Discover Life Along the Irrawaddy River with Zegrahm Expeditions

New Overland Itinerary Features Small Villages and Local Markets Seldom Visited by Westerners

Seattle, WA (February 5, 2013) –Zegrahm Expeditions, the world leader in small-ship cruising and overland adventures, is pleased to present an intimate look at Myanmar, a country once shrouded in mystery and now an up-and-coming adventure travel destination.  While some have described Myanmar as a time-warped country, travelers will see the contrast of the bustling cities of Yangon and Mandalay with the peaceful serenity and timeless landscapes of villages along the Irrawaddy River.

“This expedition arrives in Yangon on Myanmar Independence Day, a truly special time to begin the exploration because the city will be overflowing with festivities,” stated Edwin Blythe, President of Zegrahm Expeditions. “Throughout the trip travelers will interact with locals and explore the architecture and archaeology of a country that has changed little since British colonial times.”

Zegrahm began offering travel to Myanmar over 10 years ago with the belief that the company could do more to help the people of Myanmar by traveling to the country than by not going at all.  Each visit makes a point to take travelers to the less glittering parts of the region to see how the people, particularly the children, go about daily living.  Additionally, the 15-day itinerary features an archaeological exploration of Mrauk U, the medieval capital of Myanmar; meeting the women of the Chin tribe who have traditional face tattoos unique to this ethnic minority group; and a 7-day cruise of the Irrawaddy River. 

The expedition is being led by Gary Wintz, a renowned Asia expert who has lectured at esteemed institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Brown, Columbia, and the National Geographic Society. Wintz has been visiting Myanmar since 1977, and has made more than 60 visits to the country since that time.

Myanmar Revealed: Life Along the Irrawaddy River takes place January 2-16, 2014, and is priced from $13,980 per person.  For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.zegrahm.com or call 1-800-628-8747.