Scenic Chin Hills and Ancient Rakhine

Combinations of two unique and diverse states both rich with cultural and mysteries. Your excited journey begin with untouched nature and challenging trails amongst high land of Chin, a thrilling boat ride along ancient river in to an remote yet enchanting low lying Rakhine countryside where you will encounter authentic villages with friendly locals who possess century old traditions. Explore the sites which is not just the excursion, it’s about nature walk, mountain trials, birds call and social interactions with local tribe.

Draft Itinerary

Day 01:Travel to Kanpetlet, via a market stop at Chauk and lunch stop at Kazunma

Day 02:Transfer to the base, trek to Mt. Victoria, enjoying beautiful scenery with colorful Rhododendron flowers and other wild flowers. Descend southward to Pin Laung.

Day 03:Kha Yaing is one of the few villages where the local women have tattoos on their faces. Scenery changes as you descend further down to the river valley, a step ascending trail allowing you to enjoy fantastic views over the rice paddy fields far below.

Day 04:Trek towards another remote village of Mulong. Chin people are well known for their colorful fabrics, as well as the tattooed faces of their women.

Day 05:A scenic trail get you to remote Chin village of Makyar Einu. The way of life has changed little in generations and animist beliefs still hold strong to this day. The trail undulates throughout the day to enjoy this incredible panorama – a truly un-spoilt wilderness.

Day 06:Pi Sung, located on the banks of the Lay Myo River, which is important waterway and lifeline for Chinvillages. You are giving an opportunity for a well-deserved swim and a rest on the riverbank.

Day 07/08:An exciting riverine journey towards south to Rakhine historical town of Mrauk U. This river journey provides a great opportunity to observe local village life first-hand.

Day 09:Explore Mrauk-U archaeological zone. These temples and pagodas set in a low-lying area surrounded by hills, are some of the most important religious shrines of Mrauk-U.

Day 10:A riverine journey along the Kaladan River will bring you to to Sittwe, from where a domestic flight will bring you down to Yangon to conclude this unique experience.

Photo Gallery

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Bagan – Kanpetlet

We travel by minivan to our planned destination at Kanpetlet, (via Saw) on the southern edge of the Mt. Victoria National Park. Kanpetlet beautifully parched on the ridge with 1390 meter in elevation. We feel the weather immediately became pleasant despite of the heat and dust in the plain owing to hot summer. In the afternoon we explore part of Kanpetlet, we observe Chin tribal women wearing different facial tattoo patterns. Each ethnic group has their own pattern which distinguishes them from one another.

We enjoy beautiful scenery of the National Park from our hotel.

Distance cover: 169 km, Duration of drive: 6-7 hour (approx.)
Meal inclusion – Lunch and Dinner
Overnight stay: Hotel in Kanpetlet

Day 02 : Kanpetlet - Mt. Victoria Summit – Pin Luang

Breakfast and we hop on the van and drive one hour to get to the base of Mt. Victoria, from where start trek to the peak at 3070 meter, enjoying beautiful scenery with colorful Rhododendron flowers and other wild flower like orchid etc. From the summit we enjoy the fantastic view of the entire plain and later we descend southward to Pin Laung, situates on the southern slopes of ridge. Dinner and overnight at local home.

Distance cover: Duration of drive: 16km, Trek: Km, Duration of trek: 5-6 hour (approx.)
Meal inclusion – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation – Village House

Day 03 : Pin Luang – Kha Yaing

Feel the fresh air comes through the park. Breakfast and we head off towards the remote village of Kha Yaing, which is one of the few villages where the local women have tattoos on their faces, an ancient Chin tradition. The scenery again changes during the descent down towards the village of Hel Phon, situated in an idyllic location by the river. This makes for a perfect spot to enjoy lunch. Once we leave the village trail become step high allowing us to enjoy beautiful views over the rice paddy fields far below. Dinner and overnight in Kha Yaing village

Distance cover: 18km, Duration of trek: 7-8 hour (approx.).
Meal inclusion – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation – Village House

Day 04 : Kha Yaing – Mulong

Breakfast and we bid farewell to our hosts and trek towards another remote village of Mulong. Chin people are well known for their colorful fabrics, as well as the tattooed faces of their women. Legend states that a Burmese king from the central plains used to explore the state looking for Chin women, as they are considered the most beautiful among the minorities. Chin girls as young as 13 had to tattoo their faces to make them less desirable and prevent from being taken to the Burmese palace. Dinner and overnight in Mulong village.

Distance cover: 16Km. Duration of trek: 6-7 hour (approx.)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight stay: Village House

Day 05 : Mulong – Makyar Einu

Breakfast and we set off on a scenic trek along rarely used trail to the very remote Chin village of Makyar Einu. Despite being a Christian village, the way of life has changed little in generations and animist beliefs still hold strong to this day. Once again the scenery is forever changing, from the lowland areas which are used for rice cultivation to the towering jungle-clad mountains, covered with primary rainforest. The trail undulates throughout the day and we will have ample opportunity to enjoy this incredible panorama – a truly un-spoilt wilderness. Dinner and overnight in Makyar Einu village.

Distance cover: 18Km, Duration of trek: 7-8 hour (approx.)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight stay: Village House

Day 06 : Makyar Einu – Pi Sung

This is our last day of trek, we set off further south and heading towards the hamlet of Pi Sung, located on the banks of the Lay Myo River. This important waterway has served as a transport link and a lifeline for the many Chin villages in the local area and beyond. The trail descends gradually towards the river, as the scenery changes from rice paddies and agricultural land to bamboo fields. Pi Sung lies at by the river with weather noticeably hotter, giving us an opportunity for a well-deserved swim and a rest on the riverbank. Dinner and overnight in Pi Sung village.

Distance covers: 11Km, Duration of trek: 4 hour (approx.)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight stay: Village House

Day 07 : Pi Sung - River village

An exciting riverine journey towards south to Rakhine historical town of Mrauk U. The boats used will be small and nimble in order navigate the difficult waters of challenging Lay Myo River. This river journey provides a great opportunity to observe local village life first-hand and also the chance to spot the many different birds that make the river their home, including the elusive hornbill. Dinner and overnight at River village.

Distance covers: Km, Duration of boat ride: 6-8 hour (approx.)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight stay: Village House

Day 08 : River village - Mrauk-U

Breakfast and we hop on the boat for our second day of journey further down to Mrauk-U. Cruise all afternoon enjoying sights and sounds of the Rakhine lowland. On arrival, transfer by local vehicle to Mrauk Udowntown. Overnight at hotel in Mrauk-U.

Distance covers: Km, Duration of boat ride: 5-6 hour (approx.)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight stay: Proper hotel in Mrauk U

Day 09 : Explore Temples of Mrauk-U

Breakfast and explore Mrauk-U archaeological zone with highlight: Koethaung Temple, Pitakataik Library, Laungbanpyauk Pagoda, Yadana Mannaung and Sakaya Mannaung Pagodas. These temples and pagodas, set in a low-lying area surrounded by hills, are some of the most important religious shrines of Mrauk-U.

In the afternoon guests will visit Shitthaung Temple and Andawthein Ordination Hall, which is filled with unique stone carvings. We enjoy sunset view from mountain top.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight stay: Hotel in Mrauk U

Day 10 : Mrauk-U – Sittwe – Yangon

After an early breakfast, board on a privately chartered riverboat for downstream along the Kaladan River to Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state. Along the way, there will be opportunities to observe the lives of local riverside communities in Rakhine, as the boat heads towards the Bay of Bengal. Upon arrival in Sittwe, transfer to Sittwe Airport for the flight to Yangon to conclude this unique experience.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight stay: Not included

Booking Condition

How to Book:

Complete the booking form click “submit” button to make your reservation. Alternately you may book through email [email protected] .

Deposit and payment:

A deposit of 30% of your trip cost per person is require to secure your booking. The balance will need to be settled 7 day before commence of trek. Bookings made within 7 days must be paid in full at the time of booking.

Validity:

Prices quoted are net basis and valid according to the date specified on the printed tariffs, quotation, invoice etc. Myanmar Hill lodges (Myanmar Highland Eco-adventures) warrants that the prices or rates quoted are correct at the time of issuance but are subject to change in line with market, tax or currency fluctuation.

Cancellations and refunds:

All cancellations must be advised in writing and are accepted from the date the written confirmation is received and applied cancellation as below.
15 days before trip date: you will lose your deposit
7 days and less before the trip date: 50% of the total cost per person
If reservations are cancelled (or) no-show: no refunds will be made

Amendments:

If the change is minor we will endeavor to make the change at no further cost to you. If the change requires more work than we impose you an appropriate charge ask you to pay the charge before we action the change. Please note we may not be able to accommodate your request during “high occupation period”. In such case we will not be responsible for any lost or additional costs incurred. Should trip be cancelled after deposit cancellation fee applies.

Grouping:

There is no limitation on the group size on this program, however Myanmar Hill Lodges (Myanmar Highland Eco-adventures) reserves the right to combine in order to form a decent group on same departure.

Un-used service:

No refunds will be considered any unused service after commencement of the tour, trek or expeditions regardless of the reason whatsoever.

Checklist

Baggage:

Your day pack should be a medium volume which can hold your personal belonging such as medication, camera, extra clothes, water etc.

Clothing:

Should be lightweight, dry quickly, and provide insulation even when wet. Lightweight long sleeved shirt is useful as sunscreen while trekking. A good quality raincoat and pants are ideal as hey will keep you warm and dry in a variety of situations. A thick sweater or fleece sweat shirt would be ideal to wear in the evenings, when temperatures decline considerably. A lightweight jacket or windbreaker will also be useful.

Foot ware:

Lightweight hiking boots or good quality running shoes will be ideal for the lowland trek. It is essential your walking boots be comfortable and broken-in.

Personal items:

Such as flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries, water bottle and lighter, a pocketknife, reading and writing material and personal first aid kit would also be essential for your convenience.

Protection from weather:

A pair of sun glass and hat is essential for your protection from sun. You will also need some sun screen to protect against sunburn.

Protection against insect bite:

It’s important to keep insect repellent to keep the insects away.

FAQ

What are the overnight facilities in Kanpetlet?

Proper accommodation exists in Kanpetlet. Guesthouse comes with room with en-suite private bath with running hot and cold shower. Breakfast will be served at hotel.

What are the overnight facilities in Mrauk U?

Proper accommodation exists in Mrauk U. Guesthouse comes with room with en-suite private bath with running hot and cold shower. Breakfast will be served at hotel.

What are the overnight facilities during the trek?

This program involves local home stay in villages. Overnight facilities are established at the village with basic western toilet. Sleeping facility such as mattress, pillow and blanket will be provided. Night will be spent in candle light and wood fire. Limited amount of hot water will be supplied for face wash in every morning.

What will be the temperature like?

Our season is between November and May, which is winter and best tourist season in Myanmar. Mostly clear skies, warm during the day and cool evenings. Temperature steadily decreases between late December and early February. Average temperature would be between low 10/15 and high 25/30 degree Celsius.

How long is an average trekking in a day?

All our treks are designed at 5 to 7 walking hours per day, except for some of the activities that designed for non-trekkers. Day normally starts at 8 or 9 in the morning follow by breakfast. We try to reach our destination well in time to relax and engage activities like social, cultural interaction.

What will I see on the trek?

This is a combinations of trekking with untouched nature and challenging trails amongst high land of Chin, a thrilling boat ride along ancient river in to an remote yet enchanting low lying Rakhine countryside where you will encounter authentic villages with friendly locals who possess century old traditions.

How fit do I have to be?

This program is graded as “Moderate” thus anyone who leads a moderately healthy lifestyle back home and is reasonably fit will be able to join in.

What about meal?

A hot breakfast usually is served around 7- 8 am, lunch usually is simple, light and serve during mid-day. Dinner will be more extensive featuring pre-dinner snacks and deserts.

What about guides?

We provide English language guide and depending on the group size an assistance local guide. Upon advance request we will be able to arrange other language leader at additional cost.

What about First aid?

All our guides are qualified in wilderness first aid, and carry a basic medical first aid kit.

Is there any age or health limit to participate?

This program is suitable to anyone with normal health and fitness condition. However older clients or clients with pre-existing medical conditions may require a doctor’s letter confirming their fitness for the trip. During your visit you are under the direction of your trip leader and he/she has total authority to determine your suitability to participate.

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