kachin
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Overview

Kachin State is a beautiful state located northern of Myanmar and is adorned by the king of mountains, the Himalayas. Hkakabo Razi, the highest peak of Myanmar is also located here. Kachin is also home to the largest inland lake of Southeast Asia – Indawgyi Lake and the birthplace of Ayeyarwady River. The lush green farmlands on the banks of the river interspersed with snow-capped peaks present a postcard-perfect scene for visitors to admire. The state is also famous for the abundance of jade and gold. The sight of people in groups digging a panning for gold is quite common to be seen on the sides of Ayeyarwaddy River.

Marvellous Scenaries

Being the northernmost state, Kachin presents amazing natural views for tourists to enjoy. It is the birthplace of Ayeyarwaddy, the most important river of Myanmar. A short ride from Myitkyina will take tourists to Myitsone, where MayKha and Malika rivers join together to form Ayeyarwaddy. The clear water and the cool climate is to be cherished. The extensive banks of Ayeyarwaddy are ideal for farming and hence, lush green farmlands are the most common view here. Kachin is also home to Indawgyi, Myanmar’s largest natural lake, a stunning and secluded destination for nature lovers. It is fairly untouched although adventure activities such as recreational fishing, kayaking, trekking and cycling are available.

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Putao, Kachin

When to go

The Best Time to visit Kachin State is from
October to April,

when daytime temperatures are quite pleasant and nights are cool. Conversely the mountraineering season for conquering Khahabo Razi is August and September when there is minimal snow on the route to the summit

There are three main seasons:

November/February

Winter and best toursist season, usually clear skies, warm during the day, cool evenings. Temperatures steadily decrease during there months. Average temperature would be between low 3/10 degree and high 20/30 degree Celsius. During late Dec till February temperature could drop steadily and up to below freezing in the snow line causing heavy fall on the snow which make the trek rather challenging one.

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March/May

Summer season, usually clear mornings, after hazy skies, warm during the day but comfortably cool in the mornings and evenings. Temperatures steadily increase during these months. Average temperature would be between low 10/15 degree and high 20/35 degree Celsius. SOme rain shower can be expected during these months.

June/October

Rainy season, still fascinating for those interested in the flora and fauna of the region and best season to scale Mt. Hkakaborazi which unless otherwise not possible to scale during winter due to heavy snow fall on the mountains. Average temperature during this period would be between low 18.20 degree and high 28/30 degree Celcius with high humidity

General Idea of Kachin State weather throughout the year

Month Avg. High (°C) Avg. Mean (°C) Avg. Low (°C)
Jan 26.2 18.7 11.5
Feb 28.9 21.2 13.2
Mar 31.6 24.6 17.2
Apr 33.5 27.1 20.4
May 33.4 28.3 22.9
Jun 31.6 27.9 24.4
Jul 31.3 27.7 24.7
Aug 32.1 28.3 24.8
Sep 32.4 28 24.3
Oct 31.2 26.2 21.5
Nov 29.3 22.7 16.4
Dec 26.5 19.3 12.4

Popular Attractions

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Myitkyina

Myitkyina is the capital state of Kachin State and is renowned for its cultural, religious and ethnic diversity, attractive riverside or surrounds areas. A short drive from Myitkyina takes a visitor to Myitsone, the largest inland lake of Southeast Asia. Myitkyina has a lovely riverfront where a local market is operated regularly. A large standing and reclining Buddha image also adorn the river bank.
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Myitsone

A journey of 45 kilometres to the north of Myitkyina takes a visitor to Myitsone, the scenic confluence of the Mayhka and the Malikha rivers which join to form the Ayeyarwady river. The journey takes about one and a half hours and the road passes through breathtakingly scenic parts of Myanmar.
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Inndawgyi Lake

Inndawgyi Lake, the largest inland lake of Southeast Asia is located in the Mohnyin Township in the Kachin State. The lake measure 13 km east to west and 24 km north to south. The lake has a wildlife sanctuary around it which contains a variety of species especially some rare mammals and birds.
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Putao

Tourists looking forward to viewing some snow-capped peaks need to visit Putao, a quaint town nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. The town has a cold climate throughout the year and is characterised by people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds who are warm to tourists. Visitors will be able to see a number of flora and fauna here, especially rare species.
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Shwe Mitzu pagoda

Shwe Mitzu pagoda is an enchanting pagoda located on the west bank of the Inndawgyi lake. The pagoda consists of terraces, each of which is adorned with stone statues.
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Kachin People

The hills of Kachin are inhabited by the Kachin or Chingpaw people who are characterised by a large number of tribes, sub-tribes and clans. Most numbers of Kachin people live in China and India and speak the Jinghpaw language and survive on farming on the hill.

Local Festivals

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Inn Daw Gyi Shwe Mitzu Pagoda Festival

Conducted for 8 days in March of every year, this festival is celebrated on the bank of the Inndawgyi lake. Prior to the festival, sandbanks emerge on the side of the lake, making it easier for pilgrims to reach the pagoda. Locals believe that one sandbank is for humans while the others is for spirits to visit the pagoda.

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Manaw Festival

Kachin Manaw Festival is an annual traditional dance festival celebrated by Kachin people. Mostly held at Myitkyina, Kachin State also known as Manaw Land in Myanmar and also celebrated by Kachin people around the world. Manaw is the largest festival in Myitkyina, held at the beginning of January. Manaw Festival is the most significant event for Kachin People. Tribes of Kachin gather together in Manaw ground and dance around the erected Manaw poles. The manau dance is performed at Manau festivals, which originates as part of the "Nat" or spirit worship of the past.

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Getting there and around

Ways to travel from
Yangon to Kachin State

Fly to Myitkyina

3h 38min

US$125-371
Train

40h 45min

US$7-32
Bus

24h 15min

US$50-52

Fly to Khamti, drive

13h 23min

US$170-324
Fly to Lashio, drive

8h 38min

US$170-299
Drive 1187.4 km

14h 32min

US$113-163

Where to stay

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Hotel Madira

Standard Room Average

$33-$58
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29 reviews
#1 Best Value of 47 places to stay in Kachin State

By Eugene

"A nice family-owner hotel with a cafe that serves great coffee! Convenient location and staff are very helpful organising transportation, etc. Good value for money and makes travelling easy."

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Malikha Lodge

Standard Room Average

$318-$354
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20 reviews
#2 Best Value of 47 places to stay in Kachin State

By Eaindra K

"The bungalows are spacious and authentic. Especially, the feeling we can do camping thing is the most precious for me in this situation. Despite of the best service, I would like to recommend the more leisure and..."

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Friendship Hotel

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Small Hotel
32 reviews
#3 Best Value of 47 places to stay in Kachin State

By MIB Tour Compan... M

"Although the hotel is the very earliest one in Bhamo, service and facilities are acceptable and rooms are clean. Located in the very down town and easily to experience with city life and to find restaurants and..."

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Wun Tawp Garden Hotel

Standard Room Average

$35-$39
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Small Hotel
10 reviews
#4 Best Value of 47 places to stay in Kachin State

By fadanothai

"The room was fine with a spacious bathroom and screen windows. There is an interesting temple just down the road and an interesting and lively fresh market a block or two away."

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Palm Spring Resort

Standard Room Average

$90-$100
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Small Hotel
19 reviews
#5 Best Value of 47 places to stay in Kachin State

By EnzOnTours

"I would have to admit that it is currently the best resort in town. Room is clean and cozy, it is sure relaxing. Breakfast is very good (especially traditional noodles). They have very attentive staff, you will be..."

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