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Myanmar

Myanmar: Hiking and Biking Inle Lake — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Bask in the natural beauty and stunning landscapes of Myanmar’s Shan state. Hike through hills of farmland and bike the epic route from Kalaw to Inle Lake. Cruise the waters, watch the graceful fishermen, and meet floating communities that call Inle Lake home.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

What Does a 7-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Myanmar!

Arrive into Yangon International Airport (RGN) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Catch another quick flight north to Heho (HEH), the gateway to the beautiful Shan state. Join your Program Leaders for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Have dinner with the group and settle in for the night.
2 – 3

Trek to Inle Lake

Spend the next two days trekking through the stunning mountains, stopping in villages, and learning about life in one of the premier hiking destinations in Southeast Asia. One of these villages will be your host for the night before continuing our trek in the morning!
4

Bike the Final Leg to Inle Lake

Switch from trekking to biking as you make the final push to beautiful Inle Lake, one of the most-visited natural attractions in Myanmar. Spend five to six hours cruising along dusty roads and visit villages for snacks and lunch along the way. Shower, relax, and reflect on the journey you just completed from Kalaw to Inle Lake. Join your group for a mid-trip discussion where you'll begin to reflect on what you’ve experienced and learned so far.
5

Inle Lake Immersion

Hit the waters of Inle Lake early on your way to a bustling morning market and the vibrant villages on the shores of the lake. Hunt in teams to find various local handicrafts and learn about the journey many products have made from rural villages to reach this market. Visit the homes of some of our staff, learning to cook a few Myanmar and Shan classic dishes before a game of soccer to end your day.
6

Journey to Yangon

Make the short drive to Heho Airport and fly to Yangon. Explore Myanmar’s majestic and glistening Shwedagon Pagoda. Navigate the bustling stalls of Bogyoke Market as you bargain for souvenirs and gifts for your family. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
7

Ta Tar, Myanmar!

Grab your last local snacks before your flight home. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Myanmar

What Do School Organizers Ask?

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Myanmar offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?