Birding around Myanmar
Outline Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Yangon Arrival
Day 2
Yangon – Wakhaema
Day 3
Wakhaema – Yangon
Day 4
Yangon – Moeyungyi
Day 5
Moeyungyi – Yangon
Day 6/7/8
Yangon – Bagan Birding
Day 9/10/11/12
Bagan – Mt.Victoria Birding
Day 13
Mt. Victoria – Bagan
Day 14/15
Bagan – Kalaw birding
Day 16
Kalaw – Inle
Day 17
Inle – Yangon
Day 18
Yangon Departure
Birding around Myanmar
Tour Information
| Tour Code | BNTM-BM |
| Destination | Yangon-Bagan-Nat Ma Taung-Kalaw-Inle-Yangon |
| Duration | 18 Days/ 17 Nights |
| Expected Species | 300 or more out of recorded species 390 |
| Other Attraction | Tatoo face chin tribes, Bagan Temples and Inle environs. |
Ayeyarwady Delta Region
The Ayeyarwady Delta region, one of the famous bird sites in Myanmar, which is situated in southern Myanmar according to the ornithological regions in south-east Asia and play an important role for wetland dependent bird species in the country, looking for the rare birds such as vulnerable species of Sarus Crane and Jerdon’s Babbler which previously thought to be extinct and resurfaced in March 2015 rediscovered by the team from Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Myanmar. It lies in the Ayeyarwady Region, the lowest expanse of land in Myanmar. The delta region is densely populated, and plays a dominate role in the cultivation of rice alluvial soil, it also includes fishing communities in a vast area full of rivers and streams. Mangroves or Lamu and Nipa palm or Dani are the major vegetation of the delta. Most of the rain falls during the monsoons between mid-May and mid-November.
Hlawga Natural Park
Hlawga Natural Park is one of the best places for one day birding from Yangon, the gate way to Myanmar, West of Yangon-Pyay Road that was main road in Myanmar. Hlawga Natural Park is approximately 22 miles North of Yangon. It is located in Taukkyan Model Village, Mingaladon Township of Yangon and was established in 30 September 1982. The area of Hlawga Natural Park is 1540 acres, comprising of 818 acres of Wildlife Park, 62 acres of mini-zoo and 660 acres of buffer zone. It is the type of semi-evergreen, mixed deciduous and sump forest types. Hlawgar Natural Park is the different varies of wildlife habitat, and recorded in 25 species of mammals, 9 species of reptiles, 54 species amphibious, 192 species of birds, 103 butterfly species and 23 species of fishes, and has opened the purpose of conservation, development and research programs and the opportunities for study and recreation.
Bagan
Bagan, formerly Bagan is an ancient city located in the Madalay Region of Myanmar, has been approved for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage list on July 6, 2019 at a meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, based on the recommendation of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). It is one of the Asia’s most amazing and richest archaeological sites. The ancient temples of Bagan stand today as they have been standing for a thousand years. Also being the capital of first Myanmar Empire, Bagan covers an area of 42 sq km containing over 2000 well-preserved pagodas and temples of the 11th -13th century.
It is also famous birding site for some Myanmar’s Endemic birds: Jerdon’s Minivet (Pericrocotus albifrons), Hooded Treepie (Crypsirina cucullata), Burmese Bushlark (Mirafra microptera), White-throated Babbler (Turdoides gularis) and the other three species are as follow Ayeyawaddy Bulbul (Pycnonotus blanfordi) that was separated from Streak-eared Bulbul and Burmese Collared-dove (Streptopelia xanthocycla) that was separated from Eurasian Collared Dove, Burmese Prinia(Prina cooki) separated from Brown Prinia and many more.
Ayeyarwady River
Ayeyarwady River is the longest river (2,210 km in length) and the most important commercial waterway of Myanmar. It originates from the confluence of the Mai kha and Mali kha River and flows from North to South through Myanmar.
A long river, we will be able to see some species:Critically Endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting. Other species White-tailed Stonechat, Sand Lark, River Lapwing, Grey-headed Lapwing, Common, Pied, White-throated Kingfishers, Plovers, Common Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Oriental, Small Pratincole, Wagtails and many more.
Nat Ma Taung
Nat Ma Taung, also known as Mt.Victoria, is one of the best places for bird watching and birding site for Myanmar endemic bird species such as White-browed Nuthatch and Burmese Tit. Natma Taung (Mt.Victoria) National Park is located in Kanpet-Let, Mindat and Matupi townships of southern Chin State. It covers an area of 279 square miles, a height of 3,053 meters (10,016 ft) above sea level and was established in 1994. It is located about 148 miles from Bagan and is the highest mountain in the Chin State of western Myanmar. It is a sky island where the flora and fauna at its upper elevations are dramatically different. Forests include hill evergreen forests, moist upper mixed deciduous forests, pine forests (above 9,000 feet) and hill savannah. Within the national park there are some wild animals habituated. There are also over 159 bird species, reptiles and butterfly present. During the journey from Bagan to Mt. Victoria by car, we can do birding on the way and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful natural scenery as we pass over mountain ranges, streams and rivers and many other attractions.
Kalaw
Kalaw was a popular hill station sits high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. Kalaw is a hill town in the southern Shan State of Myanmar. It is located in Kalaw Township in Taunggyi. The town was popular with the British during colonial rule. The hill station is located at an elevation of 1320 m, 50 km from the Inle Lake. Kalaw is famous for birding, hiking and trekking. Kalaw is pleasantly cool and a good place for birding amid gnarled pines, bamboo groves and rugged mountain scenery. There is comfortable accommodation, and you can make interesting excursions around Kalaw and treks into the surrounding mountains. The small population is a mix of Shan, Indian Muslims, Burma and Nepalis, Gurkhas retired from British military service. About 20,000 people live in and around Kalaw.
Inle Lake
Inle Lake which is located 900 meters above sea level, the vast picturesque lake, is one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar. The lake, 22 km long and 10 km wide, has a population of some over 160,000, many of whom live on floating islands of vegetation. Inle natural Lake is famous for its scenic beauty and the unique leg-rowing of the Inthas, the native lake dwellers. There are some places to visit. Birding in a boat at Inle Lake is so exciting to watch the bird and enjoy seeing its unique one-leg rowers, floating villages and colourful markets, silk weaving and hand-looms.
Bird species which can be seen:
Myanmar endemic Ayeyawady Bulbul (split from Streak-eared Bulbul) and Racket-tailed Treepie, Yellow-breasted Bunting Critically Endangered.Other species White-tailed Stonechat,Green, Blue-tailed and Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters, Green-billed Malkoha, Lesser Racket-tailed and Greater Racket-tailed Drongos, White-rumped Shama, Black-naped Monarch, Pale-eyed(split from Stripe-throated) , Black-headed, Black-crested, Red-vented and Red-whiskered Bulbuls, White-crested and Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrushes, Chestnut-capped Babbler, Oriental Darter, Spot-billed Duck, White-breasted Waterhen, Red-wattled Lapwing, Sand Lark, River Lapwing, Grey-headed Lapwing, Common, Pied, White-throated Kingfishers, Plovers, Common Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Oriental, Small Pratincole, Wagtails, Burmese Tit (Aegithalossharpie), White-throated Babbler (Turdoides gularis), Mount Victoria Babax ( split from Chinese Babax), Black-headed Shrike-babbler, Chin Hills Wren-babbler, Himalayan Cutia, Spot-breasted, Sickle-billed and Large Scimitar-babblers, Black-bibbed Tit, Crested Finchbill, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Fire-capped Tit, Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker, Sported Wren-babbler, Brown-capped Laughingthrush, Black-throated Prinia (Hill Prinia), some Repters, Ashy Woodpigeon, Mountain Imperial-pigeon, Yellow- footed, Wedge-tailed Green-pigeons, Large Hawk, Hodgson’s Hawk and Eurasian Cuckoos, Great, Golden-throated, Lineated, Blue-throated Barbets, Rufous-bellied, Stripe-breasted, Crimson-breasted, Darjeeling and Bay Woodpeckers, White-browed, Black-eared, Chestnut-fronted, Green Shrike-babblers, Small, Grey-chinned, Short-billed, Long-tailed and Scarlet Minivets, Slender-billed and Maroon Orioles, Yellow-bellied and White-throated Fantails, Eurasian Jay, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Gray Treepie, Crimson, Mrs Gould’s, Fire-tailed and Green-tailed Sunbirds, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Scarlet Finch, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Common Rosefinch, Brown Bullfinch, Spot-winged Grosbeak, Chestnut and Little Bunting and many more
Day 1: Yangon Arrival
On you arrival to Yangon, a staff from BNTM will meet and welcome you at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Yangon and stay overnight at the hotel in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon – Wakhaema / B, L, D
After breakfast, we meet you at the hotel and will go to Wakhaema Township for Jerdon’s Babbler expectation. After 4 hr drive from Yangon, we will arrive at Wakhaema and do check-in. Then, we will do birding around the environs until evening. If we have luck, we can be seen Jerdon’s Babbler (Endangered Species). In the evening, we will have dinner at the local restaurant and take a rest. Stay overnight in Wakhaema.
Day 3: Wakhaema – Yangon/ B, L, D
After breakfast, we will do check-out and take wooden small boat to do birding around delta. After we do half-day birding, we will go back to Yangon. On the way, we have lunch. We will arrive to Yangon in the evening. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to the hotel in Yangon and take rest. Stay overnight at the hotel in Yangon.
Day 4 Yangon – Moe Yun Gyi Wetland Sanctuary/ B, L, D
After breakfast, we will pick you up from the hotel and transfer to our first birding site, Hlawga Wildlife Park. Upon arrival we do birding around the park about 5 hours and we will have lunch at the local restaurant. Then, we will move to our main destination Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary. Upon arrival, we will do hotel check-in at the boat house. After a short rest, we do birding around the hotel surrounding until evening. Then, we will have dinner and take a rest. Stay overnight at the hotel in Moeyungyi.
Day 5: Moe Yun Gyi Wetland Sanctuary – Yangon/ B, L, D
After breakfast, we do check out the hotel and birding around the Moeyungyi Inn by boat until afternoon. Then, we will have lunch at the restaurant in Moeyungyi and return back to Yangon. We will transfer you to the hotel and stay overnight at the hotel in Yangon.
Day 6: Yangon – Bagan /B, L, D
After breakfast, our English speaking bird guide will pick you up and lead to the airport for morning flight from Yangon to Bagan (Nyaung U) which is the famous our unique ancient city. Upon arrival, we will meet with our driver and go to the birding site in and around Bagan Dry Zone. Bagan is the main site for Myanmar’s endemic bird species – Burmese Bushlark and White-throated Babbler. Furthermore, we can find rare Hooded Treepie, Jerdon’s Minivet and many more. After we do birding the whole day, we will transfer to the hotel and check-in. Stay overnight at the hotel in Bagan.
Day 7: Bagan (Full day birding)/ B, L, D
After breakfast, we will explore other birding sites in Dry Zone of Bagan. We will do birding the whole day as the day before. Besides, we have a chance to enjoy the famous beautiful sunset of Bagan. In the evening, we return to the hotel and stay overnight at the hotel in Bagan.
Day 8: Bagan (Birding along Ayeyarwady River) / B, L, C
After breakfast, we will do birding on the way to Jetty to take boat for water-birds expectation. Arrival on Jetty, we will take wooden boat and do birding along the Ayeyarwady River. You can have a chance to see the livelihood of the local people and their lives. In the evening, we will return back to hotel and stay overnight at the hotel in Bagan.
Day 9: Bagan – Mt. Victoria (Nat Ma Taung)/ B, L, D
After breakfast, we do check-out and move to next destination, Mt. Victoria, a home of great number of birds and many other species. We will also do birding along the way to Kanpalet. After a long drive, we will arrive to Kanpetlet. Then, we will do hotel check-in and take rest. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kanpetlet.
Day 10, 11 & 12: Mt. Victoria (Whole day birding)/ B, L, D
After breakfast, we will go to Nat Ma Taung (Mt. Victoria) where is the home of Chin Tribes, one of the ethnic groups of Myanmar. We will do birding around chin mountain ranges. We can see Hornbill bird which is the national emblem of Chin peoples. After the whole day birding, we return back to the hotel and take rest. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kanpetlet.
Day 13: Mt. Victoria – Bagan / B, L, D
After breakfast, we do hotel check-out and return to Bagan. We will do birding along the way back to Bagan and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful natural scenery. After a long drive, we will arrive back to Bagan; then, we do hotel check-in and take rest. Stay overnight at the hotel in Bagan.
Day 14: Bagan – Kalaw Birding/ B, L, D
After breakfast, we do check-out and transfer to Nyaung U airport for the flight to Heho. Upon arrival, our driver will transfer to Kalaw, (known as second Pyin Oo Lwin), hill town in Southern Shan State. In there, we will see different tribes and different cultures of our beautiful and charming national races. We will bring you to the birding site in Kalaw and do birding as our time allowance. And then, we will go to hotel and do check-in. Then, we will have a leisure time and you could stroll around the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kalaw.
Day 15: Kalaw (Whole day birding)/ B, L, D
After breakfast, we will go to Yay Aye Lake for birding and in and around Kalaw. If we are lucky, we can be seen many beautiful species. After full day birding, we will return back to the hotel and take rest. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kalaw.
Day 16: Kalaw – Nyaung Shwe (Inle Birding)/ B, L, D
After breakfast, we do check-out and transfer to Inle Natural Lake which is in Nyaung Shwe, Shan State. Upon arrival, we will go to the jetty and take wooden boat to go to the birding sites in Inle. We do birding around the lake. In the evening, we will go to Hotel and check-in. You can feel the beautiful nature of Inle Lake. Take rest and stay overnight at the hotel in Inle.
Day 17: Inle Birding – Yangon/ B, L, D
After breakfast, we do check-out and take boat to return. We do birding on the way back to the jetty. Upon our flight time, we will go to Heho airport and take flight to Yangon. In the evening, we will arrive back to Yangon. We bring you to the hotel and do check-in. Take rest and stay overnight at the hotel in Yangon.
Day 18: Yangon Departure/ B
Upon your departure flight time, you can do jogging at the Kandawgyi National Park which is very near your hotel. Then, we will transfer to the Yangon International Airport for your departure flight and see you off at the airport and say Good Bye.
