The road from Taunggyi to Mandalay took us one full day. This is mostly due to the slow driver we had that day: he had had an accident recently and was really extra careful. He was the driver who drove us crazy, even if he wasn't driving like mad!!!
The road first took us to Heho where there is a nice market (it's also the main air gateway to the Inlay lake area). Then to Pindaya, a cave full of Buddha images (more than 7000 pieces, made of various materials: marble, teak, bronze, lack etc…) which is a very active pilgrimage center.
Then, slowly, thru the hill roads, we said farewell to the quiet Shan mountains and made our way to the plain and to bustling Mandalay.