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A Study Trip to the Ledo Road        

By Tony Yang (a) Than Nyunt




View of a bridge along the Ledo Road

 

WWII Pontoon


Billboard on the left and right side along the Ledo Road


View of a rural cottage
beside the Ledo Road


View of Wet Thauk Chaung Bridge where a brutal fighting had engaged between Japanese fascists and Allied Forces during WWII

One portion of the Ledo Road

One portion of the Ledo Road, still misty even in mid-April

 


Although I had lived long and was born in Mogaung 50 years ago, I had had no chance to visit the Ledo Road before until April 09, 2005, thanks to Ms Khaing Tun, a tour-consultant in the States. She referred the eight Black American army veterans to me who had participated in the building the road 60 years ago, and who wanted to visit the Road if chance permited.

As is well-known the Ledo Road was built by Black American soldiers on the Myanmar front during World War II. It went from Ledo in India to Nam Kham, and Kyu Khok, a town on the Sino-Myanmar border. It passed through Pan Saung, Nang Yun, Shinbwiyang, Tanai, Shaduzup, Warazup, Dum Bang, Lawa, Mogaung, Namti, Myitkyina and Bahmaw. It is a world-famous strategic road for logistical support to the KMT Soldiers waging war against the Japanese fascist soldiers. The battles were very fierce, resulting in a lot of soldiers being killed on both sides. There had been some wartime airfields off the Ledo Road on either side and many dumps of damaged military cars and war-planes, but they are no more now, except some debris from worn-out engines. At the time when the Ledo Road was not yet finished, the battles off the Road were so fierce that one troop followed and caught another, tracing the trail by the lying corpses, it is said.

I left Mogaung on April 09, 2005, at 07:30 a.m. before the mists dispersed and arrived at the point of Ledo after 30 minute drive, on a motorbike driven by a friend of mine. As soon as we reached the Ledo Road, which is much wider than the one I had taken. I suddenly felt quite fresh as we entered a dense-evergreen forests which gave us fresh air and a cool micro climate. I enjoyed a feeling of great ecstasy. Myanmar forests are world famous because of their flora and fauna. As it is an evergreen forest, the climate is cool all year round, with no hot season. The first phase of the Ledo Road is wide and smooth but after some distance, some small stones were scattered here and there. As we drove on we found larger stones scattered. But the Road itself was smooth and even untill we reached Tanai. The scenic beauty around the Road is really amazing. The Road between Namti and Myitkyina is tar sealed, but it is a mud road beyond Namti and Mogaung. Between Mogaung and Tanai we could drive at 30-40 km per hour. When we reached Dum Bang village I made a special study of the locality because some of my relatives were born there. Many orange orchards were found there. At about 11:30 a.m., we reached the big village of Shaduzup, where we had our lunch, and reached Tanai around 2:00 p.m. and checked-in at Shwe Toe Aung Guest House. There are some businessmen developing gold mines there. In such an undeveloped rural area of the Ledo Road, Myanmar styled local houses are used as guest houses, quite different from big hotels in cities in your country. Bathrooms and lavatories are in the style of Myanma rural areas.

At 06:00 a.m. next morning I left Tanai on the back of the motorbike driven by my friend. After half an hour drive we reached Tawan creek. It took us about an hour to get the ferry, but it actually only took about 8 minutes to reach the other side. The road between Tanai and Shinbwiyang is not as we expected. At most places, it is bogged, and in some places, it is only good enough for a motorbike. Four-wheel drives cross only at fords. After some time it drizzled. First I thought it was mist. Later it came to be sleet, to my amazement. Along this road there are evergreen forests, bamboo clumps and cane clumps, where waterfowls, pied hornbills, paddy birds, woodpeckers, jungle fowls, and koels (cuckoos) abound, making their respective sounds pleasant to hearers' ears. The scenic beauty is really breathtaking.

The Ledo Road seems to be built along the Hukaung Valley. Now this area of 8452 square miles has been notified as a Wildlife Corridor, which is the biggest of its kind in the world. After a 2 hour drive we saw the Tarong Creek, which seems to be quite wide in the rainy season. It is quite wide even in the dry season. It took about 10 minutes to cross it. We drove on and found signs such as “Wildlife Corridor”, “Drive Slowly”, and “Hukaung Tiger Reserve” along the road, left and right, by the Forest Department, which is planning to count the number of tigers by using camera-traps. It will notify the number of tigers in the Hukaung area as exactly possible. It is said that this Wildlife Corridor is managed by the Forest Department in conjunction with the WCS (Wildlife and Conservation Society). At about 11:40 a.m., I saw a wartime airfield which I was extremely eager to see. These are the heritage of the Ledo Road built of blood and sweat. I had taken a photo on the runway of the airfield. After looking around there about 10 minutes I reached a gold mine not far away from the airfield, where I had studied some gold mines. We reached Shinbwiyang within a few minutes. It is said that this small village was the headquarters of Allied Forces during the WWII. It was about at noon and I was hungry so I took a rest at Ain Met Thit (New Dream) Restaurant, where I took my lunch. At Shinbwiyang this restaurant is the one-eyed among the blind, meaning it is the best one of all. During my chat with the restaurateur, I told her that I'm from a tour agency in Yangon, adding that I came here to explore the Ledo Road area and the promotion of tourism industry in that area, and how the Black American soldiers built this road about 60 years ago. I also told her that about eight remaining Black American soldiers aspired to revisit the Ledo (Stilwell) Road. I was deeply touched when the woman said "Let those eight Black American soldiers to come and see the road they that built."


 


 

The WWII Airfield at Shinbwiyang near the Ledo Road

Shinbwiyang Airfield

Tony Yang seen at Yunnanyi

Ronald Bleecker &
Ms Khaing

Knife No.89467

One portion of  the Ledo Road

A war-veteran of Chinese Expedition Army who had participated in the WWII, still living in Namti

 

The Unforgettable Ledo Road         

By Tony Yang (a) Than Nyunt

The Ledo (Stilwell) Road was a strategic road which took two years to build, from March 1943 to January 1945. Now this great road, often more than 60 years, is again coming to life after its renovation for economical development between India and China.

This great road was built day and night more than 60 years ago by 330th American Engineer Regiment, 45th American Engineer Regiment, 1905th American Aviation Battalion, 209th American Combat Battalion, 1883rd American Aviation Battalion, and other American Regiments and 10th and 12th Chinese Engineer Regiments, along with many thousands of workers from India, Nipal, Tibet and China. About ten months after the start of building only about 68 km of the road was finished. Later, there was progress was only made after the arrival of Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Pick from America, at the request of General Stilwell, who was famous for the building of roads.

I would like to acknowledge that I was able to study the Ledo Road after I had fortunately received and studied the diary of Captain Francis Albert Bleecker (December 27, 1908 - February 22, 1970), Oklahoma City, who had participated in the building of the Ledo Road with the 330th Engineer Regiment under the 2nd Battalion during 1943-1945. I received it from his son, Ronald L. Bleecker (rbleecker1@cox.net,http://bleeckergate.com). According to the books from China, the total length of the Stilwell Road is about 1809 km (In some journels, the length of the Ledo Road was stated to be as 1726 km.), made up of more than 500 km of the Ledo Road, more than 300 km from Myitkyina to Baoshan, more than 1,000 km of the Burma Road, and 9 km of Kunmin Circuit North Road (Huan Cheng Bei Lu). The first convoy departed Ledo on January 14, 1945 at the signal of Lt. Gen. Dan I. Sultan, Theater Commander. It was halted at Namkham while enemy resistance was wiped out at Mu-Se on January 22 and Mong Yu on January 27. Led by Brig. Gen. Pick, the "First Convoy" arrived in Kunming on February 4, 1945. About more than 80,000 tons of military supply goods was sent between February and August, 1945 along the Stilwell Road.

Here, my special acknowledgment go to my friend Ms. Khaing of America. Thanks to her, Mr. Ronald L. Bleecker, Charles D. Peterson, Ms. Khaing and myself had the chance to visit the Ledo Road in January 2006. I have uploaded on my website www.universalbaron.com the photographs I took of parts of the Ledo Road during our trip there, and those from Francis A. Bleecker's diary. I do hope and believe that you will learn a lot by visiting our website.

Arrangements are under way to revisit the Ledo Road in 2007 and onwards. Accordingly, let me invite those who are interested especially the kith and kin of those who participated in the building of the Ledo Road. Lastly, I am pleased to record and honour General Stilwell and those who had sacirfied their lives, blood and sweat in the building of this great road.

Some Photos From Captain Francis Albert Bleecker's Diary

CAPTAIN FRANCIS ALBERT BLEECKER ADJUTANT OF THE 2ND BATTALION 330TH ENGINEER REGIMENT INDIA BURMA CHINA


 

U.S.S. MONTICELLO THE SHIP WHICH TOOK LT. F. A. BLEECKER AND THE 330TH ENGINEER REGIMENT TO INDIA IN 1943

 

PANGSAU PASS, HIGH IN THE PATKAI MOUNTAINS ON THE ASSAM-BURMA BORDER, WAS THE FIRST OBJECTIVE OF THE ROAD GANG.

 


CHINESE INFANTRY TRAINED BY GENERAL STILWELL PASSES THE 330TH ENGINEER GENERAL SERVICE REGIMENT'S "ROADHEAD" JUST NORTH OF TAGAP GA IN THE AUTUMN OF 1943.

 

 


ENTRANCE TO 20TH GENERAL HOSPITAL WHERE LT. BIEECKER WAS SENT

 

  

THESE ARE THE NURSES LT. BLEECKER HAD CHARGE OF WHEN HE WENT TO SHILLONG FOR REST AND RECUPERATION.

 
 


AERIAL SHOT OF THE LEDO ROAD IN BURMA

 


THIS 960-FOOT BRIDGE OVER THE TARUNG RIVER WAS TYPICAL OF THE BRIDGES NECESSITATED BY THE WATERLOGGED TERRAIN OF THE HUKAWNG VALLEY OF NORTH BURMA.

 

  


BLEECKER WITH JEEP AT RIVER

 


BRIGADIER GENERAL LEWIS A. PICK (WITH PITH HELMET AND STICK) DISCUSSES A SADDLE CUT THROUGH SOFT GRANITE SOUTH OF WARAZUP, BURMA, AS MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM E. R. COVELL (LEFT), COMMANDER OF INDIA-BURMA THEATER SERVICES OF SUPPLY, AND COLONEL WILLIAM J. GREEN, THE ROAD ENGINEER (RIGHT), LISTEN.

 

  

 


THE FINAL STAGES


 


COLONEL ROBERT F. SEEDLOCK (RIGHT),COMMANDER OF THE BURMA ROAD ENGINEERS, SHAKES HANDS WITH MR.C.C.KUNG, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE YUNNAN-BURMA HIGHWAY ENGINEERING ADMINISTRATION, IN CEREMONIES COMMEMORATING THE JOINING OF THEIR ROAD-CONSTRUCTION PARTIES AT THE CHINA-BURMA BORDER.

 

 

THE FAMOUS 21 CURVES AT ANNAN ON THE BURMA ROAD.
 

 


THE ENGINEERS DEFIED THE FLOODWATERS ON THE RAMPAGING IRRAWADDY RIVER BY PLACING A 1,627-FOOT COMBINED FIXED AND FLOATING BRIDGE OVER IT SOUTH OF MYITKYINA, BURMA, EARLY IN THE SPRING OF 1945.

 


BLEECKER FAMILY CAMP CLAIBORNE 1942
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT JIMMY, CAPTAIN BLEECKER, MARILYN SCHUMACHER, MRS. MARY BLEECKER AND RONALD L. BLEECKER

 


 


CAPTAIN F.A BLEECKER WITH HIS WIFE MARY AT HOME IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 1945


CAPTAIN BLEECKER WITH SON RONALD HIS SON IS HOLDING BRASS CUP BLEECKER HAD GOTTEN IN INDIA 1945

  
 

Captain Bleecker flew home to the States through Egypt and Africa and spent several months recuperating in Arkansas. He was then assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and finished out the War there.

After the war he went into the Construction Business with several other gentlemen and became the President of Guy H. James Construction Company in the 1960’s in Oklahoma City. He Died February 22, 1970.
 
 
 

Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek and
General Stilwell

 

 Map Showing The Ledo
Road and The Burma Road
 During The Arrival
At The Myitkyina Airport
A Catholic Church At Tanghpre,
The Conflunce Of The Mai-kha
and The Mali-kha

 

 The WWII Railway Station
At Namti

 

 Ron Bleecker Seen In Front Of
A Sign Along The Ledo Road

 
The Warazup Bridge

 

 The Warazup Bridge

 

 The Kachin Natives Along
The Ledo Road

 
Taken Along The Ledo Road,
At The Shinbwiyang Wartime
Airstrip

 

 Taken Along The Ledo Road,
At The Shinbwiyang Wartime
Airstrip

 

 The Naga Motorbike Carrier
Along The Ledo Road

 
The Cottage We Had
Accommodated.

 

 Taken Along The Ledo Road,
At The Shinbwiyang Wartime
Airstrip

 

 Gasoline Pipeline Along
The Ledo Road

 
Ron Bleecker Seen In The
Former WWII Jeep Used
by OSS.101.

 

 The Ledo Road, between
Bhamo And Namkam

 

 The Shweli Suspension Bridge


 
Photo Taken In Front Of
Ester Po's House, Former
Dr. Seagraves Nurse And Assistant
Dr. Olmanson (Second Right)

 

 The WWII Airstrip
At NamKham
 The Hotel We Stayed In Muse
The Hotel We Stayed In Ruili

 

 Taken At The Kyukhok-Wanting
Bridge
Ron And Khaing Memorially
At Yunnanyi
At The Yunnanyi Museum
Memorially Yunnanyi

 

 Memorially With A Villager Of
Yunnanyi

 

 Tony And Ron Seen In Front Of
The Yunnanyi Museum

 

In Tengchong

 

 The Allied Soldiers Memorial
In Tengchong

 

 Taken At National Memorial Park,
Tengchong

 

Nightscene In Tengchong

 

 Taken at "Cha Bo Shi Jia"
Tea Shop

 

 The Hotel In Kunming Where Ron,
Khaing And I Stayed

 


In Front Of The Kunming Wal Mart

 

Taken At The Qi Cai Yunnan
Kong Que Yuan

 

 Scene Of The Burma Road
Constructed Without Machinery By The Chinese People, Memorially Found
in Kunming

 
Taken At The Qi Cai Yunnan
Kong Que Yuan
 Ron And Tony In Kunming
 Ronald Bleecker Seen With Native Tribe at Tarung Village
 

Tour Programmes

Tour Name - The Ledo Road
Duration: 10 days - 9 nights
Tour Code:  10/9/LR

Yangon - Myitkyina - Tanai - Shinbwiyang - Namyun - Pansaung - Yangon

Day 01. Yangon Arrival (L+D)

Welcome and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Lunch at Hotel Nikko Royal Lake. After lunch, visit the National Museum and Bogyoke Market, former Scott Market, for souvenirs. Enjoy your leisure time at Zawgyi House where you can study the Myanmar handicrafts. Then visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred and the world famous massive pagoda. Dinner at Karaweik Palace.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Royal Lake, Yangon.

Shwedagon Pagoda
 
Day 02. Yangon - Myitkyina by flight (B+L+D)

Early departure from hotel for your flight to Myitkyina.
Upon arrival in Myitkyina, visit nearby villages, the Baptist Church of Myitkyina, old cemetery and former RAF/USAAF airfield. Overnight in Myitkyina.
Accommodation: Three Star Hotel, Myitkyina.


The Warazup Bridge

Day 03. Myitkyina - Tanai by car (B+L+D)

The journey today is in a four-wheel drive. We will visit Namti, Warazup & Shaduzup en route to Tanai. Sightseeing in Tanai and environs.
Accommodation: Shwe Toe Aung Guest House, Tanai.
Day 04. Tanai - Shinbwiyang - Namyun by car (B+L+D)

After breakfast, proceed to Shinbwiyang. Today we will visit the gold mine production there and the WWII Shinbwiyang Airfield, used as the biggest base camp of Allied forces in Northern Burma. Continue to Namyun.
Overnight at a guest house in Namyun.

Taken Along The Ledo Road,
At The Shinbwiyang Wartime
Airstrip

Day 05. Namyun - Pansaung - Namyun by car (B+L+D)
Transfer to Pansaung. Then return to Namyun.
Overnight at a guest house in Namyun.
Day 06. Namyun - Shinbwiyang - Tanai by car (B+L+D)

We return back to Tanai today.
Accommodation: Shwe Toe Aung Guest House		 The Kachin Natives Along
The Ledo Road

 
Day 07. Tanai - Myitkyina by car (B+L+D)

Today we will return to Myitkyina by car.
Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
Day 08. Myitkyina - Yangon by flight (B+L+D)

Transfer to the Myitkyina Airport for your flight to Yangon. Some city sightseeing included in Yangon.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Royal Lake		 Htaukkyant Allied World Cemetery


 
Day 09. Yangon Sightseeing (B+L+D)

After breakfast, visit Htaukkyant Allied War Cemetery. Then return to Yangon. Visit Elephant House where you can study handicrafts. Enjoy your lunch at the Green Elephant Restaurant. After lunch, visit Gems Museum & Gems Mart and Myanmar Ves where you can study Myanma Gems and Jewellery. Enjoy your leisure time at the hotel. Dinner at Le Planteur (French) Restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Royal Lake
Day 10. Departure (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Yangon International Airport for your departure flight home.

Downtown Sule
 

REQUIRED PARTICIPANT : 3 to 5 pax
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL : December to end of March

Tours cost includes: Accommodation with daily breakfast, lunch and dinner provided at local restaurants (or) at hotels depending on the programme, internal domestic flights, all ground transportations, English speaking guide throughout and entrance fees to all tourist sites.

Tour cost excludes: International airfare, visa fee, administrative fee of US$ 50.00 per person, travel and health insurance, personal expenses, alcholic beverages and international departure tax of US$ 10.00 per person at Yangon Airport.

Please be advised that the programme may have slight changes depending on prevailing weather conditions and flight schedule. We also require 45 days advance notice in order to obtain "Special Travel Permit".

For the above tour programme, please contact Ms Khaing Tun for booking at khaingt@gmail.com  or e-mail us at baronmfg@mptmail.net.mm .   

 

Tour Name - The Ledo Road
Duration: 18 days - 17 nights
Tour Code: 18/17/LD
(Yangon - Myitkyina - Tanai - Shinbwiyang - Mogaung - Bhamo - Maymyo - Mandalay - Bagan - Yangon)

DAY 1 YANGON - ARRIVAL

Arrival Yangon Airport and transfer to the hotel. After check in at hotel, city orientation tour of downtown area : Chinatown, the Sule Pagoda and the Shwedagon Pagoda.  We will visit Shwedagong Pagoda in the evening. Welcome dinner at local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Royal Lake (****) or similar, Yangon.
 		 Shwedagon Pagoda


 
DAY 2 YANGON

Continuation of Yangon city tour.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Royal Lake (****) or similar, Yangon.
Tour highlights include: Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha Image, National Museum and Botahtaung Pagoda.		 Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha Image


 
DAY 3 YANGON - MYITKYINA

Air Bagan from Yangon to Myitkyina operates Tue, Thu, Fri & Sun only, and Yangon Airways from Yangon to Myitkyina operates Mon, Wed & Thu only. On arrival at Myitkyina Airport, we will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Then visit nearby Mang Kain Village, the Baptist Church of Myitkyina, Old cemetery and former RAF/USAAF airfield. Stay overnight in Myitkyina.
Accommodation: Xing Xian hotel (**) or similar, Myitkyina.

 		 Myitsone


 
DAY 4 MYITKYINA

Morning drive to visit Myitsone, the confluence of the Maihka and Malikha rivers, 43 km north of Myitkyina, forms the beginning of the great Ayeyarwady River. Lunch at local restaurant. Continue sightseeing with Jaw Bum Tower, a grand panoramic view; Kyein Khran Kha village to study the Jingphaw's way of life and tradition. Afternoon, proceed to Kyunpintha ward to watch the Hand loom, weaving centres, producing dark blue and green Kachin national longyis and crimson red Kachin shoulder bags. Stay overnight in Myitkyina.
Accommodation: Xian Xian hotel (**) or similar, Myitkyina.

 		 Kachin Lawan Tribe


 
DAY 5 MYITKYINA - TANAI (120 miles)

The journey today in a four-wheel drive will take us about 6 hours along the Ledo Road. The car will pass through Namti, Lawa, Dum Bang, Warazup, Shaduzup. It was a world-famous strategic road for logistical purposes to the KMT government during the WWII. Along this road, there are evergreen forests, bamboo clumps and cane clumps, where waterfowls, pied hornbills, paddy birds, woodpeckers, jungle fowls, and koels (cuckoos) abound, making their respective sounds pleasant to hearers' ears.
Stay overnight in Tanai.
Accommodation: Shwe Toe Aung guest house, Tanai.
 		 View of a family of rural tribe on their return home from work with basketful of fruits and vegetables on their backs


 
DAY 6 TANAI - SHINBWIYANG (44 miles) - TANAI

Sightseeing in Tanai and environ and proceed to Shinbwiyang. Today we will visit the Gold mine there and the Shinbwiyang WWII airfield, once the biggest base camp of supplies for northern Burma. Return to Tanai in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Shwe Toe Aung guest house, Tanai.
OPTIONAL: It is possible to visit PANGSAU from Shinbwiyang via Nang Yun. The total distance is about 96 miles from Shinbwiyang to Pangsau but due to the road conditions, we can only proceed by using motor-cycles. But if the road condition is good we can proceed to Pangsaun from Tanai by 4 wheels drive. Additional 2 to 3 days required.

NOTE : The road condition may be good during Jan and March.


 

 The WWII Airfield at Shinbwiyang near the Ledo Road


 
DAY 7 TANAI - MOGAUNG (88 miles)

Transfer to Mogaung.
Accommodation: Ingyin guest house, Mogaung.
 		 View outside Namti Market


 
DAY 8 MOGAUNG - MYITKYINA

AM - Visit Mogaung bridge and nearby areas.
PM - Transfer to Myitkyina.
Accommodation: Xing Xian hotel (**) or similar, Myitkyina.
 		 WWII Pontoon


 
DAY 9 MYITKYINA - BHAMO (By boat or by car)

The boat ride on the Ayeyarwady river is described to be one of a kind, passing through narrow gorges and breathtaking scenery. Duration: 7 to 8 hours. (OR) Transfer to Bhamo by motor-road. Duration: approximately 7 hours.
Bhamo is a river-port town and an important trading center on the eastern bank of the Irrawady river between China and Myanmar since ancient times.
Accommodation: Friendship hotel (**) or similar, Bhamo.
 		 Bahmo


 
DAY 10 BHAMO

Visit Bhamo and environs.
Accommodation: Friendship hotel (**) or similar, Bhamo.

 		 Bhamo Maha Thein Taw Gyi
Pagoda


 
DAY 11 BHAMO - NAMKHAM - MU'SE

Early morning departure from Bhamo. En route, we will stop in NAMKHAM, to visit Dr. Seagrave's Hospital, reclining Buddha and Namkham Bazaar. Continue our journey to Mu'se (19 miles, 1.15 hours) where we will stay overnight.
Accommodation: Sein Yadana hotel (**) or similar, Mu'se.
 		 Muse


 
DAY 12 MU'SE - LASHIO - HSIPAW - MAYMYO

Transfer to Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin) traveling on the BURMA ROAD, via Lashio and Hsipaw.
Accommodation: Royal Park View hotel (***) or similar, Maymyo.
 		 kyaukmae-laphet plantation


 
DAY 13 MAYMYO - MANDALAY

We leave for Mandalay today (1.5 hours) after a brief visit around Maymyo. Then transfer to visit gold-leave making workshop, the Mahamuni Buddha Image, gold embroidery workshop, Mya-nan-san-kyaw Golden Palace, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, Shwe-nan-daw Monastery, noted for its fine traditional wood carving and enjoy sunset from the top of Mandalay Hill. Dinner at a local restaurant. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Mandalay Hill Resort (****) or similar, Mandalay.

 		 Golden Palace


 
DAY 14 MANDALAY

After breakfast, transfer to the Mayan-chan jetty for the boat trip to Mingun, situated upstream on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady River, which is famous for the Mingun Bell. It is the biggest ringing bell in the world. Tour highlights are the five-metre high Pondaw Pagoda, the Settawya Pagoda, where a footprint of Buddha is enshrined; the Mingun Pahtodawgyi, which was left uncompleted, the Mingun Bell, and the Mya Thein Tan Stupa with seven wavy terraces around it. Then return to Mandalay by boat. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, take the car trip to Sagaing which was once the capital of an independent Shan kingdom around 1315 AD. On arrival at Sagaing, continue to the Kaung-mu-daw Pagoda. Enroute visit pottery, cane-ware, silver-ware and the Kaung-mu-daw Pagoda. Then transfer to Sagaing Hills to see the Umin-thone-ze Pagoda and the impressive Soon Oo Pon-nya Shin Pagoda. Return to Mandalay. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Stay overnight
Accommodation: Mandalay Hill Resort (****) or similar, Mandalay.


 

 Mandalay Hill


 
DAY 15 MANDALAY - BAGAN

Transfer to Mandalay International airport for your short flight to Bagan. On arrival at Nyaung Oo Airport, transfer to Nyaung Oo Typical Market to study the lifestyle of the people in Nyaung Oo/Bagan. Then visit the Shwezigon Pagoda, a prototype of Myanmar stupa; Kyansittha U-min Cave, the Gu-byauk-gyi Temple at Wet Kyi Inn Village, a temple with pyramidal spire, built in the 13th century; the Htilominlo Temple, which is noted for its original plaster carving and Paya-nga-su Group. Lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to the hotel for check-in. After a short rest, visit the Nan Paya, the Ma-nu-ha Paya, the Gu-byauk-gyi Temple at Myin-ka-ba Village, the Ananda Temple and the Shwe-san-daw Paya. Dinner at a local restaurant. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Thiripyitsaya Sakura hotel (****) or similar, Bagan.
 		 Lawkanandar Pagoda


 
DAY 16 BAGAN

After breakfast, take an excursion trip to Popa, an extinct volcano last active 250,000 years ago, has been described as the Mount Olympus of Myanmar. It is considered the abode of Myanmar's most powerful Nats (spirits) and the most important Nat worship centre. On the way from Bagan to Mt. Popa, you can view toddy-palm groves and try toddy juice, a kind of natural soft drink with a small flavour of alcohol. Myanmar people jokingly call it "sky- beer", which they enjoy pots of toddy in the evenings together with their friends. Some prefer toddy to beer. You can also study the traditional way of grinding sesame seeds and groundnuts into edible oil by using ox-driven oil-press. This trip is also a kind of eco-tourism. Then return to Bagan. Lunch enroute. After lunch, visit the Sulamani Pagoda, the Dahmma-yan-gyi Pahto, the Thatbyinnyu Temple and enjoy sunset at the Bu Paya. Dinner at a local restaurant. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Thiripyitsaya Sakura hotel (****) or similar, Bagan.

NOTE : You can enjoy sunrise at the Dhammayazaka Zedi.
 

 Balloon Ride


 
DAY 17 BAGAN - YANGON

Morning flight to Yangon. Leisure at hotel or do some shopping at Bogyoke Market (Scott's Market) , Kaba Aye World Peace Pagoda and Mahapasana Cave.
Farewell dinner at local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Royal Lake (****) or similar, Rangoon.
 		 Kaba Aye Pagoda


 
DAY 18 DEPARTURE

Transfer to Yangon International airport for your departure flight. Tour ends.

For the above tour programme, please contact Ms Khaing Tun for booking at
khaingt@gmail.com  or e-mail us at baronmfg@mptmail.net.mm .   

Downtown Sule


 

Tour Name-The LEDO BURMA ROAD
Duration: - 19 days - 18days
Tour Code: 19/18/LBR
(Rangoon - Myitkyina - Tanai - Shinbwiyang - Mogaung - Bhamo - Namkham - Ruili - Tengchong - Dali - Kunming)

Day (01) Yangon Arrival

Our English language guide will meet you upon your arrival at Yangon International Airport. Then transfer to the hotel for check-in. After that city orientation tour of downtown area (Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha Image, Sule Pagoda, Chinatown …) will follow. We will visit Shwedagon Pagoda in the evening. Welcome dinner at Hotel Nikko Royal Lake. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change depending on confirmed flights. 
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Royal Lake (****) or similar, Yangon.

Day (02) Yangon Sightseeing

After breakfast, we will visit Kandawgyi Nature Park, OK Jewellery Shop, (optional: Green Elephant Rattan Factory and Crocodile Farm), and Botahtaung Pagoda. Lunch at a restaurant. Afternoon sightseeing includes visit to National Museum, Scott Market and enjoy your leisure time at Zawgyi House. Enjoy dinner at Western Park (1). 
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Royal Lake (****) or similar, Yangon.

Day (03) Yangon - Myitkyina by flight

Air Bagan from Yangon to Myitkyina operates (Tue, Thu, Fri & Sun only), and Yangon Airways from Yangon to Myitkyina operates (Mon, Wed & Thu only). On arrival at Myitkyina Airport, we will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Then visit nearby Mang Kain Village, the Baptist Church of Myitkyina, Old cemetery and former RAF/USAAF airfield. Stay overnight in Myitkyina.
Accommodation: Xing Xian hotel (**) or similar, Myitkyina.

Day (04) Myitkyina Sightseeing 

Morning drive to visit Myitsone, the confluence of the Maihka and Malikha rivers, 43 km north of Myitkyina, forms the beginning of the great Ayeyarwady River. Lunch at local restaurant. Continue sightseeing with Jaw Bum Tower, a grand panoramic view; Kyein Khran Kha village to study the Jingphaw's way of life and tradition. Afternoon, proceed to Kyunpintha ward to watch the hand loom, weaving centres, producing dark blue and green Kachin national longyis and crimson red Kachin shoulder bags. Stay overnight in Myitkyina.
Accommodation: Xian Xian hotel (**) or similar, Myitkyina.




Day (05) Myitkyina - Tanai by car (120 miles)

The journey today by a four-wheel drive will take us about 6 hours along the ledo Road. The car will pass through Namti, Lawa, Dum Bang, Warazup, Shaduzup. It was a world-famous strategic road for logistical purposes to the KMT government during the WWII. Along this road, there are evergreen forests, bamboo clumps and cane clumps, where waterfowls, pied hornbills, paddy birds, woodpeckers, jungle fowls, and koels (cuckoos) abound, making their respective sounds pleasant to hearers' ears. 
Stay overnight in Tanai.
Accommodation: Shwe Toe Aung guest house, Tanai.


Day (06) Tanai - Shin-bwi-yang (44 miles) - Tanai by car

Sightseeing in Tanai and environ and proceed to Shinbwiyang. Today we will visit the Gold mine there and the Shinbwiyang WWII airfield, once the biggest base camp of supplies for northern Burma. 
Accommodation: Shwe Toe Aung guest house, Tanai.
OPTIONAL: It is possible to visit PANGSAU from Shinbwiyang via Nang Yun. The total distance is about 96 miles from Shinbwiyang to Pangsau but due to the road conditions, we can only proceed by using motor-cycles. Additional 2 to 3 days required. 

Day (07) Tanai - Mogaung (88 miles)

Transfer to Mogaung.
Accommodation: Ingyin Guest House, Mogaung.


 

Day (08) Mogaung - Myitkyina by car

AM - Visit Mogaung bridge and nearby areas.
PM - Transfer to Myitkyina.
Accommodation: Xing Xian hotel (**) or similar, Myitkyina.


 

Day (09) Myitkyina - Bhamo by boat or by car

The boat ride on the River Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy ) is described to be one of a kind, passing through narrow gorges and breathtaking scenery. Duration: 7 to 8 hours. (OR) Transfer to Bhamo by motor-road. Duration: approximately 7 hours.
Bhamo is a river-port town and an important trading center on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River between China and Myanmar since ancient times.
Accommodation: Friendship hotel (**) or similar, Bhamo.


Day (10) Bhamo Sightseeing 

Visit Bhamo and environs.
Accommodation: Friendship hotel (**) or similar, Bhamo. 


 

Day (11) Bhamo - Namkham - Muse by car

After breakfast, transfer from Bhamo to Muse by motor-road. Visit NAMKHAM en route, including Dr. Gordon Seagrave's hospital, Reclining Buddha and Namkham Bazaar. Continue our journey to Muse (19 miles, 1.15 hours) where we will stay overnight.
Accommodation: Sein Yadana hotel or similar (**) or similar. 

 

 

Day (12) Muse - Ruili (China)

After breakfast, transfer to Jiegao, the Myanmar-China border point, where you will be welcomed by the Chinese local ground agent/guide. After clearance of customs formalities, cross into RUILI. Transfer to hotel. Some sightseeing of Ruili will be included. 
(Time difference: 1.5 hours between China and Burma)
Hotel: Jingcheng Hotel (***) or similar, Ruili.


Day (13) Ruili - Tengchong via Wanding & Mangshi (Luxi)

After breakfast, enter further into Yunnan province. Road signs are multilingual in Chinese, Burmese, Dai as well as in English. 
A brief visit of WANDING to see WWII bridge, lunch en route in MANGSHI. 
Continue our journey to Tengchong and visit old Tengchong.
Hotel: Leihua hotel (***) or similar, Tengchong.


Day (14) Tengchong

AM - Visit SONGSHAN Campaign relics across Huitong Bridge. 
PM - Return to Tengchong. Enjoy Hot Springs in the evening. 
Hotel: Leihua Hotel (***) or similar, Tengchong.


Day (15) Tengchong - Dali

Our journey to Dali this morning will start with a visit to WWII Memorial Park in Tengchong. Drive to Dali along the Burma Road. 
Hotel: Asia Star (***) or similar, Dali.


Day (16) Dali

After early breakfast, take the boat trip on Erhai Lake, duration 4.5 hours (OR) visit Old Dali.
Hotel: Asia Star (***) or similar, Dali.


Day (17) Dali - Kunming via Yunnanyi

AM: A quick tour around old Dali before departure to Kunming . Take the highway to CHUXIONG (about halfway to Kunming, about 2 hours) and then switch to Burma Road for the ride into YUNNANYI including visiting sites in Yunnanyi that include: Robert Mooney Memorial, Yunnanyi airfield located south of Xiang Yun and Xiang Yun's old town remains. 
Hotel: Golden Dragon (****) or similar, Kunming.


Day (18) Kunming 

After breakfast, departure by coach (98 km) to one of China's most remarkable natural phenomena, the STONE FOREST. It consists of 80 hectares of innumerable bizarre shaped ancient limestone created by wind and water erosion some 270 million year ago. 
(OR)
Full day sightseeing in Kunming. We will visit: #1 Guesthouse, which was the HQ of the AVG from July 1941-1942, where John Petach married AVG nurse Emma Jane "Red" Foster and where General Stilwell and other Allied generals stayed, visit Jinbi Lu, Burma Road Terminus in China and the Bird and Flower market that still has some of the last orignial architecture left from old Kunming. 
Hotel: Golden Dragon Hotel (****) or similar, Kunming.


Day (19) Departure

Transfer to Kunming International airport for your departure flight.

IMPORTANT: 90 days advance notice is required to obtain your package tour visa and special travel permit for border crossing. 
It takes at least 15 days each to process your visas at the Embassy of China and Burma and have them return by mail.
We are then required to send all your passport and visa details to Myanmar by email or fax, to obtain your special travel permit. This takes between 21 to 30 days to process.
We shall do our best to make the arrangements as comfortable as possible; however, the itinerary is subject to change depending on confirmed flights and road conditions. Please note that accommodations in Tanai & Mogaung are very basic.

MINIMUM PARTICIPANT: 3 to 5 
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL: January to February. 

PRICE: To be advised

PRICE INCLUDES: Accommodation with daily breakfast, lunch and dinner provided at local restaurants or hotels depending on the program, internal domestic flights, all ground transportations, local English speaking guide and entrance fees to all tourist sites.

PRICE EXCLUDES: International airfare, visa fees, administrative fee of USD 100 per person, travel and health insurance, personal expenses, beverages and international departure tax at Yangon and at Kunming airport.

DEPARTURE AIRPORT TAX INFORMATION
Yangon airport (International flights): USD 10.00 per person
Yangon airport (Domestic flights): None
Kunming airport (International flights): USD 12.00 per person
Kunming airport (Domestic flights): USD 6.00 per person

The aim and object of Burma Road and the Ledo Road tour programme is for the WWII veterans who fought there to revisit the places where they fought on Burmese soil or their children and grandchildren to enjoy the sites where their fathers and grandfathers heroically fought against Japanese fascists, and to explore the ecological features in Myanmar.

For the above tour programme, please contact Ms Khaing Tun for booking at
khaingt@gmail.com  or e-mail us at baronmfg@mptmail.net.mm .  

 

Shwedagon Pagoda


 


Karaweik


 


Bala Min Htin Bridge


 

Myitkyina KBC


 

One portion of the Ledo Road, still misty even in mid-April




Gold Site


 

Mogaung Reclining BuddhaImage


 

Kachinmountain


 


Bhamo Thein Dawgyi Paya



Bhamo River



 

Dr. Gordon Seagrave's,
 Son and daughter



 

Ruili border point



 
 

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