Putao

Putao is the northernmost town of Kachin State, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is cool the whole year round. Flowing streams and rivulets, straw-roofed houses and fences of pebbles and creek stones provide a pleasant, pastoral contrast to the scenes and sights of modern cities. Suspension bridges are the typical river crossing in this region, which features populations of Rawang, Lisu, Khamti-Shan, Jingphaw, and Kachin people. It is the nearest town to the base camp for climbing Mount Hkakhaborazi.

Putao is the starting point for Myanmar’s most adventurous trekking adventures and is a 30-minute flight from Myitkyina. Many orchid lovers are especially attracted by the “Black Orchid” that can be found in the mountains east and west of Putao.