There are a number of White-water rafting routes in Myanmar,
the most exhilarating of which is the tumbling Himalayan Mayhka River, which
features an often extreme series of V-VI grade rapids stretched out over 200
kilometre route which can take around 10 days to complete in full.
The
river is at its best during February and March and is situated in Kachin
Province in the far north of the country, an area also highly suited to scenic
and cultural trekking.
Another white-water route in Kachin, is the Nam Lang
River, which offers ‘gentler’ class III-IV rapids and is suitable for all age
groups, which takes a less time demanding two days of rafting and a day’s trek,
while an even gentler ride on the Malikha River combines II and III grade rapids
and relaxing calm stretches among forest scenery.
Also in Kachin Province, for the climbing enthusiast,
there are four popular Himalayan climbing destinations, being Mount Phonekan
(3,600 metres), Mount Pangram (4,655 metres), Mount Phonyin (4,560 metres) and
Mount Hkakabo Razi (5,881 metres).
For the truly experienced specialist, Mount Hkakabo Razi, requires not only finely honed rock and ice skills but also additional visa documentation as the summit straddles the borders with China and
India.
Even if you don’t attempt the full climb, the natural
beauty of the area is outstanding, and worth a visit for any relatively fit
person.
There are, as yet, few established rock climbing routes
in Myanmar, but if you are in Mandalay, the nearby cliff at Waterfall Hill has
24 bolted routes up its 300 metre face.