One of the highlights of any visit to Myanmar is our exclusive three-day wilderness journey on the pristine western headwaters of the Ayeyarwaddy. Suitable for the more active, the Nam Lang River combines the thrill of Class 3 and 4 whitewater through thickly forested canyons, with a closer insight into a people and way of life unchanged for centuries. This river journey is an incredible combination of white water, scenery, villages, and truly quiet and introspective evenings in our private camps.

Day 1 Arrive at Putao Airport and transfer to Malikha Lodge in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure in the grounds of our beautiful wilderness lodge, with time for a refreshing swim or spa treatment. Group dinner and drinks at the main lodge in front of our open fireplaces, and briefing on the following days adventure.

Day 2 Trek to Nam Lang Valley. An hours drive from Malikha Lodge we pass the village of Upper Sangaung which marks the beginning of the jungle. The road continues on for a few more km, towards the pass leading into the Nam Lang Valley to the beginning of our trek. We trek at a moderate pace for five to seven hours, five hours uphill to the top of the pass, and another two down to our river camp. In traditional style the porters carry all the expedition food and equipment ahead, leaving us free to enjoy this scenic trek through untouched subtropical forest and giant bamboo. Our river camp lies close to the first river canyon, which is marked by a spectacular rattan and bamboo bridge across the river.

Day 3 First day rafting. The following day, after breakfast everyone is fitted with their specialist rafting gear, while the trip leader and safety kayaker give an extensive lesson in river safety and paddling technique. We pass by the remote Lisu village of Nam Ze, at the foot of more snow-capped peaks. This is our last contact with “civilization” as we take an isolated loop into the lower canyons. Two hours below this village and we encounter some excellent technical rapids. From here we raft down to our final river beach camp at the beginning of the second canyon.

Day 4 Second day rafting. After a hearty breakfast we start the final and most challenging days rafting. An hour later, we reach three exciting and technical rapids stacked in succession in a tight bedrock canyon. The trio of rapids ends with a bang in a series of drops between massive boulders. From here it is about three hours rafting and leisurely cruising back to our home at Malikha Lodge, where a glass of champagne and long hot shower awaits.

Day 5 Return to Mandalay/Yangon. After a final leisurely breakfast at Malikha Lodge, check out and late morning transfer to Putao airport to connect with your flight back to Mandalay and the rest of your itinerary.