Trekking Through Shan State: Kalaw to Inle Lake

From

$243.00

Visit Inle Lake from Mandalay for 5 days with the tour guide. Traverse the rolling Shan hills on this trekking adventure from colonial Kalaw to awe-inspiring Inle Lake. Along the way wander through villages of welcoming local people from various ethnic groups. Learn about their traditional way of life and enjoy delicious meals in beautiful natural surroundings.

Who would love this tour?

Solo traveler, Friends, Couple, Youth, Active Senior

Duration

5 Days

Departure

7:00 am

Pickup Place

Hotel in Mandalay

Tour End

Heho airport

Highlights

The highlight of the program

  • Admire the natural beauty of Shan State on a short trekking adventure
  • Meet local people from the Shan, Pa-O, Danu, and Inthar ethnic groups
  • Explore the ancient pagodas of Indein overlooking Inle Lake

Accommodation

We use smart and clean hotels for our valuable clients to secure in every condition except under some experiential and local activities. If in case, the mentioned hotels are not available on your travel dates with valid reasons, then we will try to maintain alternative hotels which are at the same level.

Anyhow, if you do not satisfy the HOTEL we provide though we fitted the prime one in every destination, you are still welcome to address in advance upon your preferences.

Note: If your travel dates are fallen during X’s Mas and New Year, our tour price can be changed with the prior notice. If you have any more questions please contact us this email (office@myanmarupperland.com).

Destinations in this tour

Orchids in Kalaw

Kalaw

Inle boat

Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe)

Kuthodaw Pagoda

Mandalay

Itinerary

Day 1 : Mandalay – Kalaw

Meal: (Nil)

In the morning transfer to the bus station and take a local express bus to Kalaw. On arrival at (about 3:00 pm) Kalaw, you can take the taxi on your own (or), even the walking is possible to find your hotel easily (you will be advised exact address and Phone No.).
In the evening you will have time for your exploration in Kalaw. It located in the hill station of Shan State, with a laid back atmosphere, refreshing climate, and scenic views. At Kalaw’s heart is its market, where villagers from the surrounding hills come to sell their products.
Overnight at hotel in Kalaw

Day 2 : Kalaw – Khone Hla – Pettu Pauk

Meal: (B, L, D)

Let the adventure begin at 8.30 am this morning as you are transferred by car from your hotel in the colonial hill station of Kalaw to Lamine village, the starting point of this 2-day trek. The drive takes around 45 minutes and there is no need to worry about your luggage which will be taken directly to your hotel in Nyaung Shwe. Before changing from four wheels to two feet our local guide will give you a short introduction to nature and cultures you can expect to encounter over the next two days. This trek is not only a fantastic opportunity to admire the scenic beauty of Shan State up close and personal, but also to meet local communities from various ethnic groups.

The first stretch of the journey takes us higher in altitude to Pin Nwe and Paw Ke villages, about 2 hours walking from the trek start point. These are Pa-O villages where you will see local people dressed in dark clothing and colorful headdresses, meant to represent the head of a dragon from whom the Pa-O are believed to descend. From here, continue trekking for 1.5 hours to Khone Hla, a Danu village where we will enjoy a well-deserved break for lunch at the home of a local family. Try a range of fresh vegetables sourced directly from the surrounding countryside before trekking for 3 more hours towards Pettu Pauk, another Pa-O village. Along the way our guide will point out some of the locally grown produce to you, perhaps you will see some of the vegetables that you just ate for lunch.

Walkthrough beautiful, green scenery with rolling hills in the distance before arriving in Pettu Pauk monastery where you will enjoy dinner before laying down for the night.

Overnight in Pettu Pauk.

Trekking distance: Approx. 19km (6.5 hours)

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Day 3 : Pettu Pauk – Indein – Nyaung Shwe

Meal: (B, L)

Early this morning fuel up on a simple local breakfast in Pettu Pauk village and pack up your belongings before setting off on the second day of this trekking adventure. The main destination of today is Indein village on the western shore of Inle Lake and the 3.5-hour walk to get there brings more beautiful scenery and cultural learnings. During the walk, we will pass through villages inhabited by members of the Shan, Danu, and Pa-O ethnic groups. They all have distinctive traditions and your guide will share some of those with you. We will also pass through fields of potato, cabbage, and tea, among other products, where farmers can be seen planting or harvesting crops, depending on the time of the year. The different ethnic groups have their own languages so why not learn to say “Hello” in several different languages (with some help from our guide of course) and practice using your new vocabulary as you pass through friendly villages.

Upon arrival in Indein, the first stop will be a local restaurant for lunch. Then, our guide will take you on a tour of the village and its pagoda complex famous for the ancient, crumbling pagodas picturesquely located overlooking Inle Lake. Don’t miss Shwe Inthein Pagoda from which you can enjoy wonderful views across the lake.

After strolling around Indein and taking in the peaceful atmosphere you will be led to a jetty nearby where a motorized boat waits to take you on a 1-hour ride to Nyaung Shwe at the north of Inle Lake. Enjoy the stunning scenery on and around this living lake to cap off a wonderful trek through Shan State.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

Trekking distance: Approx. 10km (3.5 hours)

Difficulty: Easy

Day 4 : Inle by boat

Meal: (B)

In the morning our tour guide will lead you to the jetty to take a boat ride and visit Inle lake, a very special environment, lovely and atmospheric Inle lake, and leg rower boat fisherman. Visit  PhaungDawOopagoda, a famous principal shrines with five Buddha images which become the stone shape by the sheer volume of gold leaf applied by devotees. Producing gold and silverware is a long tradition of Local people here around Inle lake. And also you can visit weaving from lotus fibers, cheroot making, etc. Today you will learn the work of many traditional handicrafts and the ways of life there in Inle lake on your private boat. Overnight at hotel in Nyaung Shwe

Day 5 : Inle  departure

Meal: (B)

Airport transfer to Heho will be arranged by Myanmar Upper Land.
Today is departure day and depending on your request where you have to head again from Inle, Shan State. We will provide the appropriate proposal for your flight ticket booking (or) if you would like to continue with other short packages from us.

We use good and clean hotels for our valuable clients and our online price is based on the 3 stars hotel categories as we intend for the most pleasure for all travelers.

If you do not prefer 3 stars hotels, you may also request higher luxury hotels or lower budget hotels and we are happy to offer the updated price for this tour. Please let us know in advance.

include & exclude

What is included in this tour?
Items that are included in the tour price.

 

  • Hotel pick up and drop-off service
  • 3 nights accommodation with daily breakfast (twin sharing )
  • Overnight at the village on Day 2 during trekking
  • 1-way local air-conditioned bus from Mandalay to Kalaw
  • Entrance fees for the visit points
  • Airport transfer by car, boat transfer and full-day boat trip in Inle
  • Meals during trekking days
  • English speaking guide service  on Day 4 & trekking guide during trekking days
What is not included in this tour?
Items that are not included in the tour price.

 

  • International Air tickets and airport tax
  • Meals and beverages
  • Visa fees and arrangements
  • other services not mentioned

FAQ

What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

All cancellations made by travelers will be charged as follows:

  • Cancellation more than 45 days before the travel start date: there are no charges.
  • Between 30– 45 days before the travel start date: 25% of the tour cost.
  • Less than 30 days before the travel start date (or) No-show: 100% of the tour cost.
  • The Government Tax (5%) is non-refundable.
Can I book this tour at the last minute?

We say yes, and but it is subject to availability. Advance booking is recommended for a better and secure arrangement.  Please make Enquiry or Customized for this tour. Then we can get back to you with the information to help you book the tour.

What do I need to bring with me to do this tour?

We suggest you carry trekking shoes and other necessary materials for personal needs.

I am a solo traveler, can I book this tour?

We operate this tour privately as we, MUL considered to the privacy of the travelers and not sharing with other travelers. Our mentioned price is based on 2 passengers for a booking, but the solo traveler can still book this tour requesting for the solo price by email (office@myanmarupperland.com).

Is the vegetarian option available for this tour?

Yes, Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.

What is the best season to do this tour?

We have three seasons in Myanmar, October to February is Winter (cold) season with average temperatures 20-24 C, March to May is Summer (hot) season with average temperatures 30-35 C) and  June to September is the Monsoon (rainy) season, with high rainfall and average temperatures 25-30 C.

We recommend this tour during the Winter season (Oct – Feb).

Can I extend my trip for longer days or more exploration?

Yes, We offer extension tour packages and/or other travel-related services depend on your request. Please contact us at office@myanmarupperland.com.

Maps

Kalaw-Trekking

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You are customizing

Trekking Through Shan State: Kalaw to Inle Lake

As said, MUL take the time to get to know you and your travel desires to design a tailor-made plan even on our package deal except for the Destinations and means of Transports for this tour. 

Personal Info

Still, if you desire to design a more specific tailor-made itinerary, go and Plan your Trip