Voyage of a Lifetime:
ICA 2005 Gem Mines Tour to Mogok, Burma

New York, December 28, 2004 — Following tradition, the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) is pleased to announce a gem mines tour from February 24 to March 02 in association with its upcoming congress. The tour will follow the 2005 ICA Congress that runs from February 18 to 21 in Bangkok, Thailand.

This year’s tour is something truly special, an exclusive journey to one of the planet’s most storied gem deposits, Burma’s Mogok Stone Tract—the legendary Valley of Rubies.

The tour was not easy to organize. Even today, access to this part of Burma is restricted. ICA is making arrangements for a select number of permits to visit this famous locality. Participants will also visit historic sights in both Yangon and Mandalay.

ICA’s 2005 Gem Mines Tour will be guided by renowned gem traveler and gemologist Richard Hughes. Over the past 25 years, Hughes has traveled extensively in Burma and has authored countless articles, as well as an authoritative book, Ruby & Sapphire.

The cost is US$2475 per person. The tentative program is as follows:



Feb. 24: Flight from Bangkok, Thailand, to Yangon, Myanmar; visit to Shwe Dagon Pagoda and Gem Museum.

Feb. 25: Flight from Yangon to Mandalay; visit Royal Palace

Feb. 26: Drive from Mandalay to Mogok

Feb. 27: Tour Mogok mines and gem markets

Feb. 28: Tour Mogok mines and gem markets

Mar. 01: Drive from Mogok back to Mandalay

Mar. 02: Visit to jade market; flight from Mandalay to Yangon,
and transfer back to Bangkok

What You Need to Know:

Weather: Tropical. Daytime temperatures in Yangon and Mandalay between 20° - 35° C / 66° - 95° F; Mogok lies at 1158 meters (3800 ft.), so it is cooler. You will need tropical wear and a light jacket or sweater, an umbrella, comfortable walking shoes you don't mind getting dirty, sunglasses and a hat for the sun. Modest dress important.

Visa: participants will require a tourist visa, which we will obtain for all in Bangkok. Bring passport and two passport photos.

Government regulations forbid buying rough or cut gems/jewelry at Mogok, so everyone will have to sign a statement agreeing not to engage in business. As this is a tour and not a business trip, we will ask participants to forego all such purchases while in-country.

Myanmar is generally extremely safe, with a crime rate far lower than even Thailand.

Accommodation: In Yangon and Mandalay, international-standard hotels with a full range of facilities from excellent restaurants to Internet access; accommodations more primitive in Mogok.

For more information or registration for the tour, please contact the ICA head office at ica@gemstone.org. Space is limited and only hardy travelers need apply.


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