Rawang Explorer

This short and leisurely trek provides spectacular views of the mountain ranges along the border of India and Myanmar as we trek through jungle and Rawang tribal villages. Starting from just beyond Upper Sangaung our picturesque trek takes us through old growth forest over the main pass that separates the Putao valley from the pristine Nam Lang river valley, then further North West as far as Ziya Dam village, the last settlement before the Indian border. On the return leg we retrace our steps through Wanglai Dam and across to Upper Sangaung. On our first and third nights on the trek we stay at our exclusive Nam Lang riverside campsite. This campsite has a separate covered dining area with an open fireplace, as well as toilets, showers and basic kitchen so we can camp out in style. For the remaining two nights we experience frontier village life, or the joys of camping under the towering canopy of the rainforest next to a pure mountain stream. If your time is limited or you just want to take a shorter less strenuous trek, then this is the one for you.

Day 1 Arrive Putao and drive to Upper Sangaung Snow capped mountains tower above the runway as our Air Bagan flight touches down at Putao, the northern most airstrip in Kachin State. At this frontier town you’ll be met by staff from Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions and Malikha Lodge, After an introductory lunch at Malikha Lodge, a scenic 90 minute drive takes you to the end of the road at Upper Sangaung in time for dinner and an early start the next morning.

Day 2 Upper Sangaung – trekking to Wanglai Dam: (approx 13 miles trek) After an early morning breakfast we head on up the trail into the forest. We trek at a leisurely pace to our camp just over the pass beside the Nam Lang River. This day is about six to seven hours of trekking and is probably the longest days trek with a gain of altitude of nearly 2000 feet or 600 metres. In traditional style the porters carry all the expedition food and equipment leaving us free to enjoy this scenic trek through untouched forest. If the weather is clear the views of snow-capped peaks towards the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Mt Phonekanrazi are spectacular. The final couple of hours walk downhill through impressive forest of giant trees brings us to our camp near Wanglai Dam village beside the river. We stay overnight in comfortable tents and enjoy a great dinner near the campfire.
 

Day 3 Trek 9 miles to Ziya Dam. After an early wake up and strong coffee at the camp we start a day of trekking towards Ziya Dam. This day promises to offer great views toward Phonekanrazi and other snow capped mountains and gives impressions of village life in this remote area. We will pass several villages and try to stop at a school or a local house to get an insight in the local traditions. This part of Myanmar sees no tourism, and the villages and farms along the way are much the way rural Myanmar has been for hundreds of years. In this remote part of Myanmar, the villagers have seen only a handful of westerners and their smiles and friendship are genuine. Ziya Dam is the last settlement before going further into the forest, and is our final destination on this short trek.
 

Day 4 Trek 8 miles to our exclusive river camp near Wanglai Dam. We commence trekking back towards the Nam Lang Valley and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way. The first river canyon at the top of the Nam Lang River near Wanglai Dam is marked by a rattan and bamboo bridge across the river; our stunning riverside camp for the night is just below the bridge. The canyon is an impressive place with deep pools of turquoise water and some premium swimming holes. Our private camp is very tastefully sculptured into a huge rock platform that juts out over the Nam Lang River and tent sites back from here merge into the surrounding jungle. Arrive in the afternoon where we stay overnight in rustic luxury and enjoy a hearty meal next to a campfire in the comfortable surrounds of our private camp.

Day 5 Trek 10 miles to Upper Sangaung; transfer to Putao by car The last day of the trekking is relatively easy, and we take the same scenic and less used path back to the main Putao Valley and the road head at Upper Sangaung. The last part of the trek is a flat road leading towards civilisation. Transfer by our jeep car to Malikha Lodge where a warm bath and a cool glass of champagne are waiting for you. Dinner at the main lodge.

Day 6 - 7 Malikha Lodge Spend two full days discovering Putao valley by joining one of the guided activities like mountain biking, a boat trip on the Malikha river or a trip on the back of an elephant. We’ll provide a picnic lunch or dine at the Lodge depending on what you feel like. Alternatively just relax at the lodge enjoying the views or ease aching muscles and soothe your soul with a good massage. Evening dinner in the main lodge near the open fireplaces and a final chance to absorb the special ambience of the Malikha Lodge.

Day 8 Depart Putao by flight After breakfast our car will bring you to Putao airport for your onwards flight in the direction of Mandalay and Yangon.

PRICE IN US$ PER PERSON VALID FROM 01.10.2009 – 30.04.2010
2-6 persons: US$ 1.800,-- per person in twin sharing room
7-10 persons: US$ 1.680,-- per person in twin sharing room

Flight departures are every Tuesday and Friday from October to April.

Price for a round trip ticket:
Yangon – Putao – Yangon: US$ 420,-- per person
Mandalay – Putao – Mandalay: US$ 250,-- per person

Please contact us early enough for seat availability

SERVICE:
- 3 nights at Malikha Lodge
- 4 nights at camps
- Full board during your stay in Putao
- Guided activities and excursions and 5 days/4 nights river/trek
- All transportation in Putao
- Permission for Putao

NOT INCLUDED:
- Domestic flights to/from Putao
- Transfers in Yangon to/from airport
- Visa fees
- Intl. airport tax of US$ 10 per person
- Accommodation in Yangon
- Transfers in Yangon
- Drinks from our special reserve list
- Private laundry and beauty treatments
- Porter fees at the hotels

Personal Items to bring for Rafting and Trekking
Since all our rafting expeditions include at least one trekking day, clients will also need to bring items as prescribed on our trekking list.
As a general rule when packing for one of our wilderness expeditions please keep personal gear to a minimum. Clothing should be lightweight, dry quickly, and provide insulation even when wet. Synthetic fibers are preferable to cotton on the river for this reason. For any other personal items not included on our detailed equipment list below, please feel free to contact us directly.
 

1. For camping and travelling:

A sleeping bag. Your sleeping bag should be at least a three-season bag, either down or synthetic filled. If you do not have a sleeping bag we do have them for hire or purchase. A Therma-rest (inflatable sleeping mattress) is provided by Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions for your comfort.
Lightweight pants and jacket. The brushed nylon pants and windbreakers made by a variety of companies are ideal for trekking and general travel wear.
Long sleeved thermal, top and bottoms (long underwear). These are synthetic clothing such as Patagonia Capaline which maintain their insulating value even when wet, and are therefore ideal for wearing around the campsite and on the river. The zippered turtleneck is particularly handy, as it can be vented and keeps the sun off the back of your neck. Light and medium weight weaves are the handiest.
Socks: Two pairs of polypropylene or polypro mix athletic socks.
Cotton underwear.
Lightweight long sleeved shirt. These are particularly useful as sunscreen in camp. In addition temperatures in the shade remain cool throughout the season
Two cotton T-shirts.
A fleece jacket. Polypropylene is preferable.
A Gore-Tex or similar material raincoat and pants. This will keep you warm and dry in a variety of situations. A simple shell design is preferable, as they can be packed away into very small bundles.
Small Towel
Toiletries: keep it to a minimum. Bring plenty of moisturizing lotion.
Spare glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.
Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries.
Water bottle
Toilet paper and lighter –We do provide it on all trips, but also advise you carry your own supply for convenience. The lighter is for burning the toilet paper after you’ve used it.
Insect Repellent: Our Nam Lang river camp has screened areas where insects are not a problem, but while trekking and rafting in the jungle bring plenty of insect repellent.
Lightweight cotton gloves are also handy as additional insect protection.
 

2. River Wear:

River sandals or wet suit booties are the preferred footwear on the river. Tevas, Alps, or other high quality river sandals or booties should be brought from home. It is essential that all rafters have footwear that they can wear in the raft, which will not come off in the event of a swim, as this is considered standard safety equipment. One of the best options is simple wetsuit booties used for diving or windsurfing. These also offer additional protection from insect bites.
River shorts Good quality, such as Patagonia Baggies or Guide Shorts. These are by far the best all around river wear, as they are durable, dry quickly, and provide the pockets you will need for little items you’ll want to keep close. Two pairs are enough.
Swimming costume – (or you can just get by with river shorts).
A sarong for women (a long piece of cloth wrapped around your waist) is another good option, and can be purchased cheaply in Myanmar. This is invaluable for visiting villages and respecting local custom for dress. It can also be used to replace your towel for drying after washing.
A baseball style cap and good sunglasses equipped with a retaining device to keep them on your face where they belong.
Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater and waterproof) is essential
Lip Balm, SPF 15 minimum
 

3. Trekking:

A daypack. It should be a medium volume daypack without a frame, and again, the most important criteria are how well it fits and works.
Lightweight hiking boots or running shoes of good quality and preferably worn in are a must. For people who do not routinely walk in the mountains, light hiking boots are strongly recommended. Heavy mountaineering boots are not recommended.
For longer treks and Higher Altitude treks waterproof pants, gaiters, additional socks and thermal hats and gloves are highly recommended.
 

4. Optional:

Camera and film. Also bring a good cleaning kit, as field conditions are harsher than in towns. Spare batteries are also handy. There will be waterproof Pelican Cases supplied on the rafting trips. Packets of silica gel will help reduce humidity in the camera case.
Small binoculars for wildlife viewing. If you’re an avid bird watcher you may want to bring a more substantial pair of binoculars with a waterproof case.
Pocketknife or multi-tool.
Fishing equipment.
Reading and writing material.
Personal first aid kit.
Personal linen, pillow case or under sheet
 

5. Provided by us:

Travel-Myanmar.net will provide the following equipment for all clients on our rafting and trekking expeditions:

All safety and trek / river gear (except clothing and personal items – see personal equipment above) On river trips we provide lifejackets, helmets, spray jackets, wet suits when required, dry bags, camera barrels, satellite phone and comprehensive first aid kits.
Tented accommodation while on your trip.
Mattresses or thermo-rests to sleep on
Cooking equipment including all kitchen utensils, pots, pans, plates and glassware
Directors Chairs – comfortable chairs, ideal around the campfire, which are made of canvas and fold away.
 

Booking Conditions

How to Book: Complete the Client Profile form (below) and fax or email it to us. The Client Liability Release form (please click here) needs to be completed and taken to Myanmar. A company representative will collect this form upon your arrival in Yangon or at the Pre departure meeting at The Malikha Lodge in Putao. Please give the same name as in your passport. If you do not have a passport or confirmed flight you may leave these details blank and forward the information to us as soon as you have it. We will require one passport photograph, which should be brought with you to Myanmar.

A Deposit: of 50% of your trip cost per person is required to secure a holiday booking. The balance will need to be paid at least 30 days before the departure date. If the full amount has not been received by this time, Travel-Myanmar.net reserves the right to cancel all bookings made on behalf of the client. Bookings made within 30 days of the departure date must be paid for in full at the time of booking. Please note that prices are based on costs and exchange rates at the time of printing. We reserve the right to adjust tour prices.

Amendments: Please note that changes made by you to your booking will incur an amendment fee of US$ 50 per person per amendment. In addition, a cancellation fee may apply.

Confirmation and Final Payment: Travel-Myanmar.net will confirm your booking in writing and advise the due date for final payment on your invoice.

Cancellations: All cancellations must be advised in writing by the person who made the booking. Cancellations are accepted from the date the written confirmation is received by Travel-Myanmar.net and applied to refund guidelines below. Depending on your reason for cancellation these charges may be recoverable on your insurance policy. If Travel-Myanmar.net cancels your tour, all payments will be refunded. However Travel-Myanmar.net will not be liable for any additional costs incurred by you.

Flights: Bad weather in mountainous regions can cause flight delays. Please make allowances when booking onward journeys. We cannot be responsible for any charges you might incur as a result of these delays.

Refunds: Are not made for unused services.

Health and Fitness: We strongly recommend a visit to your doctor and dentist before your holiday. Your doctor will advise current inoculation requirements. Full details of pre-existing medical conditions must be forwarded with your booking form. Older clients or clients with pre-existing medical conditions may require a doctor’s letter confirming their fitness for the trip. During your holiday you are under the direction of your Trip Leader and he/she has total authority to determine your suitability to participate or continue.

Changes to your Itinerary: Our tours are organized many months in advance and it may become necessary to make an alteration to your tour. Where practical, we will advise you of such changes (other than minor changes) before commencement of the tour. These tours go into remote areas and changes in itinerary may occur because of weather, illness or accident, civil unrest or force majeure, after your tour starts. The Trip Leader has full responsibility for taking the action he/she deems appropriate.

Travel Insurance: It is a condition of booking that all expedition members must be protected by their own Medical Evacuation Insurance, which provides for helicopter rescue. The purpose of insurance is to provide proper coverage suited to the specific needs of Adventure Tourism and in the case of an emergency, works quickly and efficiently. Your insurance should also cover accidents, health and loss or damage to personal effects.
 

Profile Form:

Please fill in the following information and return it to us via fax or email. This is for our office records. You will also need to bring a liability release form, one passport photo and a copy of your insurance policy with you to Myanmar.

Contact us:

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Travel-Myanmar.net
Shwe Gone Dine Tower 212, Building C, Apartment 006, Shwe Gone Dine Road, Bahan Township,
Yangon, Union of Myanmar.
Tel: 0095-1-552835
Fax: 0095-1-552654
E-mail: info@shweyoo.com.mm
Website: www.travel-myanmar.net, www.burma-exclusive.com