Introduction
Putao is the gateway to the Burmese Himalayas, a region overlooked by the silent giants of the mountains, where the icy waters of the Nam Lang River make their way through thick forests.
The northernmost town of Kachin State is close to Hkakabo Razi, which at over 5,800 metres is South East Asia's tallest peak and marks the boundary between Burma, China and India.
Nowadays, visitors can fly into Putao from Rangoon and Mandalay, which luckily means that this secret outpost, where the remote British base of Fort Hertz was once stationed, is now relatively easy to reach.
It's a great place from which to trek or mountain bike as you explore the area's superb scenery. Alternatively, visit some local villages, keeping an eye out for some unique species of plant and birdlife along the way.
