Kachin State ( Eastern Of Myanmar )
About Kachin State
Myanmar’s Kachin State in the Eastern Himalayas remains one of
the least visited wilderness areas on earth, offering unique
opportunities for true frontier exploration. It has only
recently become possible to obtain permission to visit many
areas of this little known destination. Now Nowadays , we can
arrange rafting and trekking journeys into this tribal land of
dense forests and snow-capped mountains, which to this day
remains completely cut off from the modern world.
With little in the way of roads or development the Northern
Myanmar ecosystem remains incredibly intact and is
internationally recognized as a hotspot of biodiversity. Climax
old growth forest is common, supporting a huge range of animal
and bird life while in the high alpine meadows many of Asia’s
rarest flowers thrive. This is a place of pristine beauty,
exotic cultures and some of the most radical topography on
earth. Travelling in Kachin State is full of simple delights and
opportunities that can no longer be found elsewhere, providing
timeless and unpretentious experiences.
 Our
Program base at The Lisu Resort * newly operate & the best place
in Putao, we provide a whole range of adventures from shorter
half-day excursions to month-long hardcore expeditions. With the
highest attention to operational safety, equipment and service,
visitors can rest assured that they are in the best of hands.
Our holidays are all about adventure, excitement, and a journey
through the natural beauty and cultural diversity of some of the
planet’s last remote areas.
Based on our exploratory first descents we
are initially offering two very different river trips. One
standard river trip will be an exclusive three-day wilderness
journey on the pristine western headwaters of the Ayeyarwaddy.
By contrast, the Mayhka River is the most extreme multi-day
river expedition offered on the planet. This is our “Everest of
Rivers” and the expedition in early 2006 will be the first
commercial raft descent.
Itinerary For Nam Lang River Journey ( 4 Nights – 5 Days )
Nam Lang River – 5 days/4 nights
This program is three-day wilderness journey on the pristine
western headwaters of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Suitable for almost
all age groups, the Nam Lang River combines the thrill of Class
3 and 4 whitewater through thickly forested canyons, with a
closer insight into a people and way of life unchanged for
centuries. The Nam Lang River is without a doubt one of the most
exciting journeys you can undertake in Myanmar.
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Difficulty 3-4
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From Wanglai Dam to Mulashidi
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Distance 60km
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1 days trek, 2 river days
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Av. River Gradient 25 ft per mile
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Best Season Late Oct – Early April
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Minimum group size 4
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Maximum group size 14
Day 01 : Putao ( L, D)
Arrive at Putao Airport and transfer to The
Lisu Resort in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure in the
grounds of our beautiful wilderness lodge, with time for a
refreshing swim or spa treatment. Group dinner and drinks at the
main lodge in front of our open fireplaces, and briefing from
Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions on the following days adventure.
Day 02 : Putao – Upper Sangaung – Nam Lang Valley ( B , L , D
)
An hours drive from The Lisu we pass the
village of Upper Sangaung which marks the beginning of the
jungle. The road continues on for a few more km, towards the
pass leading into the Nam Lang Valley to the beginning of our
trek. We trek at a moderate pace for five to six hours, four
hours to the top of the pass, and another two down to our river
camp. In traditional style the porters carry all the expedition
food and equipment ahead, leaving us free to enjoy this scenic
trek through untouched subtropical forest and giant bamboo. Our
river camp lies close to the first river canyon, which is marked
by a spectacular rattan and bamboo bridge across the river.
Day 03 : Nam Ze Area ( B, L, D)
The following day, after breakfast everyone
is fitted with their specialist rafting gear, while the trip
leader and safety kayaker give an extensive lesson in river
safety and paddling technique. We pass by the remote Lisu
village of Nam Ze, at the foot of more snowcapped peaks. This is
our last contact with “civilization” as we take an isolated loop
into the lower canyons. Two hours below this village and we
encounter some excellent technical rapids. From here we raft
down to our final river beach camp at the beginning of the
second canyon.
Day 04 : Puato ( B, L , D )
 After
a hearty breakfast we start the final and most challenging days
rafting. An hour later, we reach three exciting and technical
rapids stacked in succession in a tight bedrock canyon. The trio
of rapids ends with a bang in a series of drops between massive
boulders. From here it is about three hours rafting and
leisurely cruising back to our home at The Lisu Resort , where a
glass of champagne and long hot shower awaits.
Day 05 : Puato – Myitkyina – Yangon Or
Mandalay ( B)
Leisurely breakfast at The Lisu, before check
out and late morning transfer to Putao airport to connect with
your flight back to Mandalay and the rest of your itinerary.
* * * * * * End Of Our Services * * * * * *
Personal Items to bring for Rafting and
Trekking
Since all our rafting expeditions include at
least one trekking day, clients will also need to bring items as
prescribed on our trekking list.
As a general rule when packing for one of our
wilderness expeditions please keep personal gear to a minimum.
Clothing should be lightweight, dry quickly, and provide
insulation even when wet. Synthetic fibers are preferable to
cotton on the river for this reason. For any other personal
items not included on our detailed equipment list below, please
feel free to contact us directly.
1. For camping and travelling:
A sleeping bag. Your
sleeping bag should be at least a three-season bag, either down
or synthetic filled. If you do not have a sleeping bag we do
have them for hire or purchase. A Therma-rest (inflatable
sleeping mattress) is provided by Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions for
your comfort.
Lightweight pants and jacket.
The brushed nylon pants and windbreakers made by a variety of
companies are ideal for trekking and general travel wear.
Long sleeved thermal, top and bottoms
(long underwear). These are synthetic clothing such
as Patagonia Capaline which maintain their insulating value even
when wet, and are therefore ideal for wearing around the
campsite and on the river. The zippered turtleneck is
particularly handy, as it can be vented and keeps the sun off
the back of your neck. Light and medium weight weaves are the
handiest.
Socks: Two pairs of
polypropylene or polypro mix athletic socks.
Cotton underwear.
Lightweight long sleeved shirt.
These are particularly useful as sunscreen in camp. In addition
temperatures in the shade remain cool throughout the season
Two cotton T-shirts. A fleece jacket.
Polypropylene is preferable.
A Gore-Tex or similar material raincoat
and pants. This will keep you warm and dry in a
variety of situations. A simple shell design is preferable, as
they can be packed away into very small bundles.
Small Towel
Toiletries:
keep it to a minimum. Bring plenty of moisturizing
lotion.
Spare glasses or contact lenses
if you wear them.
Flashlight or headlamp with
spare batteries.
Water bottle
Toilet paper and lighter. We
do provide it on all trips, but also advise you carry your own
supply for convenience. The lighter is for burning the toilet
paper after you’ve used it.
Insect Repellent: Our Nam
Lang river camp has screened areas where insects are not a
problem, but while trekking and rafting in the jungle bring
plenty of insect repellent.
Lightweight cotton gloves are also handy as additional insect
protection.
2. River Wear:
River sandals or wet suit
booties are the preferred footwear on the river. Tevas, Alps, or
other high quality river sandals or booties should be brought
from home. It is essential that all rafters have footwear that
they can wear in the raft, which will not come off in the event
of a swim, as this is considered standard safety equipment. One
of the best options is simple wetsuit booties used for diving or
windsurfing. These also offer additional protection from insect
bites.
River shorts Good quality,
such as Patagonia Baggies or Guide Shorts. These are by far the
best all around river wear, as they are durable, dry quickly,
and provide the pockets you will need for little items you’ll
want to keep close. Two pairs are enough.
Swimming costume – (or you
can just get by with river shorts).
A sarong for women (a long piece of cloth wrapped around your
waist) is another good option, and can be purchased cheaply in
Myanmar. This is invaluable for visiting villages and respecting
local custom for dress. It can also be used to replace your
towel for drying after washing.
A baseball style cap and good
sunglasses equipped with a retaining device to keep
them on your face where they belong.
Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater
and waterproof) is essential
Lip Balm, SPF 15 minimum
3. Trekking:
A daypack.
It should be a medium volume daypack without a frame, and again,
the most important criteria are how well it fits and works.
Lightweight hiking boots or
running shoes of good quality and preferably worn in are a must.
For people who do not routinely walk in the mountains, light
hiking boots are strongly recommended. Heavy mountaineering
boots are not recommended.
For longer treks and Higher Altitude
treks waterproof pants, gaiters, additional socks and
thermal hats and gloves are highly recommended.
4. Optional:
Camera and film.
Also bring a good cleaning kit, as field conditions are harsher
than in towns. Spare batteries are also handy. There will be
waterproof Pelican Cases supplied on the rafting trips. Packets
of silica gel will help reduce humidity in the camera case.
Small binoculars for
wildlife viewing. If you’re an avid bird watcher you may want to
bring a more substantial pair of binoculars with a waterproof
case.
Pocketknife or multi-tool.
Fishing equipment.
Reading and writing material.
Personal first aid kit.
Personal linen, pillow case
or under sheet
5. Provided by us:
We will provide the following equipment for all
clients on our rafting and trekking expeditions:
All safety and trek /
river gear (except clothing and personal items – see
personal equipment above) On river trips we provide lifejackets,
helmets, spray jackets, wet suits when required, dry bags,
camera barrels, satellite phone and comprehensive first aid
kits.
Tented accommodation while
on your trip.
Mattresses or thermo-rests
to sleep on
Cooking equipment including
all kitchen utensils, pots, pans, plates and glassware
Directors Chairs –
comfortable chairs, ideal around the campfire, which are made of
canvas and fold away.
Request For Price
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