Putao in Kachin State attracts adventurers thirsty for natural beauties

I arrived in Putao which is situated in the northernmost of Myanmar on 14 November 2005 on departmental duties. The town is surrounded by huge mountain ranges. It is accessible by air or land. The climate of Putao is cold all year round. At this time of the year, the climate of the region is getting colder and colder and snow-covered mountains can be seen from a distance.

The mountain ranges close to Putao will soon become icy ones. The groves had turned reddish.

In November-December, it is so cold that water starts to freeze. The frozen water is about five feet in mass in December and January. The freezing-point remains up to April and May.

Putao is complete with natural beauties. Local national races residing there are frank and friendly. The national races are Kachin, Jinphaw, Rawan, Lihsu and others. Puato of Myanmar is popular among tourist destinations that are complete with snow-capped mountains in the world. At present, foreign tourists begin to flood into Putao.

Tourists who arrive in Putao can enjoy the scenic beauties of the region, mountain ranges with a height of over 10,000 feet, cliffs, waterfalls, blue pine trees and coniferous trees, tree rhododendron (rhododendron arboreum) and potent herbal plants. The tourists can also witness the honest disposition of local people, and study bio-diversity, a variety of mammals including takins, red pandas and musk deer, bird species such as Himalayan Monal, Sclater’s Monal, Blyth’s Tragopan and others, Mountainaccentor, reptiles, butterflies and orchids.

I happened to meet with German nationals Mr Patrick Schulev and Ms Pia Schulev who are tourists of Myanmar Himalaya Trekking and Culture Co Ltd at the Putao Airport on 17 November 2005. They said with pleasure that the tour of Putao was their first trip to the town; that there was smooth and secure transport along the route; that they had exciting experiences while traveling in the region; that they had an opportunity to observe traditions and culture of local national races and enjoy the scenic splendours of snow-covered mountain ranges, cliffs and waterfalls in the region situated in the far east of Himalaya; that one could travel to the top of Mt Khakaborazi, the highest mountain of Myanmar and enjoy the ecosystem complete with biological diversity and local flora and fauna; that they would convey the information about the visit to friends in Germany and return to Putao again; and that they liked Putao region most among tourist destinations they had ever enjoyed.

Phonkanrazi snow-capped mountain is very close to Putao and popular among local and foreign tourists. It is about 53 miles from Putao situated at an altitude of 11,920 feet.

Under the guidance of the Head of State, officials concerned are now building the Putao-Upper Hsangaung-Wahsadam road and Phonkanrazi road that leads to the snow-capped mountain.

There are 13 wooden bridges including Dhashiza river crossing suspension bridge on Putao-Upper Hsangaung road section and the 142 feet long Namkhamhti wooden bridge. With those transport facilities, one can travel from Putao to Upper Hsangaung by car all year round.

The altitude of Upper Hsangaung is 1,485 feet. The trip from Putao to Upper Hsangaung is 12 miles and two furlongs. It takes about four hours on foot and about 45 minutes by car.

The trip from Upper Hsangaung to Wahsadam is about 12 miles. It is 2,954 feet above sea level. It will take about eight hours on foot since motor road is under construction. One can travel on foot from Wahsadam to Ziyadam and the 11-mile trip will take him about five hours. It is 3,492 feet above sea level.

It is about 20 miles from Ziyadam-Chaung Camp-Thitpingyi Camp-Khantauk River Camp to the area adjacent to Phonkanrazi snow-covered mountain. The trip from that area to the top of Mt Phonkanrazi is about two miles.

Construction of an earth road leading to Chaung Camp close to Mt Phonkanrazi in Putao region, Kachin State will soon be completed.

It is about 40 miles away from Putao to Chaung Camp while it is about 13 miles from Chaung Camp to Razi Snow-capped mountain. According to geographical condition, construction of an earth road linking Chaung Camp and Phonkanrazi snow-capped mountain is impossible. This being the case, those who are adventurous and thirsty for geographical knowledge have to rely on themselves to enjoy the trip that is to be covered on foot.

Nowadays, hoteliers, construction entrepreneurs and tour operators are making arrangements to build hotels of international class and buildings along the road leading to Phonkanrazi snow-capped mountain and to enable visitors to enjoy skating along the slopes of the mountain.

Therefore, Putao region situated in the northernmost of Myanmar and complete with ecosystem will become a popular tourist destination in the very near future.

Author : Maung Maung Than (Kawhmu)