Page 68 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL11

Trip PlannerTrekking Agencies: Full-board treks, including food, accommodation, guide and bag transfers to the destination, cost US$12-20 per day. Golden Lily Guesthouse on Natsin Rd can hook you up with guides whether you are their guest or not. Otherwise, consider Sam’s Trekking Guide at Sam’s Family Restaurant on Aung Chan Tha St. Uncle Sam offers a few well thought-out trekking routes. He no longer leads treks, but can explain each route in detail.When to Go: November to February is the best time for trekking as the weather is mild, averaging 25C. Nights can be cold but most accommodations will provide blankets and it’s useful to have your own sleeping bag. From June to October the trails can be muddy and full of leeches.Getting There: The closest airport is in Heho, 20km away. Check Air Mandalay, Air Bagan and Asian Wings for flight schedules. Taxis to Kalaw cost 30,000 kyat. Buses from Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan take 11, eight and nine hours respectively. Visit www.go-myanmar.com/ getting-to-kalaw for transportation information.Stay: Pine Hill Resort is a modern hotel with wooden cottage rooms enclosed in gardens. Prices range from $85 to 155 in high season. Amara Mountain Resort consists of colonial cottages atop a hill. Rooms are airy and spacious. The restaurant serves European breakfasts that meet international standards.66 Elite+