Perhaps most interesting activity in Mogok is to visit its bustling gems markets. At altitude of 1170 m Mogok enjoys temperate hill station climate year-round. To find a good deal may as hard as finding a needle in a hay stack. Most of the buyers that you see in Mogok are locals who have been commissioned to buy certain type of stone for clients or partners and will then either send the raw stone or cut and polish it that it is ready for use. Mogok is just 128 miles away from Mandalay, and makes for an enjoyable holiday location during the cool season. People are extremely friendly and welcoming to visitors. All mining activities in the Mogok region are with government permission only. The hotel is located 3 miles outside of Mogok on lush mountain slope. In the picture below. AGL Prestige Report. The size plus the 70% red makes this gem extremely rare. Mogok trip in Myanmar – Mogok hotel – Mogok Burma ruby. All are close to the town itself, or at least just a short drive away. The Frenchman was speechless and departed. During sweltering heat of summer months Mogok temperatures are pleasant 25-30c. View our example itinerary: 4 Days Mogok Ruby Land tour Getting to Mogok is not easy, as the name of the road leading up to this small mining town suggests. During winter day time temperatures are between 15-25c and night time temperature may fall near freezing. Overlooking to the city from western mountain slope, the Daw Nan Kyi’s monastery is filled with gems and valuables donated by locals. Almost every person you will see has some gem stones in their pockets. The biggest rubies over certain size and weight had to be given to the king. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. The British annexed Upper Burma to the colony of India that same year. Burmese ruby has a specific gravity of 4.00, a refractive index of 1.76 - 1.78, and birefringence of 0.008. Expect to be approached by traders carrying bags of assorted rocks, both real gems and not so genuine ones too. Some local gemologists say you may find gems less expensive in Yangon or in Mae Sot at the end of the trail rather than at source in Mogok. Many Nepalese (Gurakah) have settled here over generations too, and recent settlers include Chinese from the border regions. Earliest references to rubies of Burma have been found dating back to 16th century Shan Dynasty when the ruby mines of Mogok were taken over from the Shan by the king of Burma in 1597. The Golden Butterfly Hotel has a gorgeous view over the town, and is situated near the night markets. Check your inbox for future updates. The one part was given to the king who rewarded him for great accomplishment. Second best hotel in Mogok with swimming pool and new wing with rooms that will have great views coming up. There are hundreds of open and closed mines around Mogok region. E.g. There is morning market where vendors will spread their merchandise to display on tarps on the ground. History of Mogok. The gravels derive from the metamorphosed limestones (marbles) of the Mogok metamorphic belt. The Mogok mines also produce semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, garnet, moonstone, peridot and chrysoberyl. The city itself is shielded by the Taung Mae and Kyae Ni mountains and, like many places in the nearby Shan state, is home to a range of different people – mainly Shan and Burmese, but also Palaung, Chin and Kachin. Hsipaw Taw Sein Ko, as t… Prices for gems at the market can start from K30,000 to many hundreds of thousands. Best rubies and gems are brought to ministry of mines office for valuation first and send to Naypyitaw where gems emporium is held twice a year. Stones lighter than this are called pink sapphire. Another story is connected to the Nga Mauk ruby. The two grading reports are pretty similar except the Total Quality Index Rating (TQIR) went from Very Good to Excellent in the new report. © 2019 Discovery Dmc - Unique Bespoke Tours in Asia. In recent years Bernard village, so named after the former Chief Commissioner of Upper Burma Edward Bernard, has gained a reputation for its frosty – and even icy – temperatures in the winter. DESTINATIONS IN NORTH MYANMAR Getting to Mogok is not easy, as the name of the road leading up to this small mining town suggests. Another piece he sold to Chinese merchant. Your email is successfully submitted. The High Class and Taung Pyar Tan (Blue Mountain) companies run buses to Mogok from Yangon, with tickets currently costing K30,300. Grading Report. The stone is a perfect 70 tone and never blacks-out and looks good in all lights-even at night. Travelling to Mogok has been very restricted until 2013. Here the air was so fresh, and after midday provided us a stunning view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Only gems buyers with government escorts could visit the valley and a handful of tourists when lucky to get permits. It is friendly game and no one minds if you don’t want buy but are curious to learn. Burma Ruby • Pigeon's Blood • Mogok Stone Tract. While sapphire is considered very rare, red ruby is even rarer. Legends tell that larger stones were broken to be sold rather than been given to the king. After realizing that he was cheated the king ordered to burn alive Nga Mauk and his family. Putao He tells much of this history via anecdotes and personal communications, using a variety of unique Burmese sources, as well as more traditional references. Smaller pieces and lower quality are sold at the local markets. Located 8 miles outside of Mogok along the Mandalay road. Dealers may specialise in either sapphires, rubies, emeralds, jade and amethyst, or offer a range of all each – either as rough stones, cut stones or pairs of cut stones ready to be mounted in jewelry. Given the high degree of mining and trading here, the amenities are quite good – but like many parts of Myanmar, don’t expect the hotel rates to be super cheap for foreigners. The stone is not heated. Natural, untreated Mogok rubies of fine colour can be valued at $80,000 per carat, according to the Aside from ruby, Mogok produces a potpourri of gems, including sapphire, spinel, peridot, topaz and moonstone, to name but a few. The Burmese king then showed the Nga Mauk ruby to the Frenchman, asking him how much he would estimate its value to be. “The road of 999 bends”, as it’s colloquially known, is famous for its many sharp turns in the surrounding highlands. Daw Nan Kyi his wife was collecting wood up the hill and witnessed the burning from the hill and died of broken heart – broken in half like the ruby. In 1886, the British succeeded in taking over Upper Burma. Trading with local gem merchants though is a charm to see, given the quality of the rocks that are traded and the price that some pay. 90% of the world’s rubies come from Myanmar and Mogok valley. To see the original article click link here. The 60% red is not stoplight red but still a beautiful red pink gemstone. The name 'corundum' originates from the ancient Sanskrit word 'kuruvindam'. All other color varieties of gem-quality corundum are referred to as sapphire. They introduced water cannons, washing plants, and other mechanized mining methods, and actually moved the town of Mogok into alluvial mining. At the markets we bought some traditional food, and some very warming Cydonia Cathayensis wine. of search terms would be “property research report”, ”condominium law”, “Puma Energy”, “MOGE”, “yangon new town”,”MECTEL”, “hydropower”, etc. Later a Chinese prince who sought protection from the Burmese king gave him a reward for sanctum and token of appreciation an amazing ruby which was perfect fit to kings own ruby received from Nga Mauk. There is little mechanization of the mining. 2.00 "Classic" Mogok Unheated Burma Ruby; Photos/VIDEOS. The gems are extracted from alluvial marble gravel by panning, tunneling and digging pits by hand. Jedi spinel by Burma mogok 0.5-0.8ct vibrant pinkish red #spineljewelry #jews #gem #gems #sapphire #ruby #jewelrydesigner Mogok, the Valley of Rubies is located in Northern Mandalay. Check out our mogok burma ruby selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. When the government nationalized the mines in 1969, smuggling became rampant. Mogok or Moegote as it is often called by the locals is a charming city nestled in a green mountain valley 200km/ 5hr drive north of Mandalay. We visited the former Navy cemetery on a full stomach, with enough energy to view tombstones of hundreds of fallen military personnel – from those who died in the late 19th Century colonial conflicts, to those who gave their lives in WWII. The biggest rubies over certain size and weight had to be given to the king. Returning to the town we couldn’t resist a few photos beside the landmark town logo. Description This stone was resubmitted to the AGL in 2018. Most famous is the story of Daw Nan Kyi. Burma ruby's passionate color is just one reason for this gemstone's popularity. Mogok Hill Hotel and the Mogok Motel are also good options. No doubt the first humans to settle the area found rubies and spinels in the rivers and streams. There are nature trails from the resort to Palaung villages and tea plantation. French representative traveled to meet the Burmese king to enquire how much he would ask to let some French companies mine in Mogok. Some collectors prefer these lighter color/lighter tones stones. Lashio The most valued treasures include 3kg golden and 5kg silver pagodas and largy ruby and other gems that decorate the foot of Buddha’s throne. In both Kyaukme and Hsipaw we can arrange treks to Palaung tribe villages, cycling excursions. All rooms have balconies and valley views. We arrived at 5 am and, despite the dim light, the market was teeming with people. When the temperatures plummet in the early mornings, the village attracts tourists from the warmer parts of Mandalay division hoping to see the beautiful frost-laden lawns and roofs. Take a nostalgic train ride over the Gokteik viaduct. Locally registered tour operators in Myanmar can arrange this. AGL Grading Report. Burma in 1886 with an army of 30,000 men (Min- eral Resources, 1886). Probably best advice is that unless you are really expert in gems and know what you are looking for do not buy anything expensive and beware of synthetic stones which are difficult to tell apart and hardly worth anything. The Mogok Motel backs onto the town’s great lake and the infamous Mani Mingalar Gem stone market. The application and reporting formalities still remain same as before in Mogok but are likely to change with the new government that has been in power since April 2016. Mandatory stop at the checkpoint, a second “visa” is required to enter the province. Mogok, the Valley of Rubies is located in Northern Mandalay. Daw Nan Kyi Mountain, Padamyar (Ruby) Pagoda, Chanthar Gyi (Rich) Pagoda, Kyauk Nagar (Stone Dragon) Pagoda, Kyauk Pya That Pagoda, Kin Chaung Waterfall and Bernard village are all popular tourist spots. But exiting the 1000th turn is quite rewarding, as the small town with its glittering lights waits in the valley bellow. The company did much to promote Burmese rubies in Europe and around the world. For centuries, the mystique surrounding Burma ruby has centered on stones from one extensive jungle tract known as Mogok, 400 or so miles north of Rangoon, this Southeast Asian country’s capital. Grading Report. “The road of 999 bends”, as it’s colloquially known, is famous for its many sharp turns in the surrounding highlands. The following day we ate some of our favourite Shan noodle soup, along with hot coffee for breakfast. Although not as productive as large-scale production, they proved to be more cost-effective and sustainable. Mogok, Myanmar, is also known as the "Valley of Rubies." No armed guards of high security anywhere. This increased public recognition of Mogok as the homeland of the finest rubies in the world, especially among the French. Her husband who was a miner named Nga Mauk found a very big ruby which he broke in to two pieces. Deals are done everywhere and purchases are paid in cash. Mogok trip, Myanmar. There are many buyers so the prices be higher in Mogok due to that. Contact us for more information and quotes! It is necessary to obtain permits to visit mining sites. • Privacy Policy • Disclaimer, Singapore Business Federation’s Networking Session in Yangon, Import office equipment and service related equipment, Development Zone for Tax Exemption under MIL, Restricted Investment Activities under MIL, Restricted areas for foreigners and tourists in Myanmar, Business Chambers and Associations in Myanmar, Myanmar to further restructure, invest in education system, Illegal export of natural rubber to Thailand damages Myanmar’s image: MRPPA reports, Local car prices turn volatile as online market for govt car import permits emerges, MIC permits 5 investment proposals including two 30 MW solar projects, PTTEP approved to build gas-to-power plant in Myanmar, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkPm2XpaAzc, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uJ1wIkICYs. But taking a slow trip through the mountains to get there, then to discover the amazing food and things to do, you’ll discover the town itself is something of a gem that’s well worth the visit. Visit Shwebo kingdom and marvel at pottery making in Kyauk Myaung pottery village. Mogok and other villages in the region have been famous since ancient times for their precious gem stones. To learn more about the latest Travel Restrictions affecting all travelers entering Myanmar due to the COVID19 Pandemic, click here, #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } Buses leave from 6 in the evening, and reach the town at 6 the following morning. After visiting gem mines and markets travel to Pyin Oo Lwin hill station town with gardens, colonial mansions and flower, coffee and tea farms. These problems finally led the company to abandon the mines in 1931. We have listed here hotels where foreigners are permitted to stay in Mogok. Like many visitors, it’s easy to focus on the town’s most famous products – rubies. Long closed to foreigners, the ruby-mining town of Mogok is now open to visitors with the necessary permits. Consult-Myanmar Co Ltd, Myanmar Co Reg No: 100066009. Discovery DMC is specialist in organizing customized tours to Mogok for individuals as well as for groups. Opened in early 2015 and currently best hotel in Mogok. As a foreigner you will surely catch locals’ attention and you will be shown many kinds of stones. The mountains create a serene mist the mornings, which makes the approach to town particularly memorable. The name “Mo-gok” is said to come from the Shan words for “winding valley”, though in Burmese “mo’ means “sky” and “gok” can mean “hook” – both interpretations capture the jagged nature of the valley roads. In November of that year, the Mogolz Stone Tract was established (Chhibber, 1934a and b]. NB: The best way to find information on this website is to key in your search terms into the Search Box in the top right corner of this web page. Mogok consists of a collection of gemstone producing areas in After arriving at Mandalay airport, head towards Mogok for a 7 hour drive. Myanmar's ruby gems mining - in pictures | Art and design | The … Although local people extracted pieces of ruby on a manageable scale for their livelihoods in the past, use of heavy machinery in mining process reduced job opportunities of local miners in the plots. There are not many hotels in Mogok yet. During military rule access to the town was restricted, especially for foreigners. Prices for these services can range from just K15,000 (though often higher for foreigners). As with all corundum, it's also extremely durable, having a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. Mogok does not have a gems museum but Buddhist monastery dedicated to Daw Nan Kyi’s comes close. The author makes his first pilgrimage to Burma's Mogok Stone Tract, home of the pigeon's blood ruby. There were numerous operational problems, however, including flooding and theft. The following day we headed out to the Daw Nan Kyi Mountain. Description Two carat unheated Classic Burma rubies are difficult to find in today's market. Other market areas are more organized and have tables and umbrellas and plastic chairs. In Burma Ruby, Dr. Samuels looks at the Mogok mines from the local perspective, in contrast to the occidental histories put together by the “noble enterprise” of colonialism. 2.23 "Classic" Mogok Unheated Burma Ruby; Photos/VIDEOS. Hopefully this is true, because for the authors, 2014 truly started out right. It is quite a scene. Home to the world’s premier ruby mines, it is also one of the richest mineral concentrations on Earth. Like many other traditions preserved in Myanmar, mining in Mogok today involves little to no mechanisation and is based on intensive use of manual labour, concentrated on hillside deposits, through open trenches, deep pits, or through excavating tunnels directly into the limestone. The gems are found in alluvial marble gravels by means of panning, tunneling and digging pits by hand. If you cannot give me an estimate for that stone, how do you expect me to give you an estimate for the mine that produced it? Mogok and other villages nearby have been famous since ancient times for its gemstones, especially ruby and sapphire, but semi-precious stones such as spinel, lapis lazuli, garnet, moonstone, peridot and chrysoberyl are also found. Moving around feels free and tourism to Mogok is encouraged. Like most of the middle and upper parts of Shan state, the temperature is cool (between 10 to 15C during the cool season). Mogok ( Ruby Land ) Book this Tour Request for Agent Rate Mogok also known as “Ruby Land ” is famous for its precious gems production in Myanmar. During King Pindale’s ruling from 1648 to 1661, a villager called Nga Mauk found a large In the 1870s during the reign of King Mindon the French and the English were building colonial empires in Asia and around the world. It is still restricted, but foreign visitors can apply for a special visiting permit from the Mandalay Region government before heading off. Mogok is a real precious and quiet town […] During King Pindale’s ruling from 1648 to 1661, a villager called Nga Mauk found a large Other recommended travel routings which you can combine to your longer trips in Myanmar. Mogok is the source market for world highest quality rubies and lots of other precious and semi-precious stones like spinel. It wasn’t so icy during our stay, as the mercury was some 10 degrees above zero – enough to warrant thick coats, gloves and a hat though. Kunz (1915) mentions a Burmese legend from the ruby mines: According to this legend, in the first century of our era three eggs were laid by a female naga, or serpent; out of the first was born Pyusawti, a king of Pagan; out of the second came an Emperor of China, and out of the third were emitted the rubies of the Ruby Mines.