Best trekking routes in Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar is one of the most picturesque countries in Southeast Asia. Much of its countryside remains undeveloped, is relatively flat for large parts, and is criss-crossed by some great hiking and walking trails. Here are our picks for the best hiking and walking routes in Myanmar...

Woman tourist on a motorbike tour through a remote Palaung village near Kyaukme, Shan State, Myanmar.

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Nat Ma Taung (Chin State)

A distinctive “sky-island” summit with its own peculiar jungle flora and fauna, Nat Ma Taung – aka ”Mount Victoria” (3,053 metres/10,016ft) – is the target for a superb six-day trek.

Kalaw–Inle Lake (Shan State)

The country’s most popular trekking route winds from the hill station of Kalaw to the shores of Inle Lake via a string of pretty ethnic minority villages and stretches of forest.

Panoramic view from Kalaw. Photo: Shutterstock

Kengtung (Shan State)

The market town of Kengtung, near the Chinese border, serves as a springboard for a choice of routes to Eng, Akha, Palaung and Wa settlements.

Hsipaw (Shan State)

Numerous day walks out of Hsipaw take you to Palaung minority villages such as Pankam, renowned for its tea cultivation, teak houses and animist traditions.

One of the Palaung minority villages outside of Hsipaw. Photo: Shutterstock

Hkakabo Razi base camp (Kachin)

Close encounters with spectacular forest, abundant wildlife and some awesome snowy-mountain scenery characterise the trek to the foot of Burma’s highest peak, Hkakabo Razi (5,889 metres/19,321ft.

Inle Lake–Pindaya (Shan State)

Hike over the hilly western fringes of the Shan Plateau – home to several ethnic minority communities – to the Buddha-filled caves at Pindaya.

Inle Lake, one of Myanmar's most famous sights. Photo: Shutterstock

Taking a holiday to Myanmar: how to get started

Insight Guides can help you with planning, organising and booking your trip to Myanmar. Simply, get in touch and share your budget, interests and travel style. Our local experts will create an itinerary exclusive to you and your requirements, which you can amend until it's just right. Alternatively, browse and modify ready-made holidays to create your dream trip today. For more inspiration, take a look at our online guide to Myanmar to plan your visit and discover when's best to go, the top attractions, historical highlights and some of the best cultural features.

What our customers say

Average customers rating

Very good service from guides and drivers. enjoy the tour. The boat trip down the irrawady was a big long and the boat cramp, but the food was good.

Elaine CHNG - Singapore

4.5 average customer rating

You arranged my tour across Myanmar, in collaboration with the continental agency-colleague in Myanmar. I personally do not think any improvements could be made, both during the pre-planning and whilst traveling. The entire experience was extremely intuitive, as I easily communicated and cooperated with all involved members, including: the itinerary planners, and the near-dozen local guides on-site, across multiple towns and formats in the country. Both guiding and e-books for traveling across the world, and my only suggestion is that it offers customers further budget options, such as ultra-deluxe, or reduced-cost: -- My holiday resulted in a way that was just right for me, and I just wish that an even wider range of travelers may access you by having a more versatile offering of budgetary constraints. My flights domestically were not private, for example, but I believe customers should have the option to totally customize their plans if this is what they can afford. I noticed also that the e-books could recommend more 5 star hotels and Michelin-styled restaurant options, but the context and background summary of the country was perfect. For example, after reading the e-book, I was able to converse and have serious discussions with dozens of locals during my holiday, which is necessary for me as an Investor, PR personality, and public figure. Thank you!!!

Rachel Tung Nov 2019