Snow Capped Mountains & virgin forests in Myanmar, the confluence of Ayeyarwaddy River, Myanmar jade mines, gold panning in Myanmar, New Year Festival for Kachin people and tribal villages with different minorities of Myanmar are welcoming the new coming tourist to Myanmar.
 

HPONGAN RAZI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
It is located on the Himalaya Mountain Range in north part of the country and is 2,730.76 sq km in extent. It is land locked with no transportation except by footpath. Vegetation is primarily hill evergreen forest, which has Red Goal, Barking Deer, Gibbon and various mammal species. 310 bird species have been recorded include waterfowl and mountain birds in this sanctuary. The highlight would be Blyth Tragopan, Ibisbill, Blyth Kingfisher, Beautiful Sibia, Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Alpine Accentor and Plain Mountain Finch.
In addition one can make observation of butterfly, insect, plant and orchid, do adventure and trekking to Mt. Hpongan Razi (3,506m, snow capped mountain), and study of traditional culture, custom and system of living of the hill tribes such as Kachin, Rawan, Lisu and Myanmar-Tibet. The best time to go is during November to April.

step carefully to snow land

MT. HPONGAN
Mt. Hpongan situates in the Putao region is the most suitable peak to climb among the many peaks in the region. Mt. Hpongan generally covered with snow except August and September. Mt. Hpongan is about 60 miles North West of Putao near Myanmar - Indian border. The remoteness and inaccessibility of the region has helped to maintain the pristine purity of it forest and eco-systems. The richness of it's biodiversity deserves to be maintained and fostered in the interest of coming generations and present unparalleled opportunities to present-day professionals in the field of zoology, botany, forestry, environmental protection and conservation and ecology as well as hardy eco-tourists and mountaineers who prefer the challenge of a testing back-packing trip in the mountain fastness of Myanmar to a tour of routine attractions in the more accessible urban centers.

PUTAO
Putao and the surrounding area lie above the Tropic of Cancer, in a zone characterized by subtropical, broadleaf, evergreen forest up to 2000m; temperate, semi deciduous, broadleaf rainforest from 2000m to 3000m; and evergreen, coniferous and sub-alpine snow forest passing into alpine scrub above 3000m. The highlands north of Putao are considered one of the most pristine Himalayan environments in Asia and could become a major ecotourism destination if made accessible to foreigners. The locals' often refer to the surrounding peaks as the Ice Mountains.
Putao itself is small and picturesque, with a population of about 6000 people. The elevation is 402m above sea level. The army has a strong presence here, including its own nine hole golf course near the military camp. At the Myoma market in town, there are bamboo and wooden handicrafts, and medicines made from local plants. On Sunday following morning mass, many in the church congregation go to the market to watch videos. The most interesting feature of the town is found next to the Mahamuni Pagoda, where the chime bell is made from the propeller of a wrecked WWII aircraft.

During the late British colonial era, a military post called Fort Hertz was based in Putao. By the end of WWII most westerners used this name instead of Putao- it still appears on some older maps. Most of the population of around 10,000 is Kachin and Lisu, followed by Myanmar, Shan and various other smaller tribal groups.

Hkakabo Razi stands 5889m high and is, as its name suggests, snowcapped year-round. Satellite peaks in adjoining massifs include Namni-Lka (4664m) in the Adung Valley and Diphuk-Ha (4360m) in the Seingku Valley. A protected 'trans-frontier reserve' has been proposed by neighboring countries.

Interesting Places in Putao:
Myoma market, Mularshidi Suspension Bridge, Machanbaw,Rawan,Lisu,Khamti Shan villages, biking tour, white water rafting at Nam Lang river, jungle trekking

Malikha Lodge: The hidden paradise of Northern Myanmar is right here waiting for you. Silks, rattan, teak and bamboo embellish the brand-new luxury wilderness Malikha Lodge celebrate the opening for its first full season from Oct. 5, 2007 through April 25, 2008 in Northern Kachin State, Myanmar on the border of Tibet and Northern India.

Designed by world-famous architect Jean Michel Gathy whose artistry is displayed at several Aman Resorts, this is one of the last great areas of subtropical and mountain rainforest in the Himalayas and is home to both Lisu and Rawang hill tribes.
From Putao Airport a 20-minute drive brings guests to this 12-acre site bordering the local Lisu village of Mulashidi.
Here in the Putao Valley, one of the most isolated and remote valleys in South East Asia, opportunities for economic advancement remain limited. The decision was made to create a world-class lodge here in a valley wedged between India and China at the mouth of the Ayeyarwaddy River in the Eastern Himalayas.
On-premise projects include providing training and management to village farmers to supply the Lodge with quality market garden and livestock produce on a commercial basis. A local hunter comes to the Lodge to demonstrate and keep alive his skills as well as accompany certain short treks. A carbon offset pursuit involves reforesting a 100-acre grassland. The Lodge’s in house doctor provides free malaria testing and treatment to local staff and their families in the surrounding villages.
 

MYITKYINA
The capital and largest town of Kachin State is an important trade center between China and Myanmar. It is ideal starting point of excursions to tribal villages, jade mines and the river confluence Myitsone (40 km from Myitkyina) where two Himalayan streams Mehka and Malikha meet to form the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. Kachin State is renowned for its scenic natural beauty, with pristine jungle areas and in the north the highest mountain area in the far north is literally yet intact by tourism but represents a strong potential for eco-tourism in the future. At present, an important part of this region has become a national park as some wild life species have been discovered there which were declared extinct elsewhere in the world.

Myitkyina & its environs
Set in a flat valley that becomes extremely hot in the hot season and very rainy during the monsoon. The pride of Myitkyina is the abundance of fruits available in the local markets, especially in the cooler months. In addition to the large variety of fruit, many local hill tribe people can be seen haggling over produce and customer Goods in the central market.

Pagoda near the logging camp

Myit-son, the confluence of the Mekha & Melikha Rivers, 45 km north of town, forms the beginning of the great Ayeyarwaddy River. We can concentrate the most fabulous scenery of Myanmar.
The best accommodation available is 3*. They are good hotels, fully facilities with bathroom attached, and fridge and air-conditioned. The food quality is acceptable as in other places.

BHAMO
It is a little known town most northerly navigable point on the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is the ancient gateway to China and until recently was off limits to foreigners; it remains an important center for cross border trade. The river expedition between Mandalay & Bhamaw combines scenic interest with a study of local life and culture. The river varies enormously: it is vast, with endless winding channels just above Mandalay, dark and narrow through the 3rd Defile. It is a constantly changing landscape with a stunning back drop of mountains. If we are so lucky, working elephants can be observed during the river cruise.

The accommodation there is simple with 2* hotel as the best available. It is clean, bathroom attached and some rooms have air-conditioned.

INDAWGYI LAKE
An enchanting lake is the biggest one in Myanmar as well as the third largest in the world with the area of 333sq.km. In this forest Wild Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Sambhur Deer, Serow, Gaur, Wild Boar and others mammals may be viewed. In this sanctuary not only water birds but also forest birds (recorded in 291 bird species) can be observed. A birdwatcher paradise with many hundreds of Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed and Greyleg Geese, Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Common Crane and Brown-headed Gull. In addition many rare species of waterfowl and forest birds can be viewed including Red-crested Pochard, Grey-headed Lapwing, Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, Woolly-necked Stork, White-rumped Vulture, Blue-bearded Bee-eater and Brahiminy Kite. One may also study butterflies, plants and aquatic biology, and traditional fishing or visit historically famous Shwe Myint Zu Pagoda that is situated in the lake.
Boat excursion to Shwe Myitzu pagoda in the middle of the lake and elephant ride, are recommended to experience. As it is also a residence of the world’s rare birds such as Sarus crane, Pelican, Stork, etc., bird watching tour is available as well. It is 64 km from Hopin Railway Station and 6 hours by train from Myitkyina.