A Morning in the Life of A Monk

A Morning in the
Life of A Monk

The practice of monkhood in Myanmar is best described as spiritually focused one, and that provides
status to the family of this saffron-clad faithful. We take a backstage path into the
world of monkhood, from almsgiving to their life in a monastery.

WHY THIS TOUR?

Labelled as the unofficial capital for Buddhism in Myanmar, Mandalay is drenched with samples of witnessing the faithful in their daily lives.

The cultural and administrative capital of upper Myanmar, its strategic location along the Ayeyarwaddy, the city has played a crucial role in how the country has emerged as a spiritual destination.As the last seat of the former Kingdom, it was primarily King Mindon who has set the tone for turning Mandalay into the place it is now.

Aside from Mandalay itself with its temples and pagodas, the neighbouring towns of Amarapura and Sagaing are still considered crucial centres of Buddhism. We are following in the bare footsteps of the life of a monk during this early morning tour option where all the steps of what entails monkhood are captured.

Myanmar

Mandalay

1 Day

Authentic Trails

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TRAIL ITINERARY

A Morning in the Life of A Monk

06:00 - 11:00

Before breakfast and with the sun rising above the horizon, your English-speaking guide and driver welcome you at your hotel. To witness the life of a monk, one has to wake up early in the morning as the day commences with the Soon offering, better known as the morning ritual of giving alms. We head out to a local region in Mandalay where you will witness and partake in this daily ritual. The slow pace of these saffron-clad representatives of the Lord Buddha is a true testament on how deeply rooted Buddhism is embedded in society. Return to your hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, we continue our path towards monkhood. The due diligence of becoming a monk includes a visit to a monk accessory shop. Aside from giving up some of society’s privileges, a monk is obliged to purchase eight essential elements before making its way into a monastery. Besides these must-haves, choosing the exact date to enter the monkhood play an important part in the decision making – a visit to an astrologer is part of the preparation work for a prospect monk. During our morning explorations, the philosophy behind picking the right date will pass the revue. Finally, we make our way into a monastery. For many Burmese boys, monasteries are the sole option to get some education, and we may witness seeing novices and monks gaining knowledge.

The day ended with seeing the final meal of the day passed on, taken in total silence. The almost palatable serenity that hangs around the compound after their last meal of the day marks the end of this mindful morning excursion. Your guide and driver bring you back to your overnight address where you will arrive at around 11 am.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

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INCLUSIONS

  • A half-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.
  • All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

EXCLUSIONS

  • Any donation fees
  • Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description
  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
  • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
  • Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
  • Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
  • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
  • Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

  • This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.
  • Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Mandalay. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Sagaing, Amarapura, Monywa, Pyin Oo Lwin river cruise ports and Mandalay’s International airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
  • Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • To respect local customs and respecting the religious sites and temples on this tour, it is customary for guests to take off their shoes before allowed entrance. Your guide will inform you in advance for which of these sites this is applicable.
  • It is of the greatest importance to follow the guide’s instructions during this event in paying respect to the local customs. This includes approaching the monks, taking photographs and obeying the unwritten rules and regulations of this deeply-spiritual encounter.
  • We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
  • There will be ample time for customers to spend time on their own to admire the sites at their own pace or browse along the shops for souvenirs. When additional time needs to be allocated for more time at leisure or shopping, this can be discussed with the guide on spot.
  • Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
  • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.
  • This tour is operated in the morning only.

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