• THE LISU
• Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions
  

NAM LANG RIVER ( 5 Days / 4 Nights )

RAWANG EXPLORER - 47 MILES ( 8 Days / 7 Nights )

PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING FOR RAFTING AND TREKKING

EXTENSION TO SNOW CAPPED HILLS IN NORTHERN MYANMAR

THE LISU The Lisu offers a variety of all – inclusive packages ex Putao.  Prices are per person on a twin share basis and are inclusive of all transfers, full board accommodation, and all daily activities and excursions. Prices do not include any alcohol or drinks the bar, private laundry, beauty treatments at the spa.

‘Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions’ Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions offers a variety of guided multi day trekking and rafting journeys from our base at The lisu. Trip prices on a twin share basis are also inclusive of full board accommodation  at the Lisu  pre and post expedition. more

Supplement for Domestic flight tickets

• Yangon – Myitkyina – Putao v.v is Usd 230 / person / way
  
• Mandalay – Myitkyina – Putao v.v is Usd 145 / person / way
  
  

Your trip cost includes all the elements of the expedition included in our brochure and trip itineraries:

• Airport Transfers
  
• Accommodation as per your expedition itinerary. This will be on a twin share. Should you require a single room or private tent please advise us in advance so we can arrange this. A single supplement will apply.
  
• All land transfers and internal flights as indicated in your itinerary.
  
• All prepared meals, wine, spirits, tea, coffee, and snacks on your journey.
  
• All safety and trek / river gear (except clothing and personal items – see personal equipment below) On river trips we provide lifejackets, helmets, spray jackets, dry bags, camera barrels, satellite phone and comprehensive first aid kits.
  
• Tented accommodation while on your trip including thermo-rests to sleep on.
  
• All camping and cooking equipment.
  
• Qualified and experienced guides and staff
  
• All necessary permits and licenses.

Perhaps the most important thing we provide is 20 years experience running professional expeditions in the Himalayas and worldwide.

Not included in the costs:

• Any kind of insurance,
  
• Inoculations,
  
• Visa costs,
  
• Yangon / Mandalay – Myitkyina – Putao v.v airfare
  
• Airport departure taxes (both International and Domestic),
  
• Expenses of a personal nature or any personal equipment listed below

Flight departures are every Tuesday and Friday from October to April.
All published rates are valid from 1^st October 2007 until April 30^th 2008.
A Single supplement of Usd 30 per trekking/rafting day will apply.
Minimum age 12 years old for all rafting and trekking expeditions.

For detailed itineraries and departure dates, or for longer or more personalized expeditions please visit our website on www.travelmyanmar.com / special interest tour / Luxury Resort in Northern Myanmar ( Burma )

NAM LANG RIVER

5 Days / 4 Nights

One of the highlights of any visit to Myanmar is our exclusive three-day wilderness journey on the pristine western headwaters of the Ayeyarwaddy. Suitable for most  age groups, the Nam Lang River combines the thrill of Class 3 and 4 whitewater through thickly forested canyons, with a closer insight into a people and way of life unchanged for centuries. This river journey is an incredible combination of white water, scenery, villages, and truly quiet and introspective evenings in our private camps.

Day 1 Arrive at Putao Airport and transfer to Malikha Lodge in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure in the grounds of our beautiful wilderness lodge, with time for a refreshing swim or spa treatment. Group dinner and drinks at the main lodge in front of our open fireplaces, and briefing from Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions on the following days adventure.

Day 2
Trek to Nam Lang Valley. An hours drive from Malikha Lodge we pass the village of Upper Sangaung which marks the beginning of the jungle. The road continues on for a few more km, towards the pass leading into the Nam Lang Valley to the beginning of our trek. We trek at a moderate pace for six to seven hours, four hours to the top of the pass, and another two down to our river camp. In traditional style the porters carry all the expedition food and equipment ahead, leaving us free to enjoy this scenic trek through untouched subtropical forest and giant bamboo. Our river camp lies close to the first river canyon, which is marked by a spectacular rattan and bamboo bridge across the river.

	Day 3 First day rafting. The following day, after breakfast everyone is fitted with their specialist rafting gear, while the trip leader and safety kayaker give an extensive lesson in river safety and paddling technique. We pass by the remote Lisu village of Nam Ze, at the foot of more snow-capped peaks. This is our last contact with “civilization” as we take an isolated loop into the lower canyons. Two hours below this village and we encounter some excellent technical rapids. From here we raft down to our final river beach camp at the beginning of the second canyon.
Day 4 Second day rafting. After a hearty breakfast we start the final and most challenging days rafting. An hour later, we reach three exciting and technical rapids stacked in succession in a tight bedrock canyon. The trio of rapids ends with a bang in a series of drops between massive boulders. From here it is about three hours rafting and leisurely cruising back to our home at Malikha Lodge, where a glass of champagne and long hot shower awaits.
Day 5 Return to Mandalay/Yangon. After a final leisurely breakfast at Malikha Lodge, check out and late morning transfer to Putao airport to connect with your flight back to Mandalay and the rest of your itinerary.

RAWANG EXPLORER - 47 MILES

8 Days / 7 Nights

This short and leisurely trek provides spectacular views of the mountain ranges along the border of India and Myanmar as we trek through jungle and Rawang tribal villages. Starting from just beyond Upper Sangaung our picturesque trek takes us through old growth forest over the main pass that separates the Putao valley from the pristine Nam Lang river valley, then further North West as far as Ziya Dam village, the last settlement before the Indian border. On the return leg we retrace our steps through Wanglai Dam and across to Upper Sangaung. If your time is limited or you just want to take a shorter less strenuous trek, then this is the one for you.

• Day 1 Arrive Putao and drive to Upper Sangaung: Snow capped mountains tower above the runway as our Air Bagan flight touches down at Putao, the northern most airstrip in Kachin State. At this frontier town you’ll be met by staff from Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions and Malikha Lodge, After an introductory lunch at Malikha Lodge, a scenic 90 minute drive takes you to the end of the road at Upper Sangaung in time for dinner and an early start the next morning.
  

• Day 2 Putao - Upper Sangaung - trekking to Wanglai Dam (approx 13 miles trek) After an early morning breakfast we head on up the trail into the forest. We trek at a leisurely pace to our camp just over the pass beside the Nam Lang River. This day is about six to seven hours of trekking and is probably the longest days trek with a gain of altitude of nearly 2000 feet or 600 metres. In traditional style the porters carry all the expedition food and equipment leaving us free to enjoy this scenic trek through untouched forest. If the weather is clear the views of snow-capped peaks towards the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Mt Phonekanrazi are spectacular. The final couple of hours walk downhill through impressive forest of giant trees brings us to our camp near Wanglai Dam village beside the river. We stay overnight in comfortable tents and enjoy a great dinner near the campfire.
  

• Day 3 Trek 9 miles to Ziya Dam. After an early wake up and strong coffee at the camp we start a day of trekking towards Ziya Dam. This day promises to offer great views toward Phonekanrazi and other snow capped mountains and gives impressions of village life in this remote area. We will pass several villages and try to stop at a school or a local house to get an insight in the local traditions. This part of Myanmar sees virtually no tourism, and the villages and farms along the way are much the way rural Myanmar has been for hundreds of years. In this remote part of Myanmar, the villagers have seen only a handful of westerners and their smiles and friendship are genuine. Ziya Dam is the last settlement before going further into the forest, and is our final destination on this short trek.
  

• Day 4 Trek 8 miles to our exclusive river camp near Wanglai Dam.  We commence trekking back towards the Nam Lang Valley and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way. The first river canyon at the top of the Nam Lang River near Wanglai Dam is marked by a rattan and bamboo bridge across the river; our riverside camp for the night is close to the bridge. The canyon is an impressive place with deep pools of turquoise water and some premium swimming holes. Our private camp is very tastefully sculptured into a huge rock platform that juts out over the Nam Lang River and tent sites back from here merge into the surrounding jungle.  Arrive in the afternoon where we stay overnight in rustic luxury and enjoy a hearty meal next to a campfire in the comfortable surrounds of our private camp.
  

• Day 5 Trek 10 miles to Upper Sangaung; transfer to Putao by car The last day of the trekking is relatively easy, and we take the same scenic and less used path back to the main Putao Valley and the road head at Upper Sangaung. The last part of the trek is a flat road leading towards civilisation. Transfer by our jeep car to Malikha Lodge where a warm bath and a cool glass of champagne are waiting for you. Dinner at the main lodge.
  

• Day 6 - 7 Malikha Lodge Spend two full days discovering Putao valley by joining one of the guided activities like mountain biking, a boat trip on the Malikha river or a trip on the back of an elephant. We’ll provide a picnic lunch or dine at the Lodge depending on what you feel like. Alternatively just relax at the lodge enjoying the views or ease aching muscles and soothe your soul with a complimentary massage. Evening dinner in the main lodge near the open fireplaces and a final chance to absorb the special ambience of the Malikha Lodge.
  

• Day 8 Depart Putao by flight After breakfast our car will bring you to Putao airport for your onwards flight in the direction of Mandalay and Yangon.
  

AYEYARWADDY EXPEDITIONS

Myanmar’s Kachin State in the Eastern Himalayas remains one of the least visited wilderness areas on earth, offering unique opportunities for true frontier exploration. It has only recently become possible to obtain permission to visit many areas of this little known destination. Now for the very first time, Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions offers exclusive rafting and trekking journeys into this tribal land of dense forests and snow-capped mountains, which to this day remains completely cut off from the modern world. With little in the way of roads or development the Northern Myanmar ecosystem remains incredibly intact and is internationally recognized as a hotspot of biodiversity. Climax old growth forest is common, supporting a huge range of animal and bird life while in the high alpine meadows many of Asia’s rarest flowers thrive. This is a place of pristine beauty, exotic cultures and some of the most radical topography on earth. Travelling in Kachin State is full of simple delights and opportunities that cannot now be found elsewhere, providing timeless and unpretentious experiences.

From our luxurious base at The Lisu, we provide a whole range of adventures from shorter half-day excursions to month-long hardcore expeditions. With the highest attention to operational safety, equipment and service, visitors can rest assured that they are in the best of hands. Our holidays are all about adventure, excitement, and a journey through the natural beauty and cultural diversity of some of the planet’s last remote areas.

Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions are the pioneers of river descents in Myanmar and our staff have decades of leading edge rafting and kayaking experience worldwide. Based on our exploratory first descents we are initially offering two very different river trips. One standard river trip will be an exclusive four-day wilderness journey on the pristine western headwaters of the Ayeyarwaddy. By contrast, the Mayhka river is the most extreme multi-day river expedition offered on the planet. This is our “Everest of Rivers” and the expedition in early 2005 will be the first commercial raft descent.

We operate a variety of treks deep into the Kachin hill-tribe territory along the borders of India, Myanmar and Tibet. Our trekking routes take us along ancient hunting and trading paths through dense tropical jungle with longer treks rising into alpine forests and meadows to the glaciated peaks. While trekking we camp in spectacular wilderness settings, and during the day we pass through different ethnic tribal villages. Using local guides and porters from these remote areas enables heart warming cultural interaction which is a big part of what makes trekking in these isolated areas so special.

If our scheduled departures don’t fit we can plan a Custom trip for you. Some expeditions lend themselves particularly well to Charter trips, but any adventure can be modified for special groups and we can arrange just about any trip you can imagine and perhaps a few you’ve never considered. We can organize extreme river expeditions and treks of any length from one day to months, fishing trips, filming teams, mountain biking and family river journeys.

In keeping with our approach to sustainable tourism in this fragile area, guests are encouraged to view our local community projects and gain insights into frontier life. Established after careful consultation with local church and village elders, our projects create a direct link between Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions and the communities around us. A contribution from every client is made towards the upkeep of existing projects and the development of new social and environmental ventures.

PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING FOR RAFTING AND TREKKING

Since all our rafting expeditions include at least one trekking day, clients will also need to bring items as prescribed on our trekking list.

As a general rule when packing for one of our wilderness expeditions please keep personal gear to a minimum. Clothing should be lightweight, dry quickly, and provide insulation even when wet.  Synthetic fibers are preferable to cotton on the river for this reason. For any other personal items not included on our detailed equipment list below, please feel free to contact us directly.

1. For camping and travelling:

A sleeping bag. Your sleeping bag should be at least a three-season bag, either down or synthetic filled. If you do not have a sleeping bag we do have them for hire or purchase.  A Therma-rest (inflatable sleeping mattress) is provided by Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions for your comfort.

Lightweight pants and jacket.  The brushed nylon pants and windbreakers made by a variety of companies are ideal for trekking and general travel wear.

Long sleeved thermal, top and bottoms (long underwear).  These are synthetic clothing such as Patagonia Capaline which maintain their insulating value even when wet, and are therefore ideal for wearing around the campsite and on the river. The zippered turtleneck is particularly handy, as it can be vented and keeps the sun off the back of your neck. Light and medium weight weaves are the handiest.

Socks: Two pairs of polypropylene or polypro mix athletic socks.  

Cotton underwear.

Lightweight long sleeved shirt. These are particularly useful as sunscreen in camp. In addition temperatures in the shade remain cool throughout the season

Two cotton T-shirts.

A fleece jacket.  Polypropylene is preferable.

A Gore-Tex or similar material raincoat and pants.  This will keep you warm and dry in a variety of situations. A simple shell design is preferable, as they can be packed away into very small bundles.

Small Towel

Toiletries: keep it to a minimum.  Bring plenty of moisturizing lotion. 

Spare glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.

Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries. 

Water bottle

Toilet paper and lighter –We do provide it on all trips, but also advise you carry your own supply for convenience. The lighter is forburning the toilet paper after you’ve used it.

Insect Repellent: Our Nam Lang river camp has screened areas where insects are not a problem, but while trekking and rafting in the jungle bring plenty of insect repellent.

Lightweight cotton gloves are also handy as additional insect protection.


2. River Wear:

River sandals or wet suit booties are the preferred footwear on the river. Tevas, Alps, or other high quality river sandals or booties should be brought from home.  It is essential that all rafters have footwear that they can wear in the raft, which will not come off in the event of a swim, as this is considered standard safety equipment. One of the best options is simple wetsuit booties used for diving or windsurfing. These also offer additional protection from insect bites.

River shorts Good quality, such as Patagonia Baggies or Guide Shorts. These are by far the best all around river wear, as they are durable, dry quickly, and provide the pockets you will need for little items you’ll want to keep close. Two pairs are enough.

Swimming costume – (or you can just get by with river shorts).  

A sarong for women (a long piece of cloth wrapped around your waist) is another good option, and can be purchased cheaply in Myanmar. This is invaluable for visiting villages and respecting local custom for dress. It can also be used to replace your towel for drying after washing.

A baseball style cap and good sunglasses equipped with a retaining device to keep them on your face where they belong.

Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater and waterproof) is essential

Lip Balm, SPF 15 minimum


3. Trekking:

A daypack.  It should be a medium volume daypack without a frame, and again, the most important criteria are how well it fits and works.

Lightweight hiking boots or running shoes of good quality and preferably worn in are a must. For people who do not routinely walk in the mountains, light hiking boots are strongly recommended. Heavy mountaineering boots are not recommended.

For longer treks and Higher Altitude treks waterproof pants, gaiters, additional socks and thermal hats and gloves are highly recommended.


4. Optional:

Camera and film. Also bring a good cleaning kit, as field conditions are harsher than in towns.  Spare batteries are also handy. There will be waterproof Pelican Cases supplied on the rafting trips. Packets of silica gel will help reduce humidity in the camera case.

Small binoculars for wildlife viewing.  If you’re an avid bird watcher you may want to bring a more substantial pair of binoculars with a waterproof case. 

Pocketknife or multi-tool.

Fishing equipment.

Reading and writing material.

Personal first aid kit.

Personal linen, pillow case or under sheet


5. Provided by us:

Ayeyarwaddy Expeditions will provide the following equipment for all clients on our rafting and trekking expeditions:

All safety and trek / river gear (except clothing and personal items – see personal equipment above) On river trips we provide lifejackets, helmets, spray jackets, wet suits when required, dry bags, camera barrels, satellite phone and comprehensive first aid kits.

Tented accommodation while on your trip.

Mattresses or thermo-rests to sleep on

Cooking equipment including all kitchen utensils, pots, pans, plates and glassware

Directors Chairs – comfortable chairs, ideal around the campfire, which are made of canvas and fold away