The Last Frontier of the Himalaya

The Last Frontier of the Himalaya

You will witness heavily forested jungle with rich flora and fauna. Being depot of botany in northern Myanmar having a huge range of flowers including Rhododendron Dendricoala and many deferent species of Begonias etc. This is the very place that well-known botanist Frank Kingdon Ward has found many rare species of orchids during his botanic survey in 1920.

Draft Itinerary

Day 01:Arrive in Putao, transfer to hotel. Walking tour in and around Putao. Lies in a flat valley, jumping-off point for trekkers who want to explore the region’s deep forests,wildlife sanctuaries and snow-capped mountains.

Day 02:Travel by jeep to Nomung, via Machanbaw across Malikha river. Your route pass road side villages like Alangga, Htangga, Uringga, Babaw and Ratbaw. Nomung is the administrative township.

Day 03:Explore Nomung market and trek to Maza, cross Kasan creek by bridge and then traverse through the plain with paddy fields along the stream. Once we left to valley turning south our trail goes constantly uphill all the way to Maza camp.

Day 04:Turn your direction to south-west towards Namti, trek through winding uphill trek all the way to the shoulder of Mt. Babulonhtan (locally known as Noingum), witnessing different species of orchid along with birds.

Day 05:Trek through winding mule trek to Namsabum. Once you climb on Noiwinlit Mountain, you see snake like crawling Namti creek down in the bottom of valley. Once we cross Htikha creek by a suspension bridge the trek goes through up hills and then to downhill all the way to Namsabum. A jeep transfer takes you back to Putao after crossing Malikha river by suspension bridge. Dinner and Overnight at Putao Lodge.

Day 06:Explore Putao market and transfer to airport for your onward departure flight to conclude  this unique experience.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01:Arrival, Putao

Upon arrival at Putao airport we will be met by Trekking House’s representative and transferred to our lodge. Putao lies in a flat valley, jumping-off point for trekkers who want to explore the region’s deep forests, wildlife sanctuaries and snow-capped mountains etc. Putao town and fort was built during 1914-15 by Commissioner Mr. Hertz along with Fort which later known as Fort Hertz. Later a Missionary basing the Rawan and Lisu tribe as initial and introduce Grapefruit, Washington Naval, Vlincha Orange, Ruby Oranges, King Orange and King Mandarin plus America Lime were introduced. After a brief fresh up take a walk around Putao for the orientation. Dinner and overnight at Putao Lodge.

Meal inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight stay: Hotel

Day 02 : Putao - Nomung

Breakfast and we travel by jeep to our today destination at Nomung. First stretch would be on pave road to Machanbaw across Malikha river. Once we pass Machanbaw we had immediate uphill on rough dirt road. Our route pass road side villages like Alangga, Htangga, Uringga, Babaw and Ratbaw. Travel on dirt road we are particularly in the middle of dense tropical forests and we witness thick forest with creeps and vine on the large trees. Nomung is the administrative township and situates at 500 meter above sea. We explore the village in the afternoon.

Distance cover: Drive 124 Km, duration of drive: 5-6 hour (approx.)
Meal inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight stay: Camp

Day 03 : Nomung – Maza (elevation 500m to 965m)

We visit Nomung market, have breakfast and later head west and trek to Maza, locates at 3363 feet above sea (7 mile, approx. 5 hour). At first, we cross Kasan creek by bridge and then traverse through the plain with paddy fields along the stream. Once we left to valley turning south our trail goes constantly uphill all the way to Maza camp. Dinner and overnight at camp house.

Distance cover: 11Km, duration of trek: 6-7 hour (approx.)
Meal inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight stay: Camp

Day 04 : Maza – Namti (elevation 965m to 906m)

Breakfast and we turn our direction to south-west towards Namti, situate at 906 meter above sea. At first we trek through winding uphill trek all the way to the shoulder of Mt. Babulonhtan (locally known as Noingum) at 1754 meter above sea. Along the way we witness different species of orchid along with birds. On a clear day, we enjoy a spectacular view of snowcapped Mountains in the far north. This is the very place that well-known botanist Frank Kingdon Ward has found many rare species of orchids during his botanic survey in 1920.

Some of the rare orchids such as Phiopedilum Wadii or Cypripedium Wardlamon (generally known as black orchid) has been named after the founder believe can only be seen in Myanmar. Beside black orchid there are many different species of orchids can be found here such as Indrovian, Clanthi, Simpidium, and Simpripedium etc. Noiwinlit and Babulonhtan valley actually is the depot of botany in northern Myanmar having a huge range of flowers. From here we trek downhill through heavily forested route to our today destination at Manti camp, situated at 906 meter above sea. Dinner and overnight at camp house.

Distance cover: 17Km, duration of trek: 7-8 hour (approx.)
Meal inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight stay: Camp

Day 05 : Namhti - Namsabum – Putao (elevation 906m to 574m then457m)

Breakfast and we keep trek through winding mule trek to Namsabum, locates at 574 meter above sea. Once we climb on Noiwinlit Mt. 999 meter, we see snake like crawling Namti creek down in the bottom of valley. Once we cross Htikha creek by a suspension bridge the trek goes through up hills and then to downhill all the way to Namsabum. On the way, we witness heavily forested jungle and groups of monkeys jumping around making loud noise. Here we meet our await jeep and travel back to Putao after crossing Malikha river by suspension bridge. Dinner and Overnight at Putao Trekking House.

Distance cover: 16Km, duration of trek: 7-8 hour (approx.)
Meal inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight stay: Hotel

Day 06 : Departure

Breakfast and perhaps a last-minute shopping at Putao market and further visit in and around Putao with suggestion by our guide. Lunch and we transfer to airport for our onward departure flight to conclude this unique experience.

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 of trek:

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 may apply.

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.

Flights:

Due to weather in mountainous region, irregularities of domestic flight schedule may affect your onward journey. The operator will not be responsible for any charges you might incur as a result of these cancellations once you are in Putao. Should the schedule flight cancel on the planned date before depart to Putao then we will try to book next available flight. If this is not acceptable to you then a refund will be considered after deduction of 10% of the total cost per person to cover permit and other logistic expenses.

Un-used service:

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

Travel Insurance:

It is compulsory to take out your own personal travel insurance, which must cover adventure activities and include emergency evacuation as pre condition of booking. Full contact details of the insurance policy will need to be carried with you through the expedition. In addition, we will also ask you to sign a waiver form on certain trek, which will recognize your voluntary participation in an adventure activity, which carries a certain amount of inherent risk.

Checklist

Baggage:

As general rule when packing for wilderness expeditions keep personal gear to a minimum. There are weight limit on domestic airlines and excess baggage fee may be liable if excess 20 Kg. Your day pack should be a medium volume without a frame 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, synthetic fibre is preferable to cotton. Lightweight long-sleeved shirt is useful as sunscreen and leeches protection while trekking. A raincoat is ideal as it 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 are must for the lowland trek. For people who do not routinely walk in the mountains, light hiking boots are strongly recommended. It is essential your walking boots be comfortable and broken-in.

Personal items:

Such as flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries, water purifying tablets, lighter, 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:

Most part the jungle is free from biting insects, but we do encounter plenty of insects in the low land such as sand flies around the river banks and leaches in the lowland bushes. It’s important to use insect repellent to keep the insects away.

FAQ

What are the overnight facilities in Putao?

Putao trekking house operates bungalows build identical to local homes in the region using locally available materials. All rooms come with attached bathroom, hot and cold shower. Rooms are secure, lockable with windows offering scenic view. An elegant lobby includes bar area, fire place, dinning area and common area offers recreation and relaxation.

What are the overnight facilities during the trek?

This trek involves camp accommodation which come with a hall under roof and wall. Night will then be spent in candle light and wood fire, toile will be local squat type. With tented accommodation we provide tent and mattress. For toilet, we choose a decent site and dig a hole which then be dispose properly.

What will be the temperature like?

Geographically falls into Eastern Himalayan region, Putao gets rain round the year. Our season is between mid-October and mid-May, which is winter and best tourist season in Putao region. Although During winter mostly clear skies, warm days and cool evenings. Temperature steadily decreases between mid-December and mid-February. Average temperature would be between low 4/10 and high 22/30 degree Celsius but could drop steadily up to freezing up in the mountains.

How long is an average trekking in a day?

All our treks are designed at 4 to 8 walking hours per day. Day normally starts at 7 or 8 in the morning follow by breakfast. Lunch usually is packed and light, followed by 2 to 3 hours more trekking in the afternoon. We try to reach our destination well before nightfall in time for fresh up and relax before dinner.

What will I see on the trek?

This region is covered with lush vegetation, streams and waterfalls. You will witness heavily forested jungle with rich flora and fauna. Being depot of botany in northern Myanmar having a huge range of flowers including Rhododendron Dendricoala and many deferent species of Begonias etc. This is the very place that well-known botanist Frank Kingdon Ward has found many rare species of orchids during his botanic survey in 1920. There will also be various species of bird, butterflies and other rich and exotic flora as eastern Himalayas are heavily forested region.

How fit do I have to be?

This program is graded as “Moderate” and involves some long walk or strenuous trek ups and downs thus anyone who leads a moderately healthy lifestyle back home and is reasonably fit will be able to join in. Beside this trek involves suspension and make-shift bamboo bridges which might be challenge to people with acrophobia.

What about meal?

We take care of all catering on your expedition, you are always welcome to assist if you wish to. If you have a special dietary requirements then you will have to advise us at the time of booking. A hot breakfast will be served around 7 or 8 am, lunch usually is simple, light and serve during mid-day follow by a short rest. Dinner will be more extensive featuring pre-dinner snacks and deserts.

What about altitude?

This expedition involves a trek at less than 1000 meter which is far below the point of altitude sickness.

What about guides?

We provide English or Myanmar language speaking guide plus an assistance local guide, who will also be able to speak the local ethnic dialect. Upon advance request, we will try to arrange other language guide 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 any one 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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