1. Pin Tauk
Rated:
Moderate Trek (45 minutes uphill walk on good track)
OR
Easy Walk (Itinerary visits Wan Lar and Nam Lin Mai Villages only)
It's around a 1-hour drive through beautiful countryside to Pin Tauk and the start of a 7km trek through 3 local villages. Pan Lea( Eng tribe ), Wan Lar ( Akha tribe )and Nam Lin Mai ( Eng tribe) giving you a chance to meet and learn about the different minority groups living in the area.
The Eng, particularly the women, are prominent in their appearance. Their clothes are hand died a distinct Indigo color and their teeth are stained black from a burnt tree root, a tradition that starts when the girls are still young. Traditionally, Animists, the children have only recently started to attend school as historically, the Eng believed that Nature provided all the knowledge a human required. Take the time to meet the community and learn about their lives. They appreciate visitors and love to share their stories.
Return to Keng Tung in the afternoon. If time permits, along the way there's a stop off for a taste of the traditional rice whiskey distilled at Wan Puak, a traditional village that's home for the Palaung People.
2. Pan Pack Village of The Lahu Shi
Rated:
Challenging Trek - 3 to 4-hour uphill walk on a good track
OR
Motor Bike Access - not available all times of the year
Today it's around a 50-minute drive with Freddie to Kong Ma village, home of the Wa people. From there, it's a 3 to 4-hour uphill trek to visit the Lahu Shi. They are well known for their tiger hunting skills and forge a frugal living by subsistence farming on the steep mountain slopes. Set high in the hills at an altitude of 1600 meters, the sweeping views are beautiful. Stay a while with these people. You may even meet with the village chief.
After lunch, it's a 45-minute walk to Bar Khar village and around another 2 hours back to the car. Return to Keng Tung late in the afternoon.
Along the way, the walking track weaves through a tea plantation and has views of rice paddies in the valley below, as well as some more, terraced on the mountain. (NB: Rice is grown in the rainy season and harvested by November). Return to Keng Tung in the late afternoon.
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| The Lahu Shi traditionally Dress in Blue and White. |
After lunch, it's a 45-minute walk to Bar Khar village and around another 2 hours back to the car. Return to Keng Tung late in the afternoon.
3. Kabar Aye
Rated:
Easy - Vehicle Access with Short Walks
Today, drive for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Ho Lan (Kala Eng) Village and boat shape vegetarian monastery. Where you will many novice monks studying the Dharma (the teachings of Buddha). Most hale from remote areas of the country and a variety of ethnic groups. Afterward, continue to an Akha Village to learn about their daily lives. Lastly, visit Wan Sai Village and the Khun Shan traditional houses. Return to Keng Tung in the afternoon.
4. Ho Kyin - The Akha People
Rated:
Moderate Trek - Shortened Trek to 2 Villages along an undulating, good track (3 hours)
OR
Challenging - Trek to 4 Villages along an undulating, good track (5 hours)
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| Akhu Traditional Head-dress |
It's approximately a 1-hour drive in the morning to Pan Kwai village. Then, it's about 1 and
a half-hour walk to Ho Kyin (Akhu) village. You'll learn about the Akha culture and its diverse preference of religions,(Buddhism, Christianity, and Animism). The Akhu Ethnic Group is most recognized by their unique dress style, particularly the beaded headdress, worn by the women. Adorned with coins from all over the world, some of them handed down over generations and centuries-old, the decorative piece is far more than just an accessory as the wearer believes it protects her soul from being stolen by evil spirits. It's not even removed for sleeping! 5. The Colonial Hill Station of Loi Mwe
Rated:
Easy - Vehicle Access with Short Walks
Hill in the hills and accessed by road, the drive up to Loi Mwe takes approximately 2 hours. Along the way, you will pass through the picturesque scenery of forest and terraced rice paddies. Along the way, there are also several stops at different villages. Including Ho Lap, an Akhu Village where some still dress traditionally in colorful outfits and beaded head-dresses.
Located at an altitude of 1600 meters above seas level, translated, Loi Mwe literally means "misty mountain". The hill-station commands a magnificent view of the surrounding area and enjoys a comfortable, temperate climate. Once A British outpost, some Colonial buildings, including a Catholic church remain there today. Return to Keng Tung in the afternoon.
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