Inle Lake

How convenient: this lovely lake, a famously delightful place to hang out in its own right, has good walking in its environs.

 As well as the two or three day trek from Kalaw (which can be walked to Kalaw although this involves more uphill), there is a good selection of day walks to be had in the environs of the lake, some around the main town, Nyaungshwe. These can either stay in the lowlands (paddies, sleepy villages, remains of stupas) or up into the hills for lovely views and cooler air. East of Nyaungshwe are Pa-O villages and big views back across the Inle basin. The hills to the west have interesting villages and scenery, although also some slightly dreary (in dry season anyway) scrubby areas. There are good walks once you get up, behind Inthein. All are, though, a delightful way to spend a day.

Overnight expeditions have not been encouraged, other than the Kalaw trek, although this may change.

Guides are a good idea, and are easily arranged on the spot. Walking here is exceedingly cheap, so don?t be too tough on the bargaining: every cent helps the struggling locals.

Lonely Planet?s Myanmar has reasonable starter information on the area.

Exotissimo (exotissimo.com) provide what look like fabulous treks at Inle and Kengtung and a 4 day Kalaw to Inle trek.

To go or not: until recently, there were major issues with visiting Myanmar, as a result of the money and affirmation that the regime receives - with counter-arguments to the effect that money to the desperately poor locals and foreign contact is more important. These were well put in the 2009 Lonely Planet. But, with the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, the debate has for the time being changed; she cautiously welcomes visitors coming to Myanmar.

SEE OUR KALAW-INLE AREA PAGE FOR DETAILED PRACTICAL INFORMATION.

THIS PAGE IS AT AN EARLY STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT: ALL SUGGESTIONS AND PHOTOS WELCOME!