Trekking is a popular way of traveling in Myanmar and usually take place in areas where there are usually no means of transport available. Trekking is not necessarily mountaineering; it is walking for a number of days, usually on uncharted paths in challenging environments that are likely to be hilly or mountainous. Trekking tours in Myanmar usually take place in the hill regions in the upper part of the country.
Here are some popular locations for treks in Myanmar.
Kalaw to Pindaya
First one has to travel from Yangon to Kalaw. The Myanmar tour operators usually arrange the accommodation and trekking guides for the trips. From Kalaw is the start of the trekking tour. The dwellers of the southeast Shan mountain ranges are the Pao, Palaung and Danu. Trekking trips generally pass through Pao, Palaung and Danu villages and the trip takes about 1 to 1½ hours from one village to another. One can learn and see the way of lives of the different Shan races. The most significant element for tourists to see is the long houses of the tribes where several families stay together. The journey ends at Pindaya. The trekking trip may take about one day and one night.
Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock)
Kyaikhtiyo or the Golden Rock of Myanmar is located in Kyaikhto, Mon State. One can travel from Yangon to the base mountain range, which is the main base camp of the journey. It is about 160 km from Yangon and the hiking range is 11 km from the base camp. The Golden Rock is located on top of the rocky mountain above 3,615 feet sea level. Before, it was a rare place which was very hard to reach. Nowadays, there are many more convenient transportations and kyaikhtiyo pagoda can be accessible easily. There are also convenient accommodations for visitors.
Kyaing Tong
Short range strolls around the city and the villages of the Palaung and Eng tribes.
Around Inle
Trekking through the pine trees of the Shan states to Palaung, Taunggyi and Chey village, located in the foot of Myin Mahti hill 5,602 feet sea level. It’s about 2 hours on walking. You can also visit to Indein villages taking about an hour trek.