Visit Kalaw, Burma
Kalaw is located to the west of Inle Lake, and blends the influences of Indian and Nepalese cultures. The area is ideal for walks and treks and it is possible to discover little-visited minority hill tribe villages.
Kalaw, Burma
Kalaw is located to the west of Inle Lake, and blends the influences of Indian and Nepalese cultures, which is immediately made clear in the delicious cuisine.
Visiting local hill tribe villages
The morning market is well worth a visit, and it has some interesting colonial remains, but Kalaw is better known as an excellent base for walking in the cool and picturesque mountains, blanketed in gnarled pine forests and bamboo groves. On longer treks it is possible to discover little-visited minority hill tribe villages.
Between Kalaw and Inle Lake is Pindaya, an area known for its paper umbrellas and hand-rolled cheroots, as well as caves full of Buddha images.
The wonderful rolling countryside between Kalaw and the picturesque Inle Lake shelters some of Asia’s most unspoilt minority villages, including Palaung, Pa-O, Taungthu and Danu communities.
Walking and trekking
Well off the beaten track and far from any road, the best way to explore is by trekking, spending nights in monasteries along the way. There are several routes available and the most challenging takes you from your starting point of Tha Yat Pu village near Kalaw to the crumbling temple complex of Indein, overlooking the shores of Inle Lake.
These simple overnight stays in local monasteries are fantastic, authentic experiences, giving you a rare insight into a time-honoured way of life.