This trek provides spectacular views of the mountain ranges along the border of India and Myanmar as we trek through jungle and Rawang tribal villages. Starting from just beyond Upper Sangaung our picturesque trek takes us through old growth forest over the main pass that separates the Putao valley from the pristine Nam Lang river valley, then further North West as far as Ziya Dam village, the last settlement before the Indian border. On the return leg we take a scenic and little used alternative route through Wanglai Dam across to Upper Sangaung. On our first and third nights on the trek we stay at our Nam Lang riverside campsite. This campsite has a separate covered dining area with an open fireplace, as well as toilets and solar showers, so we can camp out in style.

Day 1 Arrive Putao and have lunch at “Malikha Lodge” . Overnight upper Sangaung. Snow capped mountains tower above the runway as our Air Bagan flight touches down at Putao, the northern most airstrip in Kachin State. At this frontier town you’ll be met by staff from the Malikha Lodge followed by a short scenic drive through small villages to the luxury of the Malikha Lodge. After a leisurely lunch at the lodge, it is 90 minutes drive to upper Sangaung at the end of the road, where we will overnight.

Day 2 Putao – Upper Sangaung – trekking to Wanglai Dam (approx 13 miles trek) After an early morning breakfast we head on up the trail into the forest. We trek at a leisurely pace to our camp just over the pass beside the Nam Lang River. This day is about six to seven hours of trekking with one or two steep sections. In traditional style the porters carry all the expedition food and equipment leaving us free to enjoy this scenic trek through untouched forest. If the weather is clear the views of snow-capped peaks towards the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Mt Phonekanrazi are spectacular. The final couple of hours walk downhill through impressive forest of giant trees brings us to our camp near Wanglai Dam village beside the river. We stay overnight in comfortable tents and enjoy a great dinner near the campfire.

Day 3 Trek 9 miles to Ziya Dam. After an early wake up and strong coffee at the camp we start a day of trekking towards Ziya Dam. This day promises to offer great views toward Phonekanrazi and other snow capped mountains and gives impressions of village life in this remote area. We will pass several villages and try to stop at a school or a local house to get an insight in the local traditions. This part of Myanmar sees little tourism, and the villages and farms along the way are much the way rural Myanmar has been for hundreds of years. In this remote part of Myanmar, the villagers have seen only a handful of westerners and their smiles and friendship are genuine. Ziya Dam is the last settlement before going further into the forest, and is our final destination on this short trek.

Day 4 Trek 8 miles to our exclusive river camp near Wanglai Dam. We commence trekking back towards the Nam Lang Valley and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way. The first river canyon at the top of the Nam Lang River near Wanglai Dam is marked by a rattan and bamboo bridge across the river; our stunning riverside camp for the night is just below the bridge. The canyon is an impressive place with deep pools of turquoise water and some premium swimming holes. Arrive in the afternoon where we stay overnight and enjoy a hearty meal next to a campfire in the comfortable surrounds of our private camp.

Day 5 Trek 10 miles to Upper Sangaung; transfer to Putao by car On the last day we take the same scenic and less used path back to the main Putao Valley and the road head at Upper Sangaung. The last part of the trek is a flat road leading towards civilisation. Transfer by our jeep car to Malikha Lodge where a warm bath and a cool glass of champagne are waiting for you. Dinner at the main lodge.

Day 6 - 7 Malikha Lodge Spend two full days discovering Putao valley by joining one of the guided activities like mountain biking, a boat trip on the Malikha river or a trip on the back of an elephant. We’ll provide a picnic lunch or dine at the Lodge depending on what you feel like. Alternatively just relax at the lodge enjoying the views or ease aching muscles and soothe your soul with a complimentary massage. Evening dinner in the main lodge near the open fireplaces and a final chance to absorb the special ambience of the Malikha Lodge.

Day 8 Depart Putao by flight After breakfast our car will bring you to Putao airport for your onwards flight in the direction of Mandalay and Yangon.