is one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia.

The Royal Mausoleum

These burial grounds have long been the final resting place for Johor Royalty. Unique in design and aesthetically pleasing, the mausoleum also exudes a peaceful ambience.

Shopping

KSL City

This 880,000sq.ft. mall boasts 420 retail shops. 50 foods and beverage outlets, and an eight screen Cineplex.

AEON Tebrau City

Almost half of the mall’s three level floor area is occupied by the JUSCO hypermarket. Here, you can also pick up international fashion brands like Giordano, MNG, Esprit, Dorothy Perkins, and many more.

City Square

With over 200 retailers, a host of entertainment options and restaurants, karaoke and salons, this place guarantees non-stop good times.

Plaza Pelangi

Everything you desire can be found here- from house ware to fashion wear, perfumes, cosmetics and more. The supermarket and bookstore are well-stocked and there are plenty of dinning and leisure options too.

Johor Premium outlets

This collection of 80 stores- a 3 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur offers an extensive selection of legendary brands, as well as savings of 25% to 65% everyday.

The ZON Mall

Occupying 5 levels and more than 400,000 sq.ft. of indoor retail space, this mall has approximately 200 stores, with everything shoppers desire. Come to the Zon Mall for a unique shopping, leisure and entertainment experience.

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For more Information, Quarries and other Budget & Luxury Travel Packages contact us.

Myanmar On Your Mind?

It’s rare that a country bursts onto the tourism scene with quite as much vigor as Myanmar. After decades of isolation, it’s Asia’s newest hot spot, offering richly layered history, spectacular natural beauty and the edginess that comes with a country still in transition. Since the ruling military junta began to loosen its grip on the government in November2010 signs, of progress – like Opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi winning a seat in Parliament and the release of some political prisoners earlier this year- have lad Western nations to consider dropping long-held economic sanctions.
But a visit to the country, also known as Burma, can be a bit tricky. Here, then, is a cheat sheet for a visit.

Before you go

Although it is possible to get a visa on arrival, travel agents recommend having one in hand before your trip begins. Arrangements take up to three weeks and can be made via travel agents or directly through the Myanmar Embassy.
Most tourists visit during the dry season, from November to February. Vaccinations are not required, but Myanmar travels experts like Eric Kareus, the Asia destination manager at Asia Transpacific Journeys, recommended making sure your tetanus, typhoid and polio shots are up-to-date, and getting a hepatitis A vaccination. He added that travelers to remote areas, especially during the summer monsoon season, should consider prophylactic malarial medication.
Since Myanmar’s economy is still cash based, plan to pack enough crisp, new dollars (accepted almost everywhere) for expenses, or settle lodging and flights in advance through a travel agent.

Getting there

Although Myanmar’s biggest city, Yangon, is served from most major Asian hubs, the shortest and most convenient connections are from Bangkok. Depending on the seasons, up to eight flights a day- including service by Air Asia, a regional low-cost carrier- makes the 90 minute trip. Well maintained regional jets link major cities with in the country.

Lodging

Accommodations generally provide excellent value (especially compared with neighboring Thailand) and range from smallish luxury properties in Yangon to friendly family run hotels and tropical boutique resorts in other key areas. Thanks to the British colonial legacy, English is widely spoken in the Major tourist areas.

Safety

Karen MacRae, a senior destination expert at Kensington Tours, said Mynmar is safe for families and described it as “a whole country fill of gentle people”. However, rebel groups continue to be active in northern regions of the country, so tourists should stick to the south and central areas. But crime statistics are low- the State Department Web site specifically Ms. MacRae, who lived in Myanmar for tow years, recommended lighter dishes like laphet, a picked tea-leaf salad, and mohinga, a fish broth- based noodle soup “asking to Vietnamese pho” and best eaten she said, at a Yangon street stall.

Where to go

The classic Myanmar itinery begins in Yangon, where visitors will want to spend at least a day visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda- a towering stupa covered in pure gold- wandering among the colonial-era buildings downtown and bargaining for local crafts at the covered Scott Market.
Bagan, a dusty region 200 miles north of Yangon along the Irrawaddy River, is studded with thousands of bell shaped stupas, brick temples and castle like stricture that date from the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries.
Bagan can be reached form Yangon by air or via comfortable cruise boats that ply the Irrawaddy River to and from Monday, in the central area of the country.
Both Lake Inle, in ethnically diverse Shan State, and Ngapali Beach, along the country’s western Bay of Bengal shoreline, are good places for low key R&R, with new resorts opening regularly. Emerging destinations include the pristine Mergui Archipelago in the southeast, great for snorkeling and Mrauk-U, a 15th century royal capital in the southwestern state of Rakhine.

Courtesy:- Times Of India