 The
charming hill station Kalaw sits on the
western edge of Shan plateau at the altitude
of approx. 1350-meters. It was established
by the British to be a summer resort hill
station. The main living quarters are established
in the valley, whereas the charming colonial
buildings can be seen on the circular road
developed on the hills that encircled the
town. There are a number of Gurakhas who
once served in the British army still living
in the town, together with some retired
government servicemen, and other tribes
of the region. Due to the peaceful & charming
atmosphere, and the perfect temperature
even in the period of Myanmar hottest months,
Kalaw has been an escape-villa for everyone,
making possible to choose several hotels
in this minute area. Kalaw is worth to stay
for at least two nights just to soak up
in its Pine-fumed colonial ambiance doing
nothing at all except strolling on your
own foot along the misty trails dotted with
British country houses and churches or follow
the tribes who come to Kalaw central market
every 5-day. For most people, they prefer
Kalaw to use as the base to explore surrounding
hill tribe villages or as a starting point
for the multi-day trekking tours to Pindaya
or more typically to Inle Lake.
Trekking Trails around Kalaw
 The
surrounding hills of Kalaw, particularly
to the west, southwest and east, are scattered
with the hill tribe villages of Palaung,
Danu, Danaw, Pa O, Taungyo and Intha. The
numerous trails, which can be catered to
ones exertion and fitness level, that lead
to the mountain peaks with stunning views
of forested Shan ridges; tealeaf, Sebastian
and raps growing slopes; rice, fruits and
vegetable growing lush valleys; and the
friendly tribe villages where one could
admire their unsophisticated lifestyle.
In fact, the treks are not that demanding,
and ranging from one day to multi-day trips
as far as Pindaya Caves in the north and
more enjoyable yet sensible trek to the
western shores of Inle Lake. The later trail
passes through the settlements of Palaungs,
which belong to the Mon-Khmer language family,
and can easily recognize by the striking
costumes worn by the women. The trail then
passes some Burmese-speaking Danu & Taungyo
tribe villages, before it turns eastward
into the territory of Pa O tribe, which
belongs to the ethnic Karen and their multi-layer
black costumes worn by the women interpret
their mystic emergence in the human history.
It is an exciting but convenient to sleep
with the tribe villagers and at a monastery
for two nights on the trek to Inle Lake.
Your guides will arrange meals and sleeping
bags while you only need to pay attention
to the village visits, and take pleasure
in the dazzling sceneries.
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