Northern Myanmar

Kachin State

Kachin state is the second largest area of the country's 7 states. It is located in the northeastern parts of Myanmar. The State comprises 3 districts which are: Myityia, Bhamo and Putao. Kachin State; Myanmar northern most state border India to the north and China to the east. Most People living in Kachin state are of Tabeto- Burman origin, representing four main language groups, the jinghpaw, Maru, Yawyin and lisu. Most Kachin people are either Christians or Buddhist. Because Kachin State is a restricted area for foreigners special permits must be obtained before entry is possible.

Myitkyina

Myitkyina is the Capital of Kachin State and it is the commercial hob of the north and the largest town in the region. Set in a flat valley, Myitkyina in itself is not very interesting, however, since the travel restrictions of a 25 km. radius where recently lifted, the town may become the starting point for visits the Kachin villages in the area. 43km. north of Myitkyina the confluence of Meihka River and Malihka River, forming the beginning of the Ayeyarwady River, at Myit-son.To the southwest lies the huge and serene Indawgyi Lake, a unique place for rare birds watching.

Hpakant: is also known as " Jade City" , located 147 km. west of Myitkyina.This area has various kind of mines, including mines where the Imperial jade can be found. During the Kombaung Dynasty , roughly 75 % of all Kachin jade ended up in China because Burmese jadeite was usually more preferred than the Chinese nephrite (jade).

One of the best time to visit in January when the Manao Festival is celebrated every year on 10th January, which is the Kachin State Day. The Manau Festival( or the Kachin or jinghpaw, as commonly known in their language) is one of the largest national races of Myanmar. The Kachin are predominantly Christian, and the ceremonies of their ancestors are celebrated today as part of their cultural heritage. They celebrate the Kachin New Year,a good harvest or the unity of the different tribes and clans gathering at the Manao Festival by feasting and dancing together. It is a gentle and slow group dance without touching even at their fingertips. The festival is celebrated in December or Kachin State Day in January.

Puta O

Puta O lies in the northern end of the Hukaung Valley. It is sometimes called " the Switzerland of Myanmar" because of the snow-capped mountains in the horizon. North of Puta O is Mount Hka Ka Borazi ( Mt. Lieru ), which is 5,889 meters high . It is the highest peak in Myanmar. It is very popular with hiker and mountain climbers. There are water falls and streams with rapidly flowing icy water.

Some of the surrounding area lie above the Tropic of Cancer, in a zone characterized by a subtropical, broadleaf, evergreen forest up to 2,000 m; temperate, semi- deciduous, broadleaf rainforest from 2,000 m. to 3,000 m.; and evergreen, coniferous and sub- alpine snow forest passing into alpine scrub above 3,000 m.. The highlands north of Putao are considered one of the most pristine Himalayans environments in Asia and could become a major ecotourism destination if it is made accessible to foreigners. The local often refer to the surrounding peaks as the Ice Mountains.

Surrounded by snowcapped mountains such as Hkakabo Razi standing 5,889 m. high, this area is recommended in the summer and winter season (from October to April) and for adventures trekking travelers only. Satellite peaks in adjoining massifs include Namni Lka (4,664 m.) in the Adung Valley and Diphuk - Ha (4,360 m.) in the Seingku Vallage. Most of the populations of around 6,000 are Kachin and Lisu, followed by Burma, Shan and various other smaller tribal groups, elevated 400 meter above sea level.

Mt. Hkakaborazi

Mt. hkakaborazi is situated in Kachin State and is famous for its snow capped mountain peaks alongside the pristine forest, as well as its wild orchids. It is a very popular trekking destination.
In addition to the plentiful the wild orchids 134 avian species were also been recorded in the Hakkaborazi region, among them the impeyan pheasant and the blood pheasant, which are endangered species. The Hakkaborazi region is the home of the rare "blue sheep", the red goral, the takin, the scrow, the black beaking deer and leaf deer. A new species of deer was discovered by a team of science from wild life Couservation Forestry Department. The deer is so small that it can be wrapped up in a big leaf; hence, the name the new species of deer was given is the "leaf deer" (Muntiacus Puta Oenis). Other interesting animals are the takin (Budorcas Taxicolor), which is a type of goat-antelope and the red panda (Ailurus Fulgens). The richness of the biodiversity of the area is a big draw for eco tourists and for those wishing to go on trekking expeditions.

Lisu Tribe

The Lisu Tribe prefers to live in remote hilltops and their communities are found in both Kachin and Shan States. The Lisu women's long skirts are covered in front with a hanging rectangular embroidered cloth; and their jackets are sewn with silver coins and rows of beadwork. The Lisu women of other regions wear full skirts instead of sarongs, with long sleeved jackets and beaded cap. Strings of beads and shells are draped across the bosom and under one arm.

Chin State

The Chin people live in the northwest border areas or further south in the Rakhine State. The "Chin" comprise the aboriginal tribes of the hill districts, inhabiting that part of northwestern Myanmar. They are one of Myanmar's Ethnic Minorities. The name "Chin" is not recognized by all the tribes of the area. The Chin people have a great respect for birth, and bestow a natural reverence on the rights of the tribe, the clan and the family. Some of the Chin women completely cover their faces with tattoos in tasteful designs. The ritual is voluntary and, because the practice is dying out, fewer younger women are seen with tattooed faces. The Chin women's beautiful hand –woven cotton and silk in traditional designs and colors have become collectors items.

Chin state day us on the 20th February. On that day every year, the tribal people living around the capital of northern Chin State celebrate their "National Day" A another extremely important Chin festival is the "Lon-Yu" Chin Ethnic Festival. The Lon-Yu festival is celebrate after the end of cultivation month, which in early March. The celebration of Lon-Yu festival is regarded in the highest glory and nobleness by the Chin ethnic minorities. Distance relatives are invited to it for a reunion and to celebrate. Preserving the Lon-Yu festival is an important element in the survival the Chin ethnic minorities living in hilly region of the northwestern frontier of Myanmar.

Naga Celebrations

Every year on January 15th , in Naga, in the rugged mountains of the Northwest frontier of Myanmar, the many sub-tribes come out in all their finery at their annual New Year Festival, a gathering of the clans. Festival are held in which the people celebrate with bright colored costumes, by shrieking wildly and with the sound of thumping drums. Fierce-looking hunter and warrior chiefs gather to celebrate the New Year. They strut into town decked out in feathers and beaks of hornbill, claws and teeth of bear and tiger, tusks of boar and elephant, fur of bear, monkey and mountain goat, and shells brought over the mountains from seas they have never seen.