Phongun Razi Expedition (Adventure Trekking)
Sample Itinerary - actual may vary
Fri - Day 01. Arrival – Putao.
Upon arrival at Putao airport in the remote far-north of Myanmar, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your guest house. Putao lies in a flat valley and is the jumping-off point for trekkers who want to explore the region’s deep forests, villages, wildlife sanctuaries and snow-capped mountains. After a brief freshen-up we shall take an orientation walk in and around Putao. We shall have our dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.
Sat -Day 02. Putao - Shangaung – Wasundum. (jeep/trek)
After breakfast we visit the attractive Putao market, which often fills with colourful ethnic minority peoples from the surrounding villages. Later we depart by jeep or truck (depending on group size) to Upper Shangaung, a distance of 17 km which takes us about one hour along a rugged road. Shangaung consists of two separate villages and is inhabited by both Lisu and Rawan peoples. Our adventure starts as we get off the jeep and start trekking to Wasandum, a walking distance of 20 km which should take us about 6 hours. The first half of the day’s trek follows a winding trail uphill to Mt. Shangaung at 4,468 feet, 1362 metres. From here on, the trail descends all the way to the village of Wasandum at 860 metres. Wasandum is a small Rawan village situated by Namro creek. We check in at our guesthouse and those who wish to freshen up may go down to the creek to bathe in the crystal clear water. We shall have our dinner and spend the night at Wasandum guest house.
Sun - Day 03. Wasandum - Awadum - Kalang – Ziyadum. (trek)
Following our breakfast we shall leave the village for today’s destination, Ziyadum, along relatively flat land with just a few ups and downs. First we cross Namro creek to Awadum, 7.4 km away and about a 3 hour walk. Awadum village is mainly inhabited by Lisu people and is separated into two halves by a large paddy field. Here we cross a suspension bridge spanning Namlang Creek and continue onto Kalang, a distance of 4.8 km which should takes us about 1.5 hours. The last stretch of the day takes us onto Ziyadum village, a further 6.4 km away - a pleasant 2 hour trek through deep evergreen forest. Ziyadum, at an altitude of 3,440 ft, 1,048 meters is the most North-westerly and last frontier village in the Putao region, and mainly inhabited by Rawan people. It is recommended to visit Ziya Creek for a fantastic sunset view of the blazing snowy Mountains to the West, the source of the sparkling clear Creek. We have our dinner and spend the night at Ziyadum guest house.
Mon - Day 04. Ziyadum - Chaungzone – Thitpingyi. (trek)
After breakfast we leave human habitation behind and continue our trek to Chaungzone, a distance of 9.6 km which should take us about 3 hours. First we cross Phangran creek by suspension bridge and trek through evergreen forest with slight ups and downs. We then cross another suspension bridge that spans Namya creek, and continue up a steep mule track until we reach Lower Thitpingyi camp. This last stretch is a distance of 3.2 kilometres and should take about 2 hours. We have dinner and overnight at this wilderness camp at an elevation of 4,800 ft, 1,460 metres above sea level.
Tue - Day 05. Lower Thitpingyi - Upper Thitpingyi – Khantautmyit. (trek)
Following our breakfast we will continue to trek uphill to Upper Thitpingyi camp, a distance of 2.5 km which should takes us about one hour via a mule track. From here, we continue on to Khantautmyit camp, situated at 8,500 ft, 2,575 metres. This 4.8 km trek should take us about 6 hours. Today’s trek takes us through a very beautiful area and we will experience various types of forest; tropical evergreen at lower elevation gives way to moist upper deciduous and hill pines as we gain elevation. This area is noted for its bird watching potential. Look out for Rhododendron trees in blossom and trees with thick moss growing on them. Khantautmyit is one of the most beautiful spots of all, having large trees with colourful Rhododendron bushes all around. We shall have our dinner and overnight at Khantautmyit camp.
Wed - Day 06. Khantautmyit - Snow line. (trek)
After breakfast we continue to trek to the snow-line at an elevation of approximately 10,000 ft, 3,050 metres. Depending on where we decide to camp, today’s trek will cover around 6 – 7 kilometres and take around 3 – 4 hours. Our route follows a narrow path through lovely scenery of pine forest and rhododendron. We have a choice of three different camp sites tonight, and will choose the most suitable site according to the level of snowfall. We shall have our dinner and overnight at camp. We need to be prepared for the cold weather from here onwards; the temperature at night drops below freezing point.
Thu - Day 07. Snow line - Mt. Phongun summit - Snow line. (trek)
Fri - Day 08. Khantautmyit – Thitpingyi. (trek)
We can relax after breakfast this morning and admire the fantastic scenery. After an early lunch we trek back to Thitpingyi Camp, an undulating walk through constantly changing flora. The trek is relatively easy as we will be mostly following a mule trail. We shall have our dinner and overnight at our camp.
Sat - Day 09. Thitpingyi - Chaungzone – Ziyadum. (trek)
After breakfast and we shall be heading for Ziyadum, passing Chaungzone Camp along an easy undulating mule trail. Once we cross Namya creek by suspension bridge, we get into dense evergreen forest and follow a path that winds along Phangran Creek. After several days of wilderness camping, Ziyadum holds the promise of a hot shower and a comfortable, warm bed. We arrive in the afternoon and can spend the rest of the day relaxing our tired muscles. This evening we shall have a celebratory dinner over a bonfire before heading to bed at Ziyadum guesthouse.
Sun - Day 10. Ziyadum – Wasundum. (trek)
We can enjoy another lazy morning in and around the village today, as our return journey today is easy and relatively short. After an early lunch we bid farewell to the locals and head back to today’s destination, Awadum, crossing suspension bridges and walking the beautiful evergreen avenues. We shall have our dinner and overnight at Wasandum guest house.
Mon - Day 11. Wasundum - Shangaung – Putao. (trek/jeep)
Today’s trek takes us from the wilderness back to the farmland of the Putao Valley. The first stretch of the trek is uphill, to the plateau of Mt. Shangaung, before continuing rapidly downhill to Shangaung village where our jeep meets us and carries us back to Putao. This evening, we will go out for a farewell dinner with our fellow group members, including guides and porters, and commemorate the experience that we've shared for the past week in this unique part of the world. Overnight at our guesthouse.
Tue - Day 12. Departure.
Enjoy your last breakfast in the far-north at the guesthouse. After breakfast there may be time to visit the market for some last-minute shopping and photography. Should time permit, you will visit one of the local villages where you can interact with the local people and observe a traditional Rawan or Lisu dance performance. Your northern adventure ends with a transfer to the airport and your onward flight to Mandalay, Yangon or Myitkyina.
