Trekking in Myanmar

Visiting Myanmar is like visiting the past relative to the 80s of Malaysia, with the dusty single lane highway meant for 2 directional car ways. However, there is more to discover in this strong Buddhist country with colorful livings.

The best part of this journey is enjoying the 3 days 2 night trek from Kalaw to Inle lake, under scorching hot sun! The view however, is enthralling with bald mountains and simple basic villages along the trail. 

We started from Kalaw and walked for about 9 hours with lunch break and rest. As it was the 1st day of trek, it was quite tiring by the time we reached the basic guesthouse, where the bathroom was outside the house in a typical traditional village. The trek ascended gradually with great mountain valley view, passing by a temple and lastly walking along a railway trek. As it was in Feb, the weather at night could be freezing cold.

Beginning of Kalaw Inle Trek

View from lunch break

Lunch break

Cow seeking refuge in shady hut

Our 1st night guesthouse

On 2nd day, we started our trek in a flat land, passing by big palm plantation, then crossing the main road before continue trekking in remote mountainous area. We had the best fresh lime juice for our lunch as it was a scorching hot day. Upon reaching the village for the night, we could see cows being reared in the backyard of houses. The villagers here are expert in bamboo basket weaving, which was told only sold for a minimum fee for the hard work. That reminds me of how blessed we are, getting to travel to open up our mind and heart. 

The journey continued on 2nd day

Bull cart near village

Ginger harvest

Mini Angkor Wat along the trek

2nd night guesthouse

Bamboo basket weaving

Traditional toilet

                               

Mountain village

On 3rd day, our trek was only half a day down hill before we continued our journey in a boat ride to Inle Lake. Seeing Inle Lake from afar at a vantage point gave the hope of finishing our trek soon. Coincidentally, there was an antique car racing on part of the dusty trail.

The journey continued on 3rd day

Can you see the antique car?

Locals walking along the road

A school in the middle of mountain

Journey ending soon

End of trek

This has been one of the best treks besides Nepal I have ever had travelling overseas. The best time for trek is from Nov to Feb, as the heat will be unbearing from Mac until May before the rainy season starts in June. It will be advisable to visit Myanmar as soon as possible before it gets over developed with foreign tourists as it is growing in popularity. 

Taking a boat to Inle Lake from end of trek