3 Days to City of Rubies Mogok
The Legendary Valley of RUBIES !
Known as the Valley of Rubies, Mogok is located 200 kilometers north of Mandalay,
nestled in a valley between a numbers of large mountains where, due to its altitude (1170 meters) and
cool temperate climate can found all year round. The Mogok is pride of it’s unique hills,
mountains and ruby mining. Rubies from Mogok in Myanmar (Burma) have been prized throughout history.
Mogok is said to be the source of 90% of the world’s finest rubies. And have been famous for centuries.
World famous Rubies, Sapphires, Garnets, Spaniel, Topaz, Emerald are all vested in the area around Mogok.
Several of the stones on Queen Elizabeth’s ruby tiaras were mined here along with many of royal sapphires.
The great news is that this city has lifted up its restrictions for foreign tourist
making Mogok the top destination of 2019 for everyone.
Remark: This tour is just an example and can be customized to your preferences.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1
Mandalay - MogokRise early this morning for a stunning road trip through the Shan Hills to once-restricted town of MOGOK. Exchanging Mandalay’s bustle for quaint roadside villages and verdant tropical rainforest, the journey to Mogok is one few travellers have made. After four hours stop at a small village for a rest. All local buses and trucks make the stop, creating a vibrant rest area where stalls are stacked high with damson fruit, Burmes snacks and dried spices. Try a bowl of Shan Khauk Swe, a traditional Shan noodle dish.
In the afternoon you will reach Mogok’s city-centre. Known as ‘Ruby Land,’ the town produces the finest rubies in the world. But it is so much more than just precious stones, offering stunning mountain scenery, a rich and diverse culture and an experience found nowhere else in Southeast Asia. Its downtown area is lined with not only the Buddhist monasteries that are seen everywhere in Myanmar, but also monasteries with Indian influenced architecture, mosques, and even Christian churches.
Visit Paung Daw Oo Pagoda, where the Buddha’s throne is lined with rubies, sapphires and other precious stones donated by wealthy local families. There are also ruby-lined crowns and tiaras on display. The pagoda affords stunning views of downtown Mogok, providing a nice introduction to the city. In the late afternoon arrive to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Mogok.
Day 2
MogokAfter breakfast, lace up your trekking boots and set off from the hotel for a half-day of hiking in Mogok valley. Just meters down the trail you’ll reach an overlook with sweeping views of valley where pointed stupas and small farms are shadowed by the impressive mountain range.
Along the first part of your hike you will come across some peculiar sites. First, you will visit an abandoned rice wine distillery that has been taken over by a chicken farmer. Next, you will see an abandoned mansion with its own moat. The trail ends at a small waterfall.
Return to the main road where a steep raod brings you to the local Lisu Baptist church. The Lisu tribe originates from the Himalayan foothills in the north, and actually are practicing Christian Baptists. From here, continue trekking to through the Lisu. You will walk through several jungle paths and conclude your trek at monastery compound which has architecturally Indian inspired structures.
Returning to the hotel you will transfer to Myo Oo Lwin monastery, a massive fortress-like compound with Hindu-inspired architecture.
Return to town for a lunch break.
In the afternoon, begin your ruby tour. Myanmar produces nearly 90% of the world’s rubies. Several of the stones on Queen Elizabeth’s ruby tiaras were mined here along with many of royal sapphires.
Today you will visit the mines and see the origins of these precious stones. You will have the opportunity to enter the mines’ small caverns and observe the production. You will also get to see and purchase ‘new rubies,’ small red stones in granite that are a million years away from ‘pigeons’ blood.’
Next, you will visit Mogok’s ruby market, unlike any other market in Myanmar. There are no stalls, no vendors, nor any shops. Business is conducted here at tiny picnic tables where buyers, sellers, and experts examine the stones and negotiate prices over a cup of tea.
Overnight stay in Mogok.
Day 3
Mogok - MandalayBreakfast at hotel. Walk past the morning market before drive back to Mandalay (206 Km, 6 hours). Overnight stay in Mandalay.
What's Included
- Accommodation in shared twin rooms with daily breakfast
- Sightseeing with English speaking station guide
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with driver
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