Kalaw Hill Tribe Trek, Shan State, Myanmar
Guided Trekking
Boasting an almost Himalayan atmosphere Kalaw is an ideal starting point for exploring the mysterious Shan state of Myanmar. Our rewarding trek takes us through the unspoilt tribal highlands of the Shan hills to Lake Inle, one of Myanmars most memorable sights. Our hilly route takes us through jungle, farmland and quiet villages where oxen pull wooden ploughs. Our trek ends at Lake Inle, where boats take us past the remarkable lake villages and floating gardens, and we can witness Inle’s unique leg-rowing fishermen.
The trek can be extended with visit to Bagan, Mandalay, and Ngapali Beach.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Yangon
Arrival at Yangon International Airport. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.
Day 2. Yangon - Heho - Pindaya
Flight to Heho, 1, 5 hour drive through the countryside leads to a small quiet town of Pindaya perched on the banks of the placid Botoloke Lake where we will visit town market and Shwe U Min Cave. This complex of natural caves and tunnels is filled with more than 8,000 Buddha statues dating back hundred of years. Overnight at Pindaya.
Day 3. Pindaya - Taung Myint Gyi Monastery
Depart from Pindaya Hotel for the Htut Ni village (Danu ethnic group). We continue to See Kya Inn where we stop for lunch. After lunch proceed to Taung Myint Gyi village about ( 2-3 hours walk). From See Kya Inn to Taung Myint Gyi, the track goes mostly downhill. Overnight at Taung Myint Gyi monastery (Palaung village).
5-6 hours walking.
Day 4. Taung Myint Gyi Monastery - Hmwe Daw monastery
We continue our trek passing through the villages of Myin Dwin, Min Tain and Enn Ni. On the way you can visit Cheroot leaf plant before reaching Kyaung Soe Gone for lunch at family house. After lunch proceed to Yae Pote and Hmwe Daw monastery for night stop.
6 hours walking.
Day 5. Hmwe Daw - Kalaw
Our trek continues to Thit Yar Bin village. We visit Tha Ye Oo Hmin cave resembling the Pindaya cave. But it is smaller than Pindaya cave. And then proceed to Na Wah Taung village. Our final destination is Myin Ka village of Pao ethnic group before we reach Kalaw. Overnight in Kalaw.
5 hours walking.
Day 6. Kalaw - Pyin Yar
We start our walk directly from our hotel heading to Taryaw village (Palaung tribe), the trail offering splendid views over the Shan hills. After lunch in Taryaw contrinue to Pyin Yar where we stay overnight.
7 hours walking.
Day 7. Pyin Yar - Htee Thein
Leave Pyin Thar village after breakfast. Lunch in Konlon. After lunch continue to Pattu Pauk and four other villages inhabited by Pao and Taung Yo tribes.. Overnight in Htee Thein.
7 hours walking.
Day 8. Htee Thein - Indein - Nyaungshwe
Today is our last trekking day. A 4-5 hours walk takes us Indein on the shore of the Inle Lake. Indein is famous for its pagodas commissioned during the reign of King Narapatisithu. We enjoy the breathtaking sceneries of green rolling hills and sweeping panoramic views of Inle Lake appearing in the distance. Lunch at Indein village and then transfer from Indein to Nyaungshwe by boat for overnight.
Day 9. Inle Lake
After break we take a motor boat from Nyaung Shwe’s dock spending the whole day on the lake. We sail along Inle stilted villages, floating gardens, pagodas, passing traditional flat-bottomed boats powered by leg-rowing fishermen along the way. We visit the floating market and the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State. Continue by boat to visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries on the lake and where inside its large wooden meditation hall and are over 200 year old ancient Buddha statues. Return back to Nyaungshwe for overnight.
Day 10. Inle - Heho, flight to Yangon
Transfer to airport for flight back to Yangon
Recommended travel period: From October to April which is dry season. Note, that from 13th to 17th April, during the Water Festival, prices may be higher. If you plan to travel in this period, contact us for price.