After an overnight in Yangon, we fly to the country’s northernmost province, Kachin, and the village of Putao, a marvelous little town in the shadow of the Himalaya (Burma’s highpoint, Hkakabo Razi, rises to more than 19,000 amazing feet 70 or so miles away). From our lodge we’ll enjoy a wealth of activities while relishing unexpected, exalting views of snow peaks rising from lush forests.

We continue with a flight to Mandalay and on to Kengtung in the staunchly independent, culturally unique Shan State, lying in Burma’s east on the China-Lao borderlands. From here we enjoy a series of lovely hikes, visiting Akha villages, famous for their women’s elaborate headdresses, then Ann villages, inhabited by animists, then Buddhist Tao Loi villages, and much intriguing multicultural else, returning each night to our Kengtung hotel.

The final thread in our Burmese tapestry takes us to Burma’s coast on the Bay of Bengal and centers on the proud and distinct Arakanese culture, flavored by Aryans, Mongols, Buddhists, and Muslims. We’ll boat along littoral rivers to explore vine-girt Buddhist temples and slowly crumbling lost cities in one of Asia’s least-known regions. From here we also make an excursion to visit with the mysterious Chin people, known for the florid tattoos that decorate their faces.

Day 1: arrive in Yangon • Day 2: fly to Putao • Days 3 & 4: hiking, village visits in Putao area • Day 5: fly to Mandalay • Day 6: fly to Kengtung • Day 7: hiking, village visits in Kengtung area • Day 8: fly to Yangon • Day 9: fly to Sittwe • Day 10: boat to Mrauk U • Day 11: exploring Mrauk U • Day 12: excursion to Chin village • Day 13: boat to Sittwe, fly to Yangon • Day 14: depart Yangon.

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