KATHAR ~ GEORGE ORWELL’S TOWN – ZALON TAUNG – MANDALAY BOAT TRIP - 3 Days

Khut Sar means Market place in Shan- Tayoke language. Kan Tha was given by King Alaung Sithu from Bagan during his tour, nowadays called Kathar. About 300 tourists visit in a month during the peak season in Myanmar. Well known as George Orwell’s town among the tourists as the book ‘Burmese Days’ setting and its characters from the book are from Kathr (formerly spelled Katha).

Kathar is located in the north where Kachin Mountain Ranges start and west bank of Ayeyarwady River. The town is quiet and peaceful and we still can see the old colonial buildings over 100 years ago. The atmosphere of the past and its heritage is still alive in this town. Train station and the boat jetty were built closely in the past and the town was bustling. World famous author George Orwell lived in this town.

Things to do in Katha: Walking tour in the town and Ayeyarwady River front, the boat jetty, to the train station, tracing George Orwell’s footsteps of old colonial era buildings mentioned in his book such as St. Paul Church, Anglican, Kathar Jail built since 1886, Forest Department Officer’s house built in 1889, George Orwell’s House, British Club, Tennis Court and another old house where Orwell spent his time to write the book. For foodies, try Kathar’s famous Khin San Htwe’s Noodles in front of Min Thiha cinema. (If time permits, suggest to go Nat Pauk Elephant camp.)

Overnight at Ayeyarwady Guest House, Standard

Local transports will pick up from the hotel and drop off at the market where we’ll try simple local breakfast.

Zalon Taung Trip – Full day

Myanmar has many breathtakingly beautiful nature and places to explore. Zalon Taung is located in Banmauk township, Kathar District, Sagaing Division. Banmauk is 200 miles away northern up city from Mandalay. From Katha to Zalon Taung, we can go by motorcycle or with a private taxi (Hi-Jet). It’s about 1,5 hours drive (50 miles or 79 kms) between Kathar and Banmauk. Another 12 miles away is Zalon Taung (approximately 8 miles is for Mountain ride). Zalon Taung is surrounded by mountain valleys and thick forest, and it’s possible to take motorcycle to go up all the way. In the past, Zalon Taung is lesser known due to difficult accessibility by road. It’s thrilling while climbing through the rock formation. Buddhists believe if one can reach to the Zalon Taung’s top, they will meet the Maitreya Buddha, 5th Buddha of Bhadrakalpa. Zalon Mountain is 3090 feet above the sea level. Four big rock mountains form Zalon Taung is very strange and miracle. As it looks like upside down of the big bowl (bowl in Burmese is Zalon), it’s called Zalon Mountain. It’s also believed people of Banmauk’s native called sat-lon at the beginning, and later the name became to known as Zalon. Black rocks located in far distance from the mountain ranges, it’s called Lwe-Sat-Lon in Shan dialect, means black elephant’s mountain. It’s so peaceful of mind by seeing bamboo forest, wood forest and the beauty of mother nature. It’s privileged to pay homage to this sacred pagoda at Zalon Taung. At the top, it’s breathtaking and relaxing. It’s foggy the whole year round and has a tropical weather. It’s untouched natural environment. The well on the mountain has PH7 quality water. Indeed, traveling back to millennium when we’re passing deep forest and high mountain valleys to reach this Zalon Taung. It’s believed that Maitreya Buddha will visit here and give Dhamma talk to the people, therefore, Zalon Taung is sacred and holy to visit.

Lunch is served at local restaurant. After the visit, we’ll return to Kathar town. Rest of the day at leisure or walking along the Ayeyarwady River front.

Overnight at Ayeyarwady Guest House, Standard

Green Season Travel’s representative will pack for you simple breakfast and buy boat tickets from Kathar to Mandalay. It’s almost the whole day down stream over the Ayeyarwady River. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenic ride, meet many local passengers, their goods and things which are colorful and several villages and towns. It’s a long journey but it’s fabulous and truly relaxing. Food sellers from the village will approach to your boat around lunch time, you can buy simple lunch boxes.

Among the places during the boat ride, you will pass Takaung which is a town in Mandalay Region of Myanmar and situated on the east bank of the Ayeyarwady River, 127 miles north of Mandalay. The 19th-century chronicle introduces Takaung as the very first capital of Burma. It was the ancient capital of the Pyu who were the forerunners of the Burmese people. Please be ready to have a look at the place from the boat when you’re getting here. Most of the time is you may take a nap in your cabin or walk around the boat or sit on the rooftop to enjoy the stunning landscapes and views from Ayeyarwady River.

Arrival Mandalay jetty, own transfer to your hotel or to the Kywe-Sal-Kan bus station in Mandalay.

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