Mandalay_Ayeyarwaddy Dolphin

Extension from Mandalay

2-Day/1-Night Ayeyarwaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)

Ayeyarwaddy River flows down from way up north, having its sources in the glaciers of the eastern Himalayas, until it reaches the Bay of Bengal.

 Fresh-water Dolphins are found on Ayeyarwaddy River and so called Ayeyarwaddy Dolphin.

Yearly systematic direct- count surveys conducted throughout the range of the population in 2002-2010 indicated a population size of Dolphins are 87-90 individuals between Mandalay and Bhamo.

Dolphins are generally well-regarded by local people and they provide direct economic benefits to cast-net fishermen via their role in a human-dolphin cooperative fishery. They are vital to the livelihoods of more than 100 fishing families.

Because the cooperative fishery occurs only between Mingun and Kyaukmyaung (about 74km in river length) and the area supports 22-32% of the dolphin population during the dry season, these braided channels were selected as the first area to receive official protected area status.

This program is to provide the travelers to see the Ayeyarwaddy Dolphin in their natural environment and traditional cast -net fishing method by the help of dolphins. This will encourage the education programs on dolphin conservation and the importance of adopting sustainable fishing practices.

The community, local fishermen will better understand their perspectives and issues. This allows us to balance the preservation needs of dolphins with helping the fishermen to achieve more productive and sustainable livelihoods.

Day 1:            Mandalay – Mingun - Myay-zun village

 Pick-up from hotel. Drive to jetty. Take a boat trip on the Ayeyarwaddy River to Mingun (one hour) upriver from Mandalay. You can see beautiful scenery with local boats and bamboo rafts. Visit the Mingun Bell, weighting 87 tons and being the world’s largest intact bronze bell. Continue to unfinished Mingun Paya & Hsinbyume Paya. At the afternoon, continue to sail up and reach Myay-zun village on the river bank. Visit the charming village and study the socio-economics of the community. Overnight at the village monastery, Myay-zun.

Day 2:             Myay-zun village – Mandalay

 Breakfast. Early morning, take a fisherman’s canoe to see closer the Ayeyarwaddy Dolphins and observe the unique culture of relation between Ayeyawaddy dolphins with the co-operative fishermen. Also enjoy the ways of life of local people. Sail back to Mandalay enjoying the fantastic view of Ayeyawaddy River. Arrival at Mandalay and transfer to your hotel.