On The Road to Mandalay

Mandalay is the gateway to Mogok. The 8 hour journey starts here...

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Many of the bridges on the road between Mandalay & Mogok date back to the colonial era. Most of the road is single track.

The historic city of Mandalay is the gateway to Mogok. Mandalay has a certain charm missed by some but admired by those who take the time to visit some of the historic parts of the city.

The 125 mile journey to Mogok will take you through agricultural countryside, teak forests, hill tribe villages, over rusty bridges and twisting mountain roads.

From Mandalay we head north to Mogok. Many parts of the road remain unchanged from the British colonial days including many single track iron bridges.

Seventy five miles north of Mandalay we arrive at the Hpawdaw - Thabeikkyin junction. It is at this point where special permission is required for foreigners to continue their journey to Mogok. There is another fifty miles of single track road which winds up through the mountains before we reach Mogok.

Mogok to Mandalay

Ox carts are still used by many people to get around. Not the quickest way to go but good for the environment!

Mogok to Mandalay

The immigration check point at the Hpawdaw - Thabeikkyin junction. To travel beyond this point you will need to have your permit rubber stamped here.

Mogok to Mandalay

After passing the checkpoint the road climbs up into the mountains and the temperature cools. The views into the valleys are spectacular.

Mogok to Mandalay

A trader riding his motorbike loaded with goods on his way to Mogok.

Mogok to Mandalay

A Lisu villager in a mountain village.

Mogok to Mandalay

Another Lisu villager with her son.

Mogok to Mandalay

On one of the bends in the road a lady has set up her shop selling a variety of citrus fruits.

Mogok to Mandalay

Once up in the mountains we pass through bamboo forests and Lisu villages. There is a thick smell of fermenting bamboos shoots throughout the village. The villagers use the bamboo to produce just about everything you could possibly imagine.

Mogok to Mandalay

A Lisu villager shredding strips of bamboo.

Mogok to Mandalay

Bamboo strips being dried in the sun.

Mogok to Mandalay

Halfway between the Hpawdaw - Thabeikkyin junction we reach the village of Shewnyaungbin. This is a traditional resting spot for travellers coming and going between Mogok & Mandalay.

Mogok to Mandalay

My driver and guide enjoying cakes and tea at the café in the centre of the village.

Mogok to Mandalay

Kids of Shwenyaungbin village, who really wanted me to take their picture!

Mogok to Mandalay

Shwenyaungbin village.

Mogok to Mandalay

The banyan tree in the centre of Shwenyaungbin village.

Mogok to Mandalay

Quite incredible that they manage to keep these trucks going.

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