Hiking in Myanmar

Hiking in Myanmar is a good way to meet the different etnic groups in their villages. We mostly include some interesting daywalks in our trips, but for those looking for a multiday hike, there are several options. As it can get incredibly hot in the lowlands, even in the cold season, most hiking is done in the much cooler hills in Central Myanmar. In the past we also offered hikes in the northern part of the country, but for political reasons this is suspended for now.

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Some ideas for hiking in Myanmar

All our hikes are guided by a local, Englishspeaking guide. Refreshments and meals are provided. For overnight hikes, you normally carry a small backpack with your personal gear, but if necessary we can provide luggage transportation as well.

Hiking around Hsipaw

Hsipaw in the Shan State is a good base for some nice hikes. It is a very rural area with interesting etnic groups who still have their own customs and beliefs. One of the most colourful tribes in Shan State are certainly the Palaung people who are famous for their high quality tea plantations. During this full day walk we visit 2 or 3 different villages and have a simple lunch in a local village on the way. Total walking time is about 5 hours through tea plantations, colourful fields and forests – sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill. There is a possibilty to stay overnight in a local house and continue hiking the next day.

Hiking around Pindaya

Pindaya is famous for his large caves with thousands of Buddha Statues, but the hilly area around this town is also the homeland of the Danu Tribes, smart farmers in coffee and tea, wellknown for their traditionial singing and dancing. The area doesn't attract as many hikers as Kalaw and you can have a nice off the beaten track experience for a couple of days. Again you will walk from village to village, crossing tea and mango plantations. Overnights in a local buddhist monastery are possible.

Hiking around Kalaw

The area around Kalaw, an old hillstation, offers some of the best walks in Myanmar. There are plenty of trails between the different villages in this hilly region. One of the most popular treks is a 2-3 day trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake, but there are many circular dayhikes as well. In high season it can get crowded on the classic Kalaw - Inle trail, but our guides have some worthwile alternatives ready. 

Hiking around Inle and Loikaw

The vast Inle Lake can be pleasant for a 'boating and hiking' combination, but a lesser known alternative brings you from Inle Lake to Samkar Lake and onwards to Loikaw. From Loikaw some interesting walks to authentic villages of the longneck women are possible.

Hiking around Kengtung

In the east of Myanmar, near the border with Thailand and Laos, the small town of Kengtung is the base for nice hikes to some of the most remarkable and authentic tribal groups in Myanmar: Loi, Akha, Silver Palaung, Akhu, Ann.,...  In most villages people still live the way their ancestors did. Kengtung can be reached by plane, but why not chose for an adventurous drive from Inle through some of the most remote districts from Myanmar ?  

These are just some basic ideas that can easily be included in any Myanmar-trip.  

As we work completely tailormade. feel free to contact us for personal itinerary according to your wishes. 

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