Burma Extension: Putao

DAY 1 (TUESDAY): PUTAO

Upon arrival at Putao airport you are met and transferred to the Putao Trekking House. Putao, which lies in a flat valley, is the starting point for trekkers who want to explore the region’s deep forests, wildlife sanctuaries and snow-capped mountains. After a brief freshen up and a light lunch, take an orientation walk in and around Putao. Dinner and overnight at Putao Trekking House.

DAY 2 (WEDNESDAY): PUTAO - NAMHTUNKOO (TREK)

After breakfast, visit an attractive Putao market, busy with local ethnic tribes. Later you head off towards Namhtunkoo Lisu village, situated on the cross roads to Mt. Lancrumadin, 20km west of Putao which should take about 5 hours trekking. The start of the trek is through cultivated fields passing small villages but after about one hour the route becomes wilder and enters lush tropical evergreen forests. About 3 hours trek through uphill terrain, you reach the shoulder of Namhtun mountain range at approx 2,250 ft (680 metres) from where the path begins to descend. Towards the Indian border in the west you will see the Lancrumadin Mountain at 11,530 ft (3,495 metres). From here there is one more hour of trekking through farm land to the village of Namhtunkoo where you check in at your designated home. Dinner and overnight at a local home in dormitory style.

DAY 3 (THURSDAY): NAMHTUNKOO – MULASHIDI – PUTAO (TREK/JEEP)

After breakfast and walk around the village, you bid goodbye to the locals and walk about 45 minutes through fields along Namhtun creek, crossing the creek several times. Once you get in to the wildness, the terrain immediately steepens climbing up to 2,295 ft (700 metres).  You trek for about two hours along jungle trails in dense, bamboo-filled forests. The trek then gradually descends through farm land from where you enjoy a spectacular view of the Putao plain. After two more hours of easy trekking, you finally arrive at Mulashidi village where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings with the backdrop of snow capped mountains in distance. Later you return by jeep to Putao. Dinner and overnight at Putao Trekking House.

DAY 4 (FRIDAY): PUTAO – MACHANBAW – PUTAO (JEEP)

After breakfast, a further excursion is provided by jeep to Machanbaw, a small administrative but colonial style town 20km from Putao (journey takes approx one hour). From Naungkhine village, you walk over a suspension bridge span across Malikha river to Machanbaw. The excursion to Machanbaw includes a visit to a small market and the so-called stone dragon park to view the snake-like rock formation. You then walk back to the river front, cross the suspension bridge to Naungkhine where you meet with your jeep and return to Putao. Dinner and overnight at Putao Trekking House.

DAY 5 (SATURDAY): WALKING TOURS

Today you have a choice of walking tour to either Hopaing Village or Mudon Village. 

(A): HOPAING VILLAGE

Breakfast and visit small but attractive Putao market and extended walk to Lonsut village, through vast paddy fields, cross over Namhtun creek and walk up to small plateau for a splendid view of Putao valley. Continue walk through beautiful bamboo grove to Hopaing Shan village, beautifully located in the valley of Lonsut. Visit a beautiful Buddhist Monastery and village, before the return walk would be along Namhtun creek with optional visit to some of the Lisu villages on the way. Check in at hotel. Dinner and overnight at Putao Trekking House. (walking approx 3 - 5 hrs)

(B): MUDON VILLAGE

Breakfast and visit attractive Putao market and rest of the morning at leisure. Perhaps visit one of the local orphanage schools and afternoon take an easy walk to Paneling Hkamti Shan village and visit unique Mahamuni Image and other attractions. Continue walk to Putaung Shan village through paddy field and gardens having small Buddhist Shrine with a back drop of Blue Mountains and snow-capped Mountains far in the horizon. Continue to Gyinyankan Lisu village and finally to Malawagy village, located on a small plateau with panoramic views of Putao valley. Return walk will be through Lonsut village back to Putao. Dinner and overnight at Putao Trekking House. (walking approx 3 - 5 hrs)

DAY 6 (SUNDAY): PUTAO DEPARTURE

Breakfast and perhaps a last minute shopping at Putao market. Later you are transferred to the airport for your onward departure flight.