Putao

Putao sits on a flat plain in the far north of Kachin State with snow peaks visible to the north on a clear winter day, which is not something Myanmar otherwise offers. It is reached by air, since the road is impassable for much of the year, and foreign visitors need permits arranged in advance. The plain is farmed by Rawang, Lisu and Kachin communities, there are suspension footbridges over the rivers, and the forest and mountains beyond are the least-explored ground in the country.

History

Putao means "town an old man is looking at" in Shan. It was the centre of Hkamti Long, "great place of gold", a former Shan state settled by the Khamti Shan, and the area is known for its birds and rare orchids, among them the "black orchid" of the surrounding mountains (Wikipedia, Putao, Myanmar).

What to look for

• The snow peaks - the southern Himalaya visible north of the plain on clear winter days.
• The suspension bridges - long footbridges over the Malikha and its tributaries.
• The villages - Rawang, Lisu and Kachin settlements across the plain.
• The forest - the approach to the far northern ranges, with a bird and plant list unlike the rest of the country.

When to go

November to March is dry and gives the best chance of clear views to the mountains. Winter nights are cold. From May the monsoon closes trekking routes and can disrupt flights for days at a time.

Practical notes

Permits are required and are arranged through an agency in advance, and they take time. Flights are limited and cancellations are common, so schedules need slack. Costs are high relative to the rest of the country because everything has to be flown in.

Nearby

Hkakabo Razi lies far to the north, and Myitkyina is the state capital to the south.

Key facts