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.