Burma

This is, quintessentially, a country of contrasts. Between the vivid green of its rainforests and its arid central lands, the extreme wealth hidden in its soil and the modest life still enjoyed by the large majority of its population; the irresistible attraction to the former colonial empires and the complete isolation it was subjected over the last 50 years. Still, as for an unexplainable karma, has transformed that isolation in open-mindedness, violence in an ecumenical spirituality and oppression into a hospitality unparalleled in all Asia.

Burma, the secret Asia wanted only for itself, an incredible new world Outlines dares you to enter.

• Mandalay, the last royal capital. Built in the banks of the Irrawady River and centred around the walls of the royal palace, arguably the best Burmese attempt of combining the modern and ancient times.

• Watch the sunset from the centenary U Pein Bridge, the longest teak wood bridge in the World, after a day exploring the ancient capitals of Mingun, Inwa and Amarapura;

• Board the Dancing Train to travel the railway between Mandalay and Hsipaw through the northern hills and across the dramatic Gokteik viaduct, considered one of the most spectacular train rides in the World;

• Explore the remote and pristine mountains of Hsipaw (northern Burma) on a 3 days trekking, sharing the day-to-day life of the local ethnic minorities that replicate still today the lifestyle and traditions of their ancestors;

• Dive in the bucolic lifestyle of the Inle Lake, exploring its itinerant markets, floating agricultural fields, the ancestor fishermen’s foot paddling of an impossible balance and the traditional lotus flower weaving workshops;

• Live a lifetime experience by spending the night in a true Buddhist monastery;

• Dig deep off the beaten track, crossing the Inle, the second and third lakes to find the traditional Padaung villages and the impressive long neck women in their unique poise going through their day-to-day life;

• Bagan, the land of a thousand temples, arguably the most spectacular temple complex in the world;

• Indulge yourself in one of the most iconic hot balloon rides in the world in a exquisite flight through the temples of Bagan and experience a unique sunrise (optional);

• Take your shoes off, a deep breath and climb the 777 steps separating the earthly world from the 37 nat spirits resting in Mount Popa, a spiritual journey shared with pilgrims, wild monkeys and a stunning landscape;

• Refuse to face reality just yet and soak in this incredible experience while relaxing at the untouched beaches of Ngapali (optional extension).