Putao

A visit to the completely isolated Putao region is a wonderful addition to any trip to Myanmar, offering a glimpse of undisturbed nature that few travelers ever see. Inhabited by the Hkamti Shan people, the region was once known as Hkamti Long, or "great place of gold", and borders both China and India. Because of the incredibly mountainous terrain, little to no infrastructure links Putao with the rest of the world.

The climate of the region is highly diverse, ranging from subtropical valleys to alpine peaks, creating lush biodiversity perfect for eco-travel. Favorite sights and activities include hiking or biking through the diverse landscape and varied climes of Hkakabo Razi National Park; birdwatching in the Putao Valley; and rafting the exciting, dynamic Nam Lang River.

EXPERIENCES

Birdwatching

Go birding around the Putao Valley. While only 127 species have been recorded so far, it is believed that many more unidentified species make their home in the lush Alung Dung valley. Known species include the Great Hornbill, Collared Myna, Collared Treepie, Brown Dipper, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Silver-eared Mesia, Red-faced Liocichla, White-bellied Yuhina, Burmese Shrike and Green-backed Tit. In addition, the region boasts a wide range of butterflies, and over 523 species of orchids & rhododendrons.

Ethnic Villages

After a scenic hike, visit an ethnic village in the vicinity. Because of the region’s proximity to India and China, a highly diverse tribal community exists, with Kachin, Shan, and even Naga people living within the area. After meeting with the locals and speaking with them about their lifestyle, browse the local market and see some of the handiwork of the villagers for sale.

Fort Hertz

Trek through the wilderness to visit Fort Hertz, one of the most isolated British fortresses in the history of the Empire. During World War II, Fort Hertz was cut off from the outside world for months after the Japanese occupied Burma; amazingly, it remained in British hands, and became one of the main bases for resistance to the Japanese occupation.

Hkakabo Razi National Park

Explore Hkakabo Razi National Park, home to Hkakabo Razi, Southeast Asia’s highest mountain. Part of the southern reaches of the Himalayas, the summit at 19,295 feet is one of the region’s main attractions for intrepid mountaineers, but the park itself is rich in wildlife and flora, and an exceptional place for exploring the natural beauty of the land. The park is mountainous and mostly filled with broad-leaved rainforest, but its close proximity to the alpine peaks has led to exceptional biodiversity, much of which has yet to be discovered.

Hkamti Long

True to the original meaning of its name, Hkamti Long is still a place to find natural reserves of gold; the area provides work for panners, which remains one of the region’s most lucrative jobs.

Phogun Razi

Climb Phogun Razi. Located by the Myanmar–India border, Phogun Razi’s peak lies at 11,433 feet, making it a suitable trek for those wishing to scale the Himalayas. The trek will take you out of the subtropic rainforest and into a semi-deciduous forest, a notable change in climate as well as flora and fauna. From the peak, admire the lush valley and the distant mountains lining the horizon.

Whitewater Rafting

Go whitewater rafting on the Nam Lang River. A full day’s trip will take you through the mountains north of the hotel and into the exhilarating rapids that pass through them. Enjoy the pristine water rushing past you as you navigate technical rapids through tight bedrock canyons; once the danger has passed, enjoy your leisurely float downstream, which will drop you off at the foot of your hotel.