Page 30 - Nepal Bhutan Myanmar 22 Day Sample Itinerary

Visit the Shwezigon Pagoda (golden stupa). It is one of Myanmar's most venerated since it enshrines a cornucopia of Buddha relics, including the Buddha's frontlet bone obtained by King Anawrahta, his collarbone from Sri Kshetra, and a duplicate of the Tooth of Kandy from Sri Lanka. Anawrahta began construction of this temple to fuse indigenous nat worship with his new-found faith. The project was finished by subsequent kings after Anawrahta was gored to death by a mad bull in 1077. Shwezigon Pagoda is also the first major monument built in Burmese, rather than the earlier Mon style, and the first pagoda to have nat images allowed within its precincts. The Shwezigon was a prototype for many later Burmese stupas. Also visit Ananda Temple, considered the masterpiece of Mon architecture. The Ananda Temple is most representative of Early Period Bagan architecture. The Ananda Temple’s exterior magnificence and wondrous interior spaces attract pilgrims and tourists from all over. Continue to Mahabodhi Temple. Inspired by the Mahabodhi at Bodh Gaya in India, the temple was built during the reign of King Nantaungmya (1211 – 1234). Temples of this nature only appeared during the Late Bagan period and the Mahabodhi is the only one of this style in Bagan. Enjoy a horse cart ride through the villages. The horse cart is still one of the most important modes of transportation for the Bagan people. Complete your day watching the sunset over the Ayeyarwaddy River from Bupaya or Shwe Sandaw Pagoda. Afterwards check into the Bagan Thande Hotel where reservations for an Ayeyarwaddy River Suite have been confirmed for the following 3 nights. Conveniently located within the Old City along the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Bagan Thande Hotel is a traditional bungalow-style accommodation laid out within a park-like environment of gardens and trees. The property is in full view of the ancient town's temples and is located close to the Bagan Archaeological Museum. Featuring 78 rooms and suites, Bagan Thande Hotel combines the fine grace of Burmese architecture with the convenience of today's contemporary world. All rooms offer utmost space and are furnished meticulously with local teakwood, fine fabrics, silks and traditional artwork. (Breakfast) Overnight: Bagan Thande Hotel - Ayeyarwaddy River Suite