Delhi, the capital of India, presents a vast panorama of fascinating images. It is a city where forts, tombs and ruins share the same skyline with high-rise buildings and stately homes. The wide tree-lined avenues of New Delhi give way to the crowded narrow lanes of Old Delhi, and along with this change comes a diametrically different culture and lifestyle. The presence of contrasts is a historical legacy of the city.

Delhi is a metropolitan city in the truest sense of the word. For centuries, it has attracted rulers, invaders, businessmen, builders, poets, painters and intellectuals from all over the world. Today, Delhi encloses many older cities and its stone walls have seen countless empires rise and fall.

Modern India’s history is synonymous with Delhi. It was from the ramparts of its Red Fort that India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, unfurled the national flag on August 15 1947. Today, as India’s capital and the seat of its parliament, the city hosts world leaders, diplomats, international missions, sports meets, cultural festivals and conferences.

Delhi is a major point of entry for foreign travelers to India. Boosts of a tourism infractructure which compares with the best in the world from international hotels with extensive facilities to gourmet restaurants, air conditioned limousines, luxury coaches, bargain shopping and much more. Delhi has everything going, and it is the ultimate travel experience.

While Egypt is most famous for its ancient monuments, it also offers luxurious beach resorts. Check out the Red Sea scuba diving or other water-sport. You will agree that Cheap Holidays to Egypt are delightful.

Ladakh, India, is a sparsely populated mountainous area tucked away high in the Himalayas. It is a land known for its remote beauty and culture, often called “Little Tibet”. Back in the third issue of our magazine, we shared about Ladakh and the amazing journey there. Here we’d like to showcase the amazing photographs of Scott Sporleder, which was featured then in our magazine. Enjoy this photographic journey through the Land of the High Passes!

The amazing view from the top of the world - Leh Ladakh

Colourful prayer flags can be found all around the Himalayas

People, ceremonies and temples

A religious ceremony in Ladakh

Temples and stone carvings

Temple interiors

Leh Ladakh - the Land of the High Passes

Unearthing Asia is a travel zine focusing on Lifestyle, Culture and Attractions all over Asia. Don’t miss out on the best last minute holidays ideas and inspirations in the region of Asia, such as this list of must do things in Bali.

Photo credits - antkriz

Photo credits - kkalyan

According to the legends, Dasara is celebrated as a victory of Goddess Chamundeswari over the demon Mahishasura. The 10th day of the festival – the most auspicious day of the Dasara – is Vijayadashami, which is symbolically celebrated as the victory of good over evil. This final event of the festival usually falls in the month of September or October.

This historical festival started during the period of Vijayanagar Kingdom in 15th century. Later, the Mysore Wodeyars carried over the tradition of Vijayanagara rulers. After the fall of Tipu Sulthan, the Wodeyars shifted to Mysore and continued the tradition. The Dasara festivities are held at the Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Kalamandira and the Town hall. Renowned artists in classical music, dance and folk perform during this festival. Apart from cultural events, sports and wrestling events are also there to entertain the viewers. However, the main attractions of Dasara are the colourful procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari on the decorated royal elephant, torchlight parade and the exotic fireworks at Bannimantap and exhibition.

Photo credits - Distra

Photo credits - kkalyan

Dasara (Navaratri) starts on the first day of Ashwija month, and it ends with the world famous Jambu Savari on the last day. Colourful tableaux, folk dancers, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels form a part of the procession. Dolls are also arranged in the houses in an artistic way, and illuminated.

On Vijayadashami, the traditional Dasara procession is held on the streets of Mysore city. The main attraction of this procession is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari which is placed on a golden mantapa on the top of a decorated elephant. Colourful tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels form a part of the procession which starts from the Mysore Palace and culminates at a place called Bannimantap where the banni tree is worshipped. The Dasara festivities would culminate on the night of Vijayadashami with an event held in the grounds at Bannimantap called as Panjina Kavayatthu (torch-light parade).

Another major attraction during the festival is the Dasara exhibition which is held in the exhibition grounds opposite to the Mysore Palace. This exhibition starts during Dasara and goes on till December. Various stalls which sell items like clothes, plastic items, kitchenware, cosmetics and eatables are set up and they attract a significant number of people. A play area containing attractions like Ferris wheel is also present to provide entertainment to the people. Various Governmental agencies setup stalls to signify the achievements and projects that they have undertaken.

About the Author. Lakshmi Menon. Lakshmi Menon writes articles on various topics, including South India tourism. Please visit her website for more information on her background expertise and services.

Photo credits - reurinkjan

Photo credits - saumil

Photo credits - saumil

Photo credits - saumil

The Taklakot to Kailash Mansarover trip starts at 6am and we drive all the way down to Rakshas Tal. At the first glimpse of Mount Kailash, I am overwhelmed by the majestic appearance. Local legends and religious stories played back in my mind, painting the mountain as the abode of Lord Shiva. Indeed, the stunning landscape is worthy to be called such, the abode of the Gods. I walked slowly towards the Holy Kailash Mansarovar Lake and stood there watching the color of the lake change from turquoise to deep blue. It was as if time stood still and I couldn’t feel a thing – I couldn’t hear the people around me; the only thing I could hear was the sound of the placid waters of the Lake beckoning me to take the holy dip!

Photo credits - t3rmin4t0r

Most people prefer to fly to Leh to reach Zanskar because of the altitude and the scenic vistas and not to mention the fact that you will get to fly over the Himalayan Ranges. If not for the comfort and ease of transportation, I was more than willing to fork out the extra money for the stunning views from above the sky.

As I walked out of the plane at an altitude of 11,500 feet above sea level, the first thing that caught my eye was the seemingly endless horizon filled with blinding whiteness. It started to drizzle a bit as I made my way towards the visitor centre, where I was greeted by a Tibetan with deep wrinkles and a large smile. He introduced himself as Chawang, and he was to be my guide for the trip to Zanskar Valley.

If you don’t have a guide for your trip then it might be a problem because to reach Zanskar, you need to cross over from Ladakh to Kashmir and back to Ladakh. There are several military checkpoints en-route which can be quite a headache. Another thing to note is that foreigners need a proper permit while traveling to some of the areas in Leh and Jammu and Kashmir – your guide can easily take care of that.

Photo credits - alles-schlumpf

Leh is a small town surrounded by the Ladakh Range on one side and the Zanskar Range on the other. Except for the Leh Palace, there are no attractions in the city. You can take a walk through the city, relax, and acclimatize. If you plan to stay in Leh for longer duration then you can pay a visit to some of the further attractions from Leh, such as the Thikse Monastery, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri Lake, and Khardung La Pass.

Early in the morning the next day, we made our way towards Zanskar Valley. To get to the valley the plan was to drive 234 kilometers through deep gorges, snow capped peaks and landslide zones towards Kargil, a halfway stop where we will spend the night and rest up. The next morning, we’ll drive the next 220km through from Kargil via Rangdum and Penzi La Pass towards Zangla.

In the morning light, the picture perfect scenery was simply unforgettable. A beautiful river snaked along snow capped mountains, with the imposing structure of Rangdum monastery bringing color into the barren landscape at the valley floors. The Rangdum Gompa, located some 7km from the Rangdum Valley, is perched on a hill offering a spectacular views of the nearby mountains and glaciers. This stunning monastery was established in the early 18th century and is home to around 40 monks.

About the Author. Parthajit. Parthajit is a nature & landscape photographer and trekker with travel experience in the Indian Himalayas (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), Western Ghats (India), Thailand, New Zealand, and Japan.

India is a land of many wonders, blessed with a amazing geography and cultural diversity that is unmatched throughout the region. Naturally, one of its main attraction is the Himalayas in the North East. Travelers are able to trek through to the Deccan Plateau and the smaller hills and waterfalls of the South, passing by regions each clad with their own charm of Indian history and culture. Here’s my list of 10 stunning high-altitude destinations in India, ranging from the popular and famous to the unknown, tranquil and serene.

Photo credits – Shikhar Sethi

Auli

State: Uttarakhand / Region – Garwal Himalayas
This popular ski resort is approximately 492km from Delhi, nestled at an altitude of around 3km above sea level. To reach the snow clad slopes, you treat yourself to a 4km long gondola ride, the longest in Asia. Apart from skiing, Auli also offers other attractions such as the highest man-made lake in the world and a stunning 180 degree view of the Himalayan Peaks.

Munsiyari

State: Uttarakhand / Region – Kumaon Himalayas
Munsiyari offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, trekking routes into a never ending horizon, high altitude glacier walks and the whispering of the wind in the God’s own natural amphitheater. Situated approximately 588km from Delhi, Munsiyari, meaning “place with snow”, stands at an altitude of 2,200m high. It gives you the chance to view some of the most beautiful snow-capped landscape in the region, with the road towards it filled with scintillating scenery.

Photo credits - thaddeus

Sangla

State: Himachal Pradesh
This is popularly considered as the most beautiful Himalayan valleys in India. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Sangla is situated on the historically famouse Hindustan-Tibet highway, a charming experience often dubbed, the Swiss Countryside of India. Visitors can enjoy a day out angling on the Baspa River, trekking to Kinner Kailash or pay a visit to the monastery at Rekong Peo.

Gangtok

State: Sikkim
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a popular haven for tourists, trekkers and mountaineers looking to explore the scenery of Sikkim. There is much to see within a day’s drive from Gangtok, such as the Tsomgo or Changu Lake, the famed Nathu La Pass which connects India to China’s Tibet autonomous region, as well as the valley of Yumthang. There are also numerous trekking routes starting from Gangtok, including the famed Mount Kanchenjunga (third highest in the world) trek and the Dzongri trek.

Photo credits - appaji

Tawang

State: Arunachal Pradesh
Located between the border of India and Bhutan, Tawang is yet another station boasting stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas. At the heart of this small hill station lies the Tawang Gompa, a Buddhist monastery home to not more than 40 monks. Nearby is the beautiful Sela Lake, pristine and untouched, while trekkers would enjoy a hike to the Sela Top Pass.

Igatpuri

State: Maharastra
Igatpuri is a small slepey town in the Western Ghats not far from Mumbai, approximately 138km. During the Monsoons, the landscape transforms into a riot of colors and waterfalls dot every nook and cranny of this valley. It is also home to the Vipasana center, where believers flock to meditate and renew their spirituality. The Tringalwadi Fort is a popular picturesque spot, offering one a wide angle view of the entire valley and the Talegaon Lake.

Photo credits - abeerarts

Araku Valley

State: Andhra Pradesh
For some of the coolest summer in Southern India, head straight to Araku Valley. Enjoy a picturesque train ride passing through numerous tunnels enroute, before finally reaching the rolling hills and waterfalls of the Araku Valley. The Borra Caves, 35km from Araku Valley, dates back to a million years back and are pure stalactite and stalagmite formations that tells a story from a different era.

Nagarhole National Park: Irpu Falls

State: Karnataka
Spread over 640 square km of virgin forests, streams and cascading waterfalls, the Nagarhole National Park is home to the mystical Irupu Falls (also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls). This stunning waterfall cascades down and takes a plunge of 170ft! The park is a haven of flora and fauna, and you can find wild elephants, leopards, spotted dear and Gaur, among others. It is also an excellent place for bird-watching.

Photo credits - likenew

Lakkidi

State: Kerala
When you travel to the land of Gods, what would you expect? Naturally, stunning scenic beauty fit for the Gods, exactly the type Kerala offers. Lakkidi, often referred to as the Tarzan territory, is the highest point in the Wayanad region of Kerala. It’s a forest canopy so dense that you can barely see the sky, where you can truly walk through the wilderness. Here, you can experience treetop living and walking 100 feet above the ground to get from one tree to another.

Bellikal

State: Tamil Nadu
Bellikal is a picturesque village situated on the Nilgiri Montains, with the famed Mudumalai forest on one end and the Sigur Plateau on the other. It is a place of isolation and tranquility, 5,500 ft above sea level. A trekker’s paradise, there are various trails here leading to various attractions such as the Kalhatti Falls, as well as the Bison valley, where you can spy on these amazing beasts. The biggest attraction here however, is the Kurinji Bush, which blooms only once every 12 years!

Photo credit (front) Sirwatkyn

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About the Author. Parthajit. Parthajit is a nature & landscape photographer and trekker with travel experience in the Indian Himalayas (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), Western Ghats (India), Thailand, New Zealand, and Japan.

Getting there

Photo credits - localsurfer

There are mainly two ways to reach Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin, which is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu: you can take a flight from Delhi or Mumbai or you can travel by train through the green landscape and rolling hills of the Western Ghats and then cross through Tamil Nadu to reach the place that Indians call their “lands end”. But be forewarned that the train journey could scratch to as long as 51 hours compared to a much shorter 3 hours flight.

The top tourist attractions in and around Kanyakumari is varied and will suit all tastes. The adventurous trekkers would enjoy a trip to the Tirparappu Waterfalls and the Mathoor Hanging Bridge. Those looking for a day of relaxation can head to Muttom Beach, a mere 32km away. There are also various temples, churches and museums bound to captivate your imagination.

Suchindram Temple

Photo credits - Skip The Budgie

The Suchindram Temple is one of its kinds, a beautiful Hindu temple dating way back to the 17th century. The three main deities of Hindu religion (Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma) are represented through just one image placed in the inner sanctum called Sthanumalayan. It is situated 11km from Cape and the priest of the temple would gladly give you a tour. The temple boasts exquisite architecture and sculpture, a perfect place to discover your inner spirituality.

Vattakottai Fort

Photo credits - santhosh_trans

Vattakottai Fort, around 7km away from the Cape, is a beautiful picnic spot popular with the locals. There is an elevated level on the Fort with well-manicured gardens from where I could see the blue waters of the sea merging into the deep blue sky. Sitting there was a pleasant experience as the cool wind kissed my face and I enjoyed a hearty lunch. There is a natural beach nearby where you can relax and have a tan or even go for a swim.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Photo credits - Skip The Budgie

The Vivekananda Rock Memorial, one of the most famous monument in Kanyakumari, is a popular tourist destination. This memorial rock is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, one of the greatest spiritual teachers of India in the 20th century. According to legend, this was where he had gone into deep meditation and saw the past, present, and future of India. It was also the place where he achieved salvation and his soul left his body at the age of 39 while he was deep in meditation. From the Cape, you can hire a boat to get to the Memorial Rock. During sunset, the Memorial Rock is always jam-packed with tourists trying to get the best vantage point form which to enjoy and capture the sunset.

The best time to visit Kanyakumari is from November to March, the time of the returning monsoons. The weather will neither be hot or humid and most of the days will be partly cloudy with cool wind. Cape Comorin is a popular destination for local domestic tourists on a one day trip, but I urge you to spend a little more time here and enjoy the serene beauty of India’s southern-most tip!

About the Author. Parthajit. Parthajit is a nature & landscape photographer and trekker with travel experience in the Indian Himalayas (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), Western Ghats (India), Thailand, New Zealand, and Japan.

You don’t need to even step foot in Kathmandu to appreciate its visions of spirituality and intrigue. First captured as the home of Shangri-la by the novelist James Hilton, then epitomized in song by Cat Stevens, it seems the world cannot get enough of this place, the capital of Nepal. It’s such an inspirational place that you’ll have no trouble finding things to do, but to whet your appetite, here are a few ideas for exploration in Kathmandu.

Durbar Square. Photo credit - LavenderStreak & JudePics.

Starting in Durbar Square

Durbar Square is where most tourists start their exploring in Kathmandu. Don’t be confused by the fact that three cities in Nepal have a Durbar Square – Durbar is a Nepali word for palace, so these were the courtyards in front of the royal palaces. Some of the oldest wooden buildings are here, and the square is a lively focal point with busy pedestrian traffic, selling, and tourists. The square is lined with quadrangles hiding courtyards and more temples.

Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest temple of Lord Shiva. Photo credit - 3dom.

Crossing the Bagmati to Patan

Once a separate city, today the Bagmati river is simply a geographic divide between Patan and Kathmandu, now a united city. It is hard to believe but Patan is packed with even more temples than Kathmandu, as well as several Buddhist monasteries – favorites include Kumbeshwar Temple, Banglamukhi Temple, or the Hiranya Varna Mahaa Vihar. Along the eastern part of Kathmandu you will find Pashupatinath Temple lined on the river banks, one of the most sacred among the temples of Lord Shiva. You’ll also find a lot of artists here, such as metal workers, and hence why they call Patan the city of artists.

Thamel District. Photo credit by - McKaySavage & s.o.m.o

Shopping & Partying in the Thamel District

The unique experiences continue over in Kathmandu’s Thamel district. These narrow streets are abuzz with pedestrians, motorcycles, cars, and bikes. Tourists and locals both pop into the various shops, restaurants, and bars that line both sides of each lane while cheesy 80s music blares out into the air. The fun continues here late into the night (with or without electric power) so it is the perfect place to come and let your hair down.

A pond at Bhaktapur's entrance (left) and intricate carvings throughout the village (right). Photo credit - TheDreamSky & Dey.

A Day Trip to Bhaktapur

Just east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is a gorgeous medieval village which historically was a very wealthy town given its strategic point along the India-Tibet trading route. With cars forbidden in the city center, you can step back and look over the gorgeous architecture, such as the famed Peacock window, while making the most of the ambience. Be also sure to get up and close and have a look at the wooden carving and all the pottery which seems to be scattered everywhere.

If You Go

Despite the remote location, it’s become relatively straightforward to reach Nepal. Direct air service is available throughout Asia, including cities like Hong Kong, Delhi, and Singapore. Most visitors can purchase a visa on arrival in the airport; you’ll need a passport photo but there are facilities available in the airport. Once you’re in, it’s easy to get around – consider a rickshaw in cities to get from one end of the city to another, or an organized tour to take you further afield.

Nepal is very safe but keep an eye out for the dreaded power cuts, required because the country cannot produce enough electricity to meet demands. This means you might have to travel on streets without streetlights. Although you’ll more likely trip than be pick-pocketed, take precautions never the less – its a rising problem that you should be aware of.

I don’t like to quote Wikipedia too often, but on this occasion it’s really quite apt – “‘Tibet’ names and definitions are linguistically and politically loaded language.” In context of this discussion, the Tibet we refer to is the official Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a natural geographic wonders, the world’s longest and highest plateau full of gorgeous scenery that has been dubbed ‘the roof of the world.’ While the country is filled with unique historical sites, natural phenomenon, and brilliant experiences, here are just a few ideas to get your next Tibet adventure started.

Capital Culture in Lhasa

Lhasa is Tibet’s capital and cultural center. The city has a long history dating back to the 7th century; some of the post popular sights to see today include –

Potala Palace. Photo credit - reurinkjan.

Potala Palace – this massive, earthquake-proof building is the largest collection of Tibetan relics. Inside are jewelry, murals, and priceless antiques. The palace is 14 stories tall so it’s a strenuous tour that will take the better part of a half day at least.

Bakhor Street. Photo credit - vwsluk.

Bakhor Street – Bakhor (or Baghor) is the oldest street in Lhasa, and today is a virtual open air market with each side of the old lane filled with shops and storefronts. You can pick up everything here, from a tacky souvenir to household goods to food and drink. The street is always quite crowded because it is one of the “circumambulation circuits,” a route that goes around the temple and is a method of showing devotion.

Jokhang Temple. Photo credit - Matthew Winterburn.

Jokhang Temple – the Jokhang monastery was originally built in 647AD and was expanded several times to reach the size you see today. Inside is a statue of Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha which is considered one of the most highly regarded religious in the country.

Natural Beauty

Get out of the cities and you’ll find yourself with some of Asia’s most dramatic natural sights. Beyond the fame and glory of scaling Mount Everest, at Tibet’s border with Nepal, you’ll also find these show stopping stops –

Yarlung Zangbo. Photo credit - notemper.

Yarlung Zangbo – this is a canyon waterway on the Parlung Zangbo River which packs in a number of great viewpoints along the crystal-clear waters. Ra’og Lake is beautiful and takes a different persona during each season – it has been called “Switzerland in Tibet.” There are also a number of glaciers that can be reached with some effort, such as the Midui glacier whose icy façade appears to just hang down the side of the cliff face.

Yamdrok Lake. Photo credit - Jake Ji.

Yamdrok Lake – one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibek, Yamdrok is also the source for Tibet’s largest hydroelectric power station. Local legend says that if Yamdrok dries up, Tibet will no longer be habitable. Surrounding the lake is a series of sharp mountain peaks and several small villages. The lake has nine islands – one is large enough to be home to the Samding Monastery.

Mount Kailash. Photo credit - reurinkjan.

Mount Kailash – spending three days walking around a mountain may not strike your fancy, but to do so around Mount Kailash is a pilgrimage, this one of the most sacred mountains in all of Tibet. It is the far west, and the mountain’s iconic rounded cap is almost always snow-covered and very inspirational even for non-Buddhists.

If You Go

All tourists require a permit of some sort to visit Tibet, and sometimes the rules change, so you’re best to check with a travel agent regarding the latest information before you travel. At a minimum you’ll need a Tibet Tourism Bureau permit. Some areas (which change frequently) require an Aliens’ Travel Permit (ATP) which is issued by branches of the Public Security Bureau in most larger Tibetan cities. And if you choose to go to some of the most remote areas, you’ll also need a military permit, only available in Lhasa. Typically permits are inexpensive when coupled with a tour package; otherwise you’ll be faced with a high markup.

If it all sounds confusing, it is. But it’s always better to double-check your paperwork than to be faced with disappointment. Also keep in mind the extreme altitude which can exert extreme stress on the body. Give yourself some time to acclimatize – in other words, don’t go trying to see all 14 stories of Portala Palace on your first day or walk around Mount Kailash in only 24 hours.

The beautiful remoteness of Putao has a prominent foothold on the Burmese imagination – remote, inaccessible and ringed by snow-capped Himalayan mountains. Truly off the beaten trek, Putao was one of the British Empire’s most remote outposts and due to its isolation, was never conquered by the Japanese during the World War.

Today, the Kachin state attracts adventurers, lured to the place by tales of rare species of orchids, the discovery of new breeds of snakes and the presence of the clouded leopard and the rare thakin. This Kachin state is also home to the world’s only Mongoloid pygmies.

Goegraphically Diverse

The Burmese Himalayas – possibly the least visited and commercialized stretch of the Himalayas combines the lush tropical forests of Myanmar with the cool climates and mountain-scapes of the Himalayas.

Even for geographically diverse Myanmar, Putao is unexpected; a 4 hour flight from humid, hot Yangon. It is a veritable paradise on earth – cool streams, bucolic landscapes, unjaded village children whose entertainment for the day includes following the very rare tourists on their jeeps, with enthusiastic hellos and goodbyes.

Putao. Photo credit - theInaung69.

There’s a lot of anticipation building up when one contemplates a trip to Putao. The legendary remoteness, the requirement for a separate visa (above and on top of the visa entry requirement to Myanmar), the insistence on all travelers purchasing travel insurance (with medical evacuation facilities) and your signing a waiver releasing the authorities from any liability should anything occur (with a clause stipulating that you understand that ‘Putao is very remote and medical evacuation facilities might not always be available’).

Once you’re in Yangon, news that you’re headed for Putao is invariably met with a mixture of admiration and envy and a unanimous take on how beautiful Putao is. The bad news is, flights to Putao are erratic and highly unreliable. Bad weather aside, flights within Myanmar are demand-driven and few, if any, visitors travel to Putao. At the Governor’s Residence Hotel in Yangon (the staging ground of choice for many an adventurous trip around Myanmar), I’d heard of many a disappointed traveler who’d never made it to Putao.

The airline with which I was to fly to Putao had ‘confirmed’ the flights but refused to issue the tickets till a later date. I was in Taungyyi for the spectacular, annual balloon festival on that day and my local partner had received a call informing me to the effect that the flight to Putao on my intended dates of travel had been cancelled. A possible alternative would have been to take a much less reliable airline with a worrying safety record which, as the local saying goes ‘you’d need to pack an umbrella inside when it rains’.

The disappointment of not getting to Putao after the months of planning being almost unacceptable, I asked my local partner if, ‘ even if I were to risk my life by taking the less reliable airline to Putao, would I be sure of getting back in Yangon in time for my next trip to Bhutan?’ The answer was ‘no’ and in any case, the less reliable airline wasn’t flying to Putao on those dates either.

We received a call again a few days later – the flight to Putao was going to happen after all!

Putao. Photo credit - phoetar.

Villagers in Putao. Photo credit - theInaung69.

Finally, Putao!

Flying from Yangon, the flight transited through Myitkyina and Mandalay. The leg from Mandalay to Putao quickly became like a convivial, small social set. The other travelers compared notes about other off-the-beaten trek destinations in Myanmar, excitedly anticipating Putao.

As with the rest of Myanmar, no photos of the airport and its surroundings are to be taken on arrival. your safari-style jeep transfer awaits to connect you to the resort, where a light lunch awaits.

Malikha Lodge, designed by Jean Michel Gathy of Aman Resorts’ fame, is simply breathtaking. The location of the resort could not be more unlikely for one does not expect to find such a luxury and urbanity in this remoteness.

Discreetly located in the main ‘town’ of Putao, with no obvious sign of its whereabouts, the architecture and design of the lodge facilitates indigenous materials and frames its inspired natural surroundings admirably. The outdoor terrace, available as a breakfast area when the weather permits, perfectly frames the Malikha river running through. From the individual bungalows – each large, luxuriant and unparalleled in privacy, is a private walkway to a stunning view of paddy fields below.

You’ve finally reached remote isolation, free to enjoy the natural beauty of Putao and its surrounding! Other than trekking to nearby villages, there are plenty of activities to help you enjoy the serene landscape of Putao. Raft along the Nam Lang and Malikha river, ending with a picnic lunch on an isolated beach trip. You can also opt for an elephant ride through the village or simply enjoy your own luxurious private space in the stillness of your bungalow.