In order to register for Bagan Temple Marathon, you MUST sign up for one of the tour packages.
The Bagan Temple Marathon is more than just a marathon - it's a journey through Myanmar! Whatever your interests, Myanmar has something for you. Showcase your adventerous side by on a hot air balloon ride over Bagan or dive deep into the culture with a cooking class or talks with local villagers.
The 8-day tour offers guests an incredible voyage to a land of immense beauty. The journey begins in Yangon, from where we will fly to the former royal capital of Mandalay. We'll see the sights and then cruise down the river to Bagan, where thousands of archeological wonders await. Enjoy the views as you race through the heat in the Bagan Temple Marathon! After the race, we travel back to Yangon where you can head home, extend your stay in Myanmar with tours to Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach, or Mount Victoria & Chin State Villages, or explore the rest of this beautiful country on your own.
The 8-day tour can be booked either as a standard hotel tour or as a deluxe hotel tour. Please see Accommodation for details.
| 22 Nov 2021 | Welcome to Myanmar |
Today, you should arrive in Yangon International Airport and make your way to the hotel for check-in. Transportation from the airport is not provided, but there are plenty of taxis and the distance is not far. If assistance is needed, a meet-and-greet staff member will be present after customs have been cleared.
At the hotel, your tour leader and local guide will assist with the check-in and give you some information about the coming days. The rest of the day is free to explore Yangon on your own.
Meals: Not included
| 23 Nov 2021 | Yangon sightseeing and flight to Mandalay |
We'll begin our day with a Yangon Colonial Walking Tour to see a mixture of colonial buildings, churches, mosques (including Sunni and Shia) and a Buddhist monastery & ordination hall. The beautiful buildings reflect the diverse mix of religions in the city. Our next stop is one of the most iconic symbols of Myanmar: the Shwedagon Pagoda, which is considered by many to be the 'crown of Myanmar.' Legend holds that the pagoda is more than 2,500 years old and the central stupa is surrounded by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues.
We'll enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant where you’ll be able to taste the exquisite Myanmar cuisine.
After lunch, we’ll head to the airport to catch our flight to Mandalay. Flight time is approximately one hour and thirty minutes. After checking into the hotel in Mandalay, the rest of the day and evening can be enjoyed at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
| 24 Nov 2021 | Royal capital of Amarapura: U Bein Bridge, Mahagandayon Monastery, Mahamuni Pagoda & Kuthodaw Pagoda |
After breakfast, we head off for more exploration of Mandalay and its surroundings. Starting from the ancient royal capital of Amarapura, we'll head to the U Bein Bridge, an impressive teakwood bridge that was built around 1850. Spanning 1.2km, it was once the longest wooden footbridge in the world, and is believed to be the oldest still standing.
Next, we will also pay a visit to Mynamar's largest Buddhist monastery: Mahagandayon Monastery. It is home to more than 1,000 monks and monks-to-be.
Our journey continues to the highly revered Mahamuni Pagoda, where we will also see the work of local craftsmen. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a visit to what is known as the "World’s Largest Book," the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which houses the entire collection of Buddhist scripture.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
| 25 Nov 2021 | Cruise the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay to Bagan |
Following an early breakfast, our group will drive to the Ayeyarwady River, where a boat will take us on a leisurely journey to one of southwest Asia’s finest treasures: Bagan. The boat trip takes approximately 8-9 hours, and the atmosphere onboard is quite relaxed.
While underway, we will witness life along the river and cruise past cities, monasteries, and pagodas. We will arrive early in the evening, just in time to witness a beautiful sight – golden rays of light as the sun sets over the grassy plains of Bagan and its more than 2,000 ancient wonders.
The mystical landscape is sure to take your breath away.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
| 26 Nov 2021 | Bagan Sightseeing |
Today we get to explore the ancient area of Bagan. We’ll start with a visit to the Shwezigon pagoda, built in the 11th century by King Anawratha. Still an active place of worship, it stands today as one of the most astonishing and well-kept pagodas in all of Bagan. It was also the original design template for Myanmar's distinct pagoda style.
We'll then continue to Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece of Mon architecture. With its four standing Buddhas and adjacent brick monastery with well-preserved 18th century murals, this temple is one of Bagan's most significant. We'll finish our sightseeing tour with the lesser visited pagodas at Tayok Pyi Paya and the village of Minnanthu, both part of Bagan Temple Marathon running course.
Back at the hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s race. In the evening we'll carbo-load with a pasta dinner in the hotel or at a nearby restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
| 27 Nov 2021 | Race Day |
Today’s the big day! After a very early breakfast at the hotel, we hop on a bus to Htilominlo Temple where the marathon, half-marathon and 10K races start and end. Running amid the pagoda-studded landscape, we’ll experience Bagan in all its glory and pass by small picturesque villages and farmland. After the race, enjoy some snacks on the steps of the iconic Htilominlo Temple. Shuttle busses will take all participants (runners and spectators) back to the hotel where the rest of the day and evening can be enjoyed at your leisure.
Here you can read more about the race.
Meals: Breakfast and light lunch in the finish area
| 28 Nov 2021 | Explore Bagan and celebration dinner |
Today is free to enjoy and explore at your own pace. For the early morning risers, we offer the classic Balloons over Bagan excursion - soar over the archeological area and watch as the temples sparkle and shine in the rising sun.
Maybe you want to relax at the hotel with a cold drink or rent an e-bike and explore more of Bagan. If your legs can carry you, take a trip to Thatbinnyu Temple, also known as the temple of omniscience. Or why not pay a visit to one of the local villages or follow the running course to the majestic Dhammayangyi Temple for a closer look.
Perhaps you'd like to join another optional excursion after the balloons, in which case come to our Bagan cooking class and whip up a delicious meal. Or if you're keen to see more of Myanmar, we'll be back in time from our balloon flight to join the excursion to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with an impressive monastery atop a volcanic plug.
In the late afternoon, all participants will meet again and the rest of the evening is dedicated to celebrating our achievements of the prior day. A festive dinner and an awards ceremony will lead to an unforgettable evening.
Meals: Breakfast and celebration dinner
| 29 Nov 2021 | Farewell Myanmar or Hello Extension |
After an early breakfast and checkout, we'll head to Nyaung U airport in Bagan for our morning flight back to Yangon. Flying time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and arrival in Yangon is estimated to be before noon. However, flight times are not yet confirmed and delays do occur, so it is NOT recommended to book your onward flight out of Yangon earlier than 15:00 today!
You can also choose to extend your stay in Myanmar and visit the idyllic Inle Lake, join our adventure tour to Mount Victoria & Chin State Villages, or enjoy the perfect beach retreat at Ngapali Beach.
Meals: Breakfast
Our day will begin with a very early pick-up from our hotels in romantic vintage buses. Upon arrival to the location, snacks, coffee, and tea will be waiting for us. As you enjoy the refreshments, you will be able to witness the preparation process of the balloons being inflated. This is followed by a safety briefing and then, at dawn, it is time for take off!
The balloons are piloted at no more than 15mph by skilled professionals with years of experience, who also enjoy narrating the speed/direction strategies of steering the balloon if you are interested. The experience provides an ever-changing perspective of the immense archeological site and the beauty of Bagan that you won’t be able to see any other way. Please note that due to the limited space in the basket, there are weight, age, and height requirements*. After a graceful landing of the balloons, staff will be waiting for you with fresh pastries, fruits, and a glass or two of sparkling wine to conclude this excursion with a celebration of your flight.
We'll be back at our hotels in time for breakfast, and it is possible to join the Mount Popa excursion that leaves shortly after.
Duration: 3 Hours
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip transfer from hotels to balloon launch location in vintage converted buses
- Balloon flight: on average, flights last 45 minutes to an hour, depending on wind.
- Pre- and post-flight snacks and refreshments
Minimum height is 4'6"/137 cm. No children under 8. Children under 16 must be accompanied by adult.
We require the height and weight of each passenger when booking. There is an additional ticket surcharge for passengers whose weight exceeds 125 kg / 280 pounds, due to the weight and volume requirements of the balloon baskets. Please contact us for details.
After breakfast, we drive to Mt. Popa, approximately a 1-hour drive.
If time allows, we'll make a brief stop where you can observe toddy farmers lives and the process of jaggery making. We'll be able to view water-fetching, making of edible oil, bottling of palm wine, and much more.
Mt. Popa is an extinct volcano, and is now a national park. It is believed to be the sacred home of the Nats, which are spirits in the Burmese folk religion. On top of a rocky crag is a picturesque complex of monasteries, pagodas, and shrines, which you can hike up to via a winding, covered walkway.
We'll have lunch at a tasty local restaurant before driving back to Bagan.
Please note that the Mt. Popa excursion cannot be combined with the Sunday afternoon cooking class, but it is possible to join Balloons over Bagan before.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Inclusions:
- Round trip transport from hotels to Mt. Popa
- Lunch
- Entrance ticket to the Taung Kalat Monastery
Have a fun and mouth-watering experience with our Bagan Cooking Class.
This relaxed kitchen experience gives you the opportunity to learn how the Myanmar people prepare their cuisines with traditional spices and condiments while you cook some of their most traditional dishes. No special cooking skills required - this is for everyone with an interest in food.
The cooking class can be experienced on Sunday afternoon as an alternative lunch experience. The cooking class can be combined with Balloons over Bagan, but not with the Mt. Popa excursion.
Bon appetit!
Duration: 3 hours
Inclusions:
- Cooking instruction from a local Bagan family
- Ingredients / the finished lunch
All participants will meet up at SEEDS Restaurant, created and run by Felix and Lucia Eppisser. Originally from Switzerland, the couple aimed to create a quality restaurant in a place of natural beauty. Tucked in a corner of Inya Lake, SEEDS features a lush tropical garden and a stunning view over the water in addition to a mouthwatering menu. Felix and Lucia prize delicious, creative food that combines their European roots with the rich local flavors. Whenever possible, materials are sourced from organic, sustainable sources. SEEDS is an effort borne of the local community and that is reflected in every aspect of the restaurant, from the food to the design to the service. Additionally, Felix, Lucia, and even their local director, Ko Lin Lin, also have the running bug. Felix has participated 3 Albatros marathons (with his 4th coming summer 2020), and is looking forward to hosting other running enthusaists embarking upon a similar journey.
Our evening will take place outside to enjoy the wonderful weather in November and the marvelous scenery. We'll begin with a beautiful cocktail reception out on the lawn, where participants can choose either a creative sparkling cocktail or an alcohol-free mocktail. A variety of canapes will be served while we mingle and enjoy the spectacular sunset.
Around 18:00, we'll settle in at our tables for what is sure to be the dinner of a lifetime. The menu consists of four courses plus some additional treats, all curated by Felix, a Michelin-star chef. While your taste buds explode from joy, savor the conversation with your fellow marathon participants amidst our candlelit tables. The proposed menu* can be found below, but please note that due to ingredient availability there may be small changes.
*A vegetarian / vegan version of the menu can be made upon request. Please add a comment when booking if you would like this option so that we can give the restaurant due notice.
For those who are interested, SEEDS will also offer bottomless white wine, red wine, water, coffee, and tea for the duration of the dinner for an extra USD 25 charge. Participants who want the drinks package will pay themselves at the dinner.
Amuse-bouche
***
Home marinated salmon with tangerine,
Myanmar lemon curd, wasabi and soja
***
Ginger and garlic marinated prawn skewer
with foamy pumpkin soup with coconut, mango and apple
***
Pineapple and honey glazed organic grain-fed chicken breast
with vegetable wraps, sweet potato mousseline
and Tom-Yam Foam, fresh Peppermint salad
or
Home made truffle ravioli
with truffle foam and organic vegetables
***
Ballon ' SEEDS' with sour cherry compote,
and burned almond vanilla ice cream
***
Home made mignardises and friandises
***
*
Please note that participants on the 8-day package will have their dinner on 22 November, while the 6-day package will have their dinner on the 24 (that is to say, on the evening of respective arrivals).
Duration: 3 hours
Inclusions:
- Transportation (some will be picked up by bus at their hotels, while others are within walking distance)
- Welcome cocktail or mocktail and variety of canapes
- 4-course meal
Although it is a popular retreat for locals, Ngapali has retained its lazy, fishing town appeal for decades. Spend four glorious days basking in the sun and give your body a well-deserved break from the exertions of the marathon at the Amata Resort.
Rustic fishing settlements are scattered around the area, making Ngapali the perfect base for exploring other small towns and villages. Or perhaps you'd prefer to go snorkeling and discover the underwater world just off the shores? Whatever your interests, Ngapali offers ideal relaxation for the end of your Myanmar journey.
We start the day with breakfast at our hotels, after which we'll fly to Thandwe and then drive to the village of Ngapali. After check-in at our hotel, the Amata Resort, you have the rest of the day to spend at your own leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Go for a stroll in the village and enjoy the delicious local seafood dishes, swim in the crystal clear water, or have a nap under the swaying palms. Just relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Meals: Breakfast
Snorkel, swim, or just laze on the beach. Enjoy your last day!
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we'll check out and head to the airport for our flight to Yangon and your onward journey. Flying time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and arrival in Yangon is estimated before noon. However, flight times are not yet confirmed and delays do occur, so it is NOT recommended to book your onward flight out of Yangon earlier than 15:00 today.
Meals: Breakfast
Shared double room: 548 USD
Single room supplement: +298 USD
Famous for their special leg rowing technique, the Intha people are one of several hill tribes living on and around Myanmar’s second largest lake. Beautiful floating gardens dot this vast lake and make for a meditative landscape to sail around. On shore, crumbling stupas at the foot of the mountains enhance the dreamlike scenery and it is almost as if you are on a different planet. If the included guided tours aren’t enough, you can rent a canoe and paddle through the calm waters or take a bicycle and explore the lush countryside in the afternoons. Either way, Inle Lake is balm for the soul.
After breakfast, we'll head to the airport and take a short flight to Heho. En route to Nyaung Shwe - a town which functions as the jumping-off point to Inle - we'll visit the Shew Yan Pyay Monastery, a beautiful red-painted teak building from the 19th century. Once we reach Nyaung Shwe, we'll stroll through the local morning market before sailing to Inle and checking into our hotel. We'll enjoy lunch at a cozy local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
This morning you'll wake up to the serene surroundings of the lake. Today we get to enjoy a full-day boat tour on its calm waters, which are dotted with floating gardens and fishing canoes. Experience the lake's unique 'leg rowers' - the Intha fishermen. Using a special technique, they row standing up with one leg wrapped around a single oar, leaving their hands free to work the conical fishing net. We'll make a stop at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State, and also visit a traditional silk-weaving workshop which uses wooden handlooms and a blacksmith's forge.
Along the way, we'll pass endless floating gardens, where Intha lake dwellers grow fruit and vegetables. Continuing by boat, we'll visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, one of the oldest on the lake, where you can see exquisite Buddha statues which are more than 200 years old.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Today we have another tour of the lake, this time visiting a 5-day rotating market (dependent on if your visit coincides with the schedule), which offers an insight into the life of the ethnic Pa-O, Danu, and Intha people who come to these markets to sell and buy goods. We'll then take a long-tailed boat across to Indein, at the western end of Inle, for one of the most scenic trips on the lake. The trip takes us through the busy village of Ywama, the largest on the lake, with its many channels and tall teak houses on stilts, after which we enter a long, often tree-lined canal, on both sides of which farmers cultivate their land against the backdrop of the Shan Hills. Disembark at the jetty and walk for 15 minutes through Indein village to reach the ancient pagoda ruins of Nyaung Ohak. A covered walkway populated with souvenir stallholders leads up to Shwe Inn Thein Paya, a complex of weather-beaten stupas, also known as zedis.
After lunch, we'll hop into comfortable canoes operated by Inle Canoe Lady and enjoy the ride.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
After breakfast, we'll transfer to Heho Airport and depart for Yangon on a morning flight. Flying time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and arrival in Yangon is estimated before noon. However, flight times are not yet confirmed and delays do occur, so it is NOT recommended to book your onward flight out of Yangon earlier than 15:00 today.
Meals: Breakfast
Shared double room: 598 USD
Single room supplement: +198 USD
This extension showcases the stunning beauty of the Chin State. We'll take quiet and relaxing walks in the small town of Kanpetlet and its surrounding tiny villages, where the older local women of the Dai, Upu, and Ya ethnic tribes sport intricated tattoos on their faces. We'll also visit the Nat Ma Taung National Park, rich in rare and beautiful flora and fauna, which have earned it accreditation by UNESCO as a place of Outstanding Universal Value. Round off your trip to Myanmar with a hike to the top of Mt. Victoria and soak in the magnificent surroundings with a summit picnic.
We will begin this program with a brief meet-and-greet at the hotel and then start our long drive in standard 4WD cars from Bagan to Mindat. The path can sometimes be rocky and bumpy and cattle can often be seen running through crop plantations and meadows. Lunch will be provided along the way. We will briefly stop at a Chin village to get an initial impression of this magnificent state.
This day will be good for scenic photography and interacting with the local villagers, and will conclude with arrival to Mindat, 4860 feet above sea level. Dinner will be provided at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast at our hotel, we'll head toward another Chin Village. Here we'll get to meet the locals, including some of the Chin women who still dress in their traditional attires, smoke tobacco pipes, and, depending on their age, might even have their faces covered in intricate traditional tattoos. The face tattoos were a rite-of-passage practice that signified their arrival to womanhood, with symbols representing identifying messages of each tribe, and the practice is now outlawed by the government.
We will have lunch at a local restaurant, followed by some free time to wander around the town center and local market in Mindat before heading towards Kanpetlet, where we will spend the night at a simple hotel.
Meals: Breakfsat and lunch
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will pass through the town of Kanpetlet to visit some of truly small villages, where we'll see simple churches and huts, occasionally decorated with buffalo skulls, and be able to sit and talk with some of the local people.
Afterwards, we’ll leave the villages and drive to the national park’s upper base camp to head for the summit of the wondrous Mount Victoria. The stunning nature and biodiversity of the area has earned it the title of an ASEAN Heritage Park, and in November we should be able to see rich red rhodedendron blooms. The footpath is a little steep, but the reward of the unbelievable view once we come out of the forest makes it worth every step. At the top, there is small area to sit where we will enjoy a picnic.
Once we've sufficiently enjoyed the view, we'll head back down to upper base camp and then drive back to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll begin the drive to Bagan (150km), driving through the mountainous areas, amid mist and quiet valleys. Upon arrival in Bagan, guests will board a domestic flight and fly to Yangon where our tour ends. We do not recommend you to book an evening flight out of Yangon because domestic flights often get delayed so please allow for an adequate buffer.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that a trip to Mount Victoria must be regarded as an adventure tour due to the prevailing travel conditions, such as substandard accommodation with infrequent electricity supply and roads in a challenging or poor condition. Itineraries may have to be changed on the spot because of weather, transportation problems, etc. It is essential that all guests visiting Mount Victoria are fully aware of travel conditions as described above.
Shared Double per person: 748 USD
Single Room Supplement: +228 USD
All prices are per person in USD.
Standard Hotel price
Shared double room: 1348 USD
Single room supplement: +348 USD
Deluxe Hotel price
Shared double room: 1598 USD
Single room supplement: +498 USD
Marathon, half-marathon, or 10K entry: 250 USD
Race entry includes:
If you would like to extend your tour in Yangon, or need a place to stay between flights, we can help you arrange additional nights in Yangon on 20, 21, 29, and 30 November, and 2, and 3 December.
Note, these dates are most appropriate for those looking to extend their tour package with extra nights in Yangon before or after the standard tour package, or for those who have selected an extension to Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach or Chin State and would like an extra night (or more) in Yangon. Extra nights may be added to your reservation during the booking process.
The booking of a trip is binding for both customer and travel agency once the deposit (25% of the total trip price) has been paid at the time of booking on the booking.albatros-adventure.com website. The remaining amount, 75% of the total trip price, will be charged to the customer’s payment card as provided by the customer, 75 days before trip departure. Bookings made later than 75 days prior will require full payment immediately.
The email sent to the customer upon booking a trip acts as the booking confirmation. It is therefore of vital importance that the customer provides a valid email address.
Kindly note that all participants are wholly responsible for procuring the necessary travel documents. Read more about Myanmar visas here.
Please check our Destination Guide.
If you'd like to read more about Myanmar's history and culture, you can do so here.