Integral Expeditions invites you to travel with us to the “Golden Land” of Burma
(Myanmar) to experience first hand a landscape shimmering with bejeweled and gilded
Buddhist shrines against a backdrop of yellow rice fields. Ricky Fishman, with local
guide and Director of Grand Lotus Tours, Kyaw Swa Min, and Larry Cammarata, Ph.D.
will lead a group on an exploration of this very beautiful and complex world. We will
journey into a land far from our own, one of ancient wisdom and modern contradictions,
of towering pagodas and floating gardens, of a people living between the traditional and
the contemporary worlds.
We hope you will join us for this magical experience.
Day 1-3
We arrive in Yangon (Rangoon), the capital of Burma, a fascinating Southeast
Asian city of tree lined streets, colonial architecture, of hustle, and bustle, and
transfer to the Governors Residence Hotel. Our tours in Yangon will include a
visit to the Shwedegon Pagoda, the most revered and magnificent of Burma’s
Buddhist monuments.
Day 3-7
After a domestic flight to Pagan, we check into the Ayeyar Hotel, on the banks
of the Irriwaddy River, and then begin our exploration of Burma’s greatest
archaeological site. Thousands of monuments dot the landscape which we will
explore by foot, bicycle, and horse drawn carriage. We will meditate in ancient
temples, ascend thousand year old stupas to witness breathtaking sunsets and
sunrises, and wander the maze like remnants of Burma’s greatest empire.
Day 7-8
We fly from Pagan to Heho and then by bus to Pindaya where we will spend the
night at Pindaya Inle Inn. From the hotel we will walk to the magnificent caves
which house over 8000 Buddha images. After spending time in this magical
complex, we will relax in the bucolic surroundings of a traditional Burmese village.
Day 8-10
We then travel by bus and then boat to our hotel, Serenity Inle, on the shores of
Inle Lake. We will tour the lake, observing the famous “foot paddlers,” watching
them fish with techniques unchanged for millenia. We will explore the floating
gardens, visit abandoned Buddhist temples, and meet with monks at the “Jumping Cat” monastery.
Day 10-12
Return by flight to Yangon for the culmination of our journey, checking back into
the Governors Residence Hotel. Time for further exploration and relaxation.
Day 12
Transfer to the International Airport and return to our destinations of origin.
COST OF PROGRAM:
U.S. $2495
Single Supplement: U.S. $650
(excludes international air transport and based upon double occupancy)
Trip is limited to 20 participants. Tour price is based on a minimum of 10.
Kyaw Swa Min was a tour guide for over 15 years and a recognized expert on the Pagan
Archaeological Zone in Burma (Myanmar). He was raised in Pagan where his family
owned a puppet theatre, where he would entertain visitors from around the world. He
learned English and earned a degree in Philosophy, then started his own guiding business
and Lacquer Ware Art Workshop. Kyaw, now the managing director of Grand Lotus
Tours, a 100% Myanmar citizen owned, non-government tour operator, is renowned for
treating his clients as friends, taking them to his favorite hide outs in Pagan, areas not
found in guidebooks and possesses a vast knowledge of Burmese archaeology, history,
religion, and art.
Ricky Fishman, Co-Founder of Integral Expeditions, the travel division of Integral
Health and Training Institute, has been leading educational tours since 1989 and has led
programs to Nepal, Burma, Cuba, Peru, Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam. A Professor of
Humanities at New College of California for twenty years, he specialized in the History
and Philosophy of Science and Medicine as well as Global and Cultural Studies. Ricky
is also a musician, a published photographer, and a Chiropractor. This will be his fifth
excursion to Burma.
GROUP FACILITATOR Larry Cammarata, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who is a recognized expert in the
field of mind-body medicine. His current work is focused upon the path of mindfulness
as a way of being to relieve suffering, increase acceptance of ‘what is’, and foster
commitment to a valued life direction. Larry is an instructor of Tai Chi Chuan, an ancient
Chinese system of exercise, moving meditation, and self-defense. In his spare time, he
is a professional musician and performance artist who has performed with renowned
world music recording artist/trance dance facilitator Gabriel Roth and has also provided
musical support for Dr. Deepak Chopra’s conferences. Larry will facilitate a process
of harmonizing with self, others, and the outer environment. Through gentle mindful
movement, guided meditations, group facilitation, playful humor, music, storytelling,
and more, Larry will support our group in their encounter of the beauty, spirituality, and
paradox that defines Burma.
Applications and deposits can also be mailed to
Ricky Fishman, Co-Director of IHTI:
Dr. Ricky Fishman
1700 Union Street,
San Francisco, CA 94123
(ph) 510-387-7881 (f) 415-441-9238 | ricky@rickyfishman.com
COST INCLUDES
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Domestic fl ights from Yangon to Pagan,
• Pagan to Heho, and Heho to Yangon
• All ground transportation per itinerary
• All accommodations in Burma
• All tours on itinerary
• All breakfasts
• Fees for passports
• International Airfare
• Airport departure taxes in Burma
• Visa fees
• Meals not specifi ed in itinerary
• Optional tours
• Travel and health insurance
COST OF PROGRAM: U.S.$ 2495
Deposit: U.S. $500 (non-refundable)
Balance: U.S. $1995 (due November 15, 2010) Single Supplement: U.S. $650
Early Enrollment discount of $100.00 if
registration completed by August 15th, 2010 and payment is completed by balance due date.
.
CANCELLATION FEES:
90–61 Days before Departure: 25%
60–31 50% of trip cost
30 or less: 100% of trip cost
