The magical land of Myanmar is most famous for its myriad temples and stupas scattered in almost every part of the country. But it’s not only all about temples. Myanmar is also one of Asia’s most underrated destinations for trekking. From scenic routes around exotic hill tribes and verdant plantations of Shan States to week-long treks to perennial snow-capped mountains in the far north, there are choices for everyone.
1. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda
A 210 kilometer drive will take you from the hectic Yangon to one of the most sacred and bizarre religious structures in the world, Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. The stupa itself sits on top of an awe-inspiring gilded boulder that seems to defy gravity. The challenging uphill climb from Kinpun, the site’s tourism hub to “The Golden Rock” will reward hikers with some unexpected but sensational mountain views. In pilgrimage seasons, you will also encounter lots of pilgrims lighting candles, chanting or meditating all night.
The Golden Rock
2. Mount Popa
A popular choice for side trips from Bagan, the volcanic Mount Popa is at 1,500 meters above sea level and can be seen from the great Irrawaddy River which is 60 kilometers away. Some people dub it as “Burmese Mount Olympus”. But unlike the legendary moutain in Greece, Mount Popa is topped with real Nat temples and stupas, some of which are gilded. While the climb to the peak is quite easy, you must avoid several taboos such as cursing, saying bad things about people, wearing black or red, or even bring along meats as these actions are considered offense to Nat residents here.
3. Pyin Oo Lwin
More than one hundred years ago, Pyin Oo Lwin was already a popular destination for Britons to escape the heat of Mandalay. Trekking around Pyin Oo Lwin is easy and comfortable for everyone. Most popular designated routes are short, mostly flat. The highlights here are large fields that cultivate grapes for wines and fruits for jams. Apart from that, there’re also some beautiful waterfalls, botanical gardens, churches and markets on the way.
4. Mrauk U
Myanmar’s second most famous archeological site is unlike any other places in the country. Come here and you will have a sense of belonging to what used to be a lively capital city, one of Asia’s most prominent trading ports. The remaining now are a fascinating display of unique rock stupas, representation of theArakanese culture that once dominated Eastern Myanmar and Bangladesh from the early 15th century to late 18th century. Although you can take a trishaw or rent a bike to get around the site, trekking up and down the hill is still the best way to combine adventurous experience and cultural exploration at a slow pace.
5. Kalaw to Inle Lake
Perhaps the most popular overnight trek in Myanmar, the routes from Kalaw to Inle Lake often take 2 or 3 days and offer a little bit of everything, from picturesque tea plantations, vineyards, forested ridges to various hill tribes in which you can spend the night, and of course, some forgotten stupas.. Traveling in the reverse direction is also doable but involves more uphill path.
6. Hsipaw
Formerly a royal city of the Shan, Hsipaw is now a small and sleepy town that guarantees the chance to interact with authentic culture. Less-visited and remains under-the-radar, you will not witness many tourists here like in Kalaw. Around Hsipaw, there are numerous pagodas and monasteries, local markets, the legendary Shan Palace as well as a plentiful of timeless Palaung and Shan villages where westernization is seldom.
7. Kyaing Tung
Traveling in between Kalaw and Inle Lake gives you consecutive days of trekking filled with varying sceneries. Hsipaw is a great choice for escaping from the tourist path. Meanwhile, Kyaing Tung (or Kengtung) offers you the experiences of both. Despite being the second-biggest city in Shan State,Kengtung is not a popular destination as tourists were not allowed to enter the area until recent years when the opium trade in The Golden Triangle stopped plus ceasefires with rebel armies. Follow the beaten track, penetrate through intact tribal villages that is isolated by rugged mountains and rivers and you will want to linger here more than you would have wanted.
8. The Far North
If you consider yourself a real trekker who are seeking for adventures and amazement, Burmese Far North may be your paradise. The only way to get up here is flying to Putao. Soon after touching the ground, you will be astonished by the stunning landscapes of Northern Myanmar. The region now still seems to be cut off from the rest of the country, so the fabulous natural beauty is reserved for lengthy discoveries and unforgettable experiences. From the easy (or least difficult) 3 or 4 day trek that follows the unspoilt mountain trails to the 35 day-long trek to the 5,881 meter high snow-capped Hkakabo Razi that belongs to the great Himalaya, be one of the pioneering explorers to one of the world’s “last frontiers”.