Fertile, unspoilt, and surprising - the mountains of Burma's northernmost states are one of the country's best-kept secrets. The region is an exciting and adventurous destination for holidays in Burma, with colourful mountain markets, the villages of diverse ethnic groups, and lush, biodiverse forests. For those considering venturing into this stunning region, here are five 'must-do' moments for the quintessential Burmese Himalaya experience.
Buy: mountain produce in Putao
Putao is the starting point for many of those who venture into the northern mountains on their holidays in Burma, and it is the perfect town to introduce visitors to this part of the country - both in terms of acclimatising and getting to know the character of the region. One aspect of the town in particular is worth making time for, and that is the local market, which comes to life early in the morning as members of Rawan and Lisu villages bring their flowers, fruit and vegetables. Much of the produce will be unfamiliar to newcomers, but that's part of the adventure!
Listen: folk music at a festival
The villages of the Burmese Himalaya celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year, some held in honour of local spirits, and others, such as New Year, based on the calendar. Rituals and activities associated with festivals will change depending on where and when your holidays in Burma take place, but one tradition many will have in common is folk music and dancing. Listen out for the bamboo mouth-harps and four-stringed 'chiben' of traditional Lisu music.
Taste: hill tribe cusine
The food of the mountain region is influenced by the diverse ethnic groups that live there, with indigenous spices and herbs, wild mountain plants and local varieties of bamboo lending it a distinct flavour that is hard to replicate elsewhere in the world. Many who visit this region on their holidays in Burma enjoy the grilled spiced pork, while those with adventurous tastebuds should try the curries.
Discover: the wildlife of the jungle
The Burmese mountains are home to a diverse range of beautiful plants and captivating animals. Species rarely seen in other parts of the country roam through the undergrowth or swoop through the trees - including gibbons, flying foxes, tigers and tapir. Most of the animals here are shy, and will stay away from groups of humans - but a knowledgable guide will be able to point out their tracks.
See: the view from Phongun Razi
The crowning moment of trekking holidays in Burma is the ascent of Phongun Razi, which stands at 3,635 metres near the Indian border. It is the perfect place from which to see the spectacular spread of the surrounding landscapes, both back into Burma and out across the Himalayas, all the way to Assam.
Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run tours enabling people to enjoy holidays in Burma. Operating in Asia for over 20 years, they now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.
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