Trekking Tours in Myanmar

This is one of the most popular multi-day treks in the country, mostly due to the fact that it’s relatively easy to organize and absolutely breathtaking, but also because it’s near Inle Lake – one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar.

Heading west out of Inle Lake, you can trek directly to the former British Hill Station of Kalaw. Even though this trek has become increasingly popular in recent years, there’s a chance you won’t see any other tourists on the path, and it’s well-worth hiring an English-speaking guide.

The trail will bring you through the villages of the Pa'O people, the Palaung, Taungthu, and Danu. If you choose the more challenging route between Baw Nin Khone and Than Dang, a great place to spend the night is at the Tithein Monastery.

Hsipaw has long been a well-known hiking and trekking destination in Myanmar. Located just six-and-a-half hours north of Mandalay, Hsipaw is a stunning mountain village that, despite a recent influx in tourism, still remains delightfully Burmese.

Almost every guest house in the village can arrange day treks here, but we recommend taking one of the beautiful overnight treks to a nearby Palaung Village. You’ll likely spend the night on the floor of a monastery (an experience in itself), and wake up to the sun rising on the sunflower-clad hillsides.

Until recently, not many people knew about Lashio as a trekking and waterfalls destination. However, a couple who is very passionate about Shan State started a company called Myanmar Adventure Outfitters. They offer itineraries filled with adventure activities, including stand-up paddling and motorcycling, as well as homestay experiences.

This off-the-beaten trekking route goes through lush forests, and you can paddle board on a lake, explore limestone caves and swim under waterfalls. You will also have the opportunity to discover the area’s diverse ethnic tribes, with visits to several minority villages in the Lashio region as well as overnight stays at Shan and Laho Villages.

Trek to remote Chin tribes villages and the mountains south of mighty Mt. Victoria on this week-long trek. You’ll stay in authentic homestays where you’ll see ancient traditions still going strong. Chin tribe women are known for their intriguing facial tattoos and  decorative amber necklaces.

It is difficult to get around without a tour guide. Trekking through these mountains these days will give you a glimpse of a unique way of life, as the tattooed women are no longer allowed to pass on this tradition. This part of Myanmar is remote and more difficult to get to, with the only way being by bus from Mandalay.

In the southeast of the country, between Yangon and Mawlamyine, Hpa-An is a growing centre for walking and trekking. Rarely visited by outsiders to Myanmar, the capital of Kayin State is surrounded by limestone mountains, which hide caves holding devotional art in the guise of thousands of tiny clay Buddhas and carvings dating from the 7th century.

The crown of Mount Zwekabin rises out of the undergrowth of the lower slopes, capped by the golden stupas of a monastery. Overlooking the town, this landmark is a pilgrimage site for local people.

A reasonable degree of fitness is required to climb the steps to the monastery, but the walk is relatively short and takes around an hour. At the top, you'll be welcomed by the monks and on a clear day, as it was in my case, a view you can trace along the Salween River out to the coast.

Currently, there aren’t any overnight treks in this area, but this is likely to change in the not-too-distant future. In the meantime, if you have a full day your guide will be able to extend the Mount Zwekabin walk into a more challenging day trek.

Myanmar's vast area, diverse geography and lack of extensive urban development mean that it is a haven for all kinds of flora, fauna and wildlife. Myanmar (Burma) is home to one of the largest remaining contiguous forests in Southeast Asia, and maintains much larger areas of natural jungle and wetland than most of its neighbours. It also boasts a wealth of coral reefs and marine life amongst the sheltered islands of the Myeik Archipelago.

Although hunting poses a threat to many endangered species, more and more efforts are being made to safeguard its native animals, such as tigers, turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins, elephants and rare birds. 

If you would like to contribute to conservation efforts and experience Myanmar's wildlife safety in the knowledge that you are making a positive impact, you can visit: Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp in Kalaw, Moeyungyi Wetlands Sanctuary, Burmese Star Tortoise Conservation Centre