Myanmar Himalaya Bird Watching Tour
(18night 19day Bird Watching Tours in Myanmar Himalayan outback)
Expect more than 300 species of birds on this bird watching tour in Myanmar Himalayan outback to Phongan Razi mountain!
| Duration: | 18nights 19days – 16 days trekking |
| Coverage: | Putao – Shanguang Village – Hpatek Camp – Wasandum Village – Lonnadam Village – Ziyadam Village – Confluence Camp – Thitpingyi Camp – Khantautmyit Camp – Putao |
| Highlights: | Bird watching (expect more than 300 bird species) in Myanmar Himalayan outback, moderate to challenging adventure trek to pristine wilderness of snow-capped Phongan Razi Mountain, indigenous, cultural and Eco tour. |
| Accommodation: | Village homes (10 nights), guesthouses (1 night) and camping (7 nights) |
| Meal: | Full board meal during the trek as per itinerary |
| Best time to go: | November to April |
| Departure: | Fridays. |
Good to know…
Fitness
The tour does not require a high level of fitness but you should be in good general health. You must let us know of any physical limitations you may have including recent hip and knee replacements please contact us. Please note we will be traveling in high altitudes on a moderate to challenging multiple day village and mountain trek in the remote area with no medical facility.
Climate
Usually cool. Raining conditions are unlikely but possible.
Equipment and gear to pack
Please bring your usual essential birding equipment as well as a small hiking backpack for day trips, sleeping bag, tent, own personal drink bottle, sun hat, sun cream, flash light, raincoat, gloves and fleece-jacket.
Ten week advance booking required!
Permission to travel in Myanmar Himalayas is required for this tour. We need to receive your booking ideally 10 weeks prior to your planned departure date. Please also see our
Brief Itinerary
Day – 1 (Friday): Putao (arrival from Yangon/ Mandalay/ Myitkyinar)
Day – 2 (Saturday): Jeep/ truk to Shanguang Village (Jeep/ Truck)
Day – 3 (Sunday): Trek to Hpatek Camp
Day – 4 (Monday): Trek to Wasandum Village
Day – 5 (Tuesday): Trek to Lonnadam Village
Day – 6 (Wednesday): Trek to Ziyadam Village
Day – 7 (Thursday): Explore around Ziyadam Village
Day – 8 (Friday): Trek to Confluence Camp
Day – 9 (Saturday): Trek to Thitpingyi (Big Tree) Camp
Day – 10 (Sunday): Trek to Khantautmyit Camp
Day – 11 (Monday): Explore around Khantautmyit Camp
Day – 12 (Tuesday): Trek back to Thitpingyi (Big Tree) Camp
Day – 13 (Wednesday): Trek to Confluence Camp
Day – 14 (Thursday): Trek to Ziyadam Village
Day – 15 (Friday): Trek to Lonnadam Village
Day – 16 (Saturday): Trek to Wasandum Village
Day – 17 (Sunday): Trek to Hpatek Camp
Day – 18 (Monday): Trek to Shanguang Village
Day – 19 (Tuesday): Transfer to Putao – onward journey
NOTE:
This is the sample and the actual itinerary may vary.
We reserves the right to change the itineraries (rearranging the order of the tour programs, to cancel or substitute places to visit or to combine to make decent group size if there is a shortage of trek leaders and support staff) at any time without prior notice depending on the weather, operational and local conditions.
Contact us for special offers, tailor made requirements, accommodation options, pre and post tour travel services and extensions.
Detailed Itinerary
Day – 1 (Friday): Putao (arrival from Yangon/ Mandalay/ Myitkyinar)
Flights from Yangon to Putao via Mandalay and Myitkyinar takes approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, meet and greet by our representative and transfer to the guest house for check in. Then leave for bird watching around Putao. Overnight at the guesthouse in Putao. (_, _, D)
Altitude: 440 meters
Putao (formerly Fort Hertz) is a small town surrounded by ranges of snow-capped mountains. It is located at the north part of Myanmar and at about 440m above sea level.
Day – 2 (Saturday): Jeep/ truk to Shanguang Village (Jeep/ Truck)
The expedition to Mount Phongan Razi (the summit elevation of 3506 meter above sea level) begins today! After breakfast, drive to Shanguang Village which is a Rawang Village approximately 30 kilometer north of Putao. After Arrival, bird watching around the village. Overnight at a local village home at Shanguang Village. (B, L, D)
Shanguaung Village, at an altitude of 440 metre is located 30 km north of Putao. It is a Rawang village of approximately 100 households. From this village to Mount Phongan Razi is landlocked with no transportation except by footpath. Vegetation is primary hill evergreen forest. This remote area was visited by only a few ornithologists until the early part of this century and remains largely unexplored even today. Therefore here we can see not only recorded Eastern Himalayan enigmatic speciality birds but also many unseen bird species.
Altitude: 440 metres
Day – 3 (Sunday): Trek to Hpatek Camp
After breakfast, ascend towards Hpatek Camp. From here we will have a fantastic view towards the snow covered mountains along the Indian border including the summit of Mt. Phongan Razi. We will do bird watching on the way and around the camp. Overnight in tents at Hpatek Camp. (B, L, D)
Altitude: 450 to 1400 metres
Distance: ~11 kilometres
Day – 4 (Monday): Trek to Wasandum Village
After breakfast, descend towards Wasandum, a small village of ~20 households. We will do bird watching on the way and around Wasandum Village. Overnight in a local village home. (B, L, D)
Altitude: 1400 to 800 meters
Distance: ~ 6 kilometers
Day – 5 (Tuesday): Trek to Lonnadam Village
After breakfast, trek to Lonnadam Village on a relatively flat terrain. We will do bird watching on the way and around this small village. Overnight in tents in the village. (B, L, D)
Altitude: 800 to 950 meters
Distance: ~ 9 kilometers
Day – 6 (Wednesday): Trek to Ziyadam Village
Breakfast, trek to Ziyadam Village with approximately 25 households. It is also the last village/ human inhabitant on this route. The trek is on a relatively flat terrain. We will do bird watching on the way and around the village. Overnight at a village home. (B, L, D)
Altitude: 950 to 1050 metres
Distance: ~8 kilometres
Day – 7 (Thursday): Explore around Ziyadam Village
Birdwatching along the Ziya River in primary forests. Overnight at a vaillage home in Ziyadam. (B, L, D)
Day – 8 (Friday): Trek to Confluence Camp
Ascend towards the Confluence Camp. We will do bird watching on the way and around the camp. Overnight in tents at Confluence Camp. (B, L, D)
Altitude: 1050 to 1300 metres
Distance: ~9 kilometres
Day – 9 (Saturday): Trek to Thitpingyi (Big Tree) Camp
Ascend towards Thitpingyi (means “big tree”) Camp. We will do bird watching on the way and around the camp. Overnight in tents at Thitpingyi Camp. (B, L, D)
Altitude: 1300 to 1850 metres
Distance: 8 km
Day – 10 (Sunday): Trek to Khantautmyit Camp
We will climb up to Khantautmyit Camp and do bird watching on the way and around the camp. Overnight in tents at Khantautmyit Camp. (B, L, D)
Altitude: 1850 to 2500 metres
Distance: ~5 kilometres
Day – 11 (Monday): Explore around Khantautmyit Camp
Today we will explore the area near Mt. Phongan Razi summit to observe Fair-tailed Myzornis and very rare Himalayan speciality birds. Overnight at Khantautmyit Camp. (B, L, D)
Day – 12 (Tuesday): Trek back to Thitpingyi (Big Tree) Camp
Return to Thitpingyi Camp. Bird watching on the way. Overnight at Thitpingyi Camp. (B, L, D)
Day – 13 (Wednesday): Trek to Confluence Camp
Continue to Confluence Camp. Bird watching on the way. Overnight at Confluence Camp. (B, L, D)
Day – 14 (Thursday): Trek to Ziyadam Village
Trek to Ziyadam Village. Bird watching on the way. Overnight at a village home at Ziyadam. (B, L, D)
Day – 15 (Friday): Trek to Lonnadam Village
Trek to Lonnadam Village. Bird watching on the way. Overnight at a village home at Lonndadam. (B, L, D)
Day – 16 (Saturday): Trek to Wasandum Village
Head back to Wasadum Village. Birdwatching on the way. Overnight at a village home in Wasandum. (B, L, D)
Day – 17 (Sunday): Trek to Hpatek Camp
Trek to Hpatek Camp. Birdwatching on the way. Overnight at Hpatek Camp. (B, L, D)
Day – 18 (Monday): Trek to Shanguang Village
Final day of trek to Shangaung village. Birdwatching on the way. Overnight at a village home in Shangaung. (B, L, D)
Day – 19 (Tuesday): Transfer to Putao – onward journey (via Myitkyinar/ Mandalay/ Yangon)
In the morning we will be bird watching again around the village. Transfer to Putao before lunch. Board onto the late afternoon flight to Myitkyinar, Mandalay or Yangon for your onward journey. (B, L, _)
This itinerary is currently available for tailor made tour only. Quotation & prices can be given when clients enquire with detail tailor made tour requirements and information.
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Departure
Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Contact us if you want to tailor made this service and want different departure dates, extensions and accommodation options (Lodges, Hotels, Guesthouses, Homestay). Please note that airlines operates flights between Putao and main land Myanmar on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, which may be changed without prior notice.
Service includes:
- Ground transport (coach, jeep, truck)
- Accommodation (village homes/ guesthouses and camping)
- Escorted English language trail leader & porters and cooks if necessary
- Full board meal, safe drinking water
- Permission to travel in Putao and Myanmar Himalayas
Service excludes:
- Domestic airfare (we can arrange flights to and from Putao)
- Travel insurance
- Expenditure on personal nature such as laundry, beverages, gratitude to guides & porters
- Any service items not mentioned in price inclusion above.
Putao
Large Hawk, Indian and Drongo Cuckoos, Scarlet Minivet, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Grey Treepie, Dark-necked Tailorbird, Grey-backed and Long-tailed Shrikes, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Crimson Sunbird, Oriental White-eye and many other species.
Shanguang Village
Red-headed Trogon, Crested Kingfisher, Himalayan Swiftlet, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Long-tailed Broadbill, Hodgson’s and White-capped Water Redstarts, Brown Dipper, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Collared Myna, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush, Grey-throated and Buff-breasted Babblers, Nepal Fulvetta, Crimson Sunbird and other bird species.
Hpatek Camp
Myanmar near-endemic bird Snowy-throated Babbler and Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush, together with rare Blyth’s Kingfisher, Collared Treepie, Little and Spotted Forktails, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Grey-cheeked Warbler, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Coral-billed Scimitar, Black-eared Shrike, Streak Wren and Scaly-breasted Wren Babblers, Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill and Fire-tailed Sunbird.
Wasandum Village
Himalayan speciality Beautiful Nuthatch together with Sliver-breasted Broadbill, Rufous-faced Warbler, Chestnut-headed and Grey-bellied Tesias, Spot-breasted Laughingthrush, Silver-eared Mesia, Rufous-throated Fulvetta, Long-tailed Sibia, Striated and White-naped Yuhinas, and Fire-breasted Flowerpecker.
Lonnadam Village
Crested Kingfisher, Ibisbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, White-gorgetted and Rufous-gorgetted Flycatchers, Black-breasted Thrush, Small Niltava, Grey-bellied Tesia, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush, Slender-billed Scimitar and Spotted Wren Babblers, Red-billed Leothrix, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Beautiful Sibia, Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Common Rosefinch and other birds.
Ziyadam Village
Near-endemic birds Rusty-bellied Shortwing and Cachar Wedge-billed Wren Babbler (recently split from Wedge-billed Wren Babbler) together with White-cheeked Partridge, Black-tailed Crake, Oriental Hobby, Black-breasted, Rufous-tailed and Eyebrowed Thrushes, White-browed Shortwing, Russet Bush Warbler, Striated and Rufous-chinned Laughingthrushes, Rufous-throated Fulvetta, Black-throated Parrotbill, Chestnut Bunting. Along the Zia River, near-endemic bird White-bellied Heron, rare Rufous-necked Hornbill, Dusky Thrush, Large Niltava, Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Green-backed Tit, Grey-sided Bush, Brownish-flanked Bush and White-spectacled Warblers, Rufous-breasted Laughingthrush, Red-billed Leiothrix, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Black-chinned Yuhina, Black-headed Greenfinch, Brown Bullfinch and many more.
Confluence Camp
Near-endemic bird White-bellied Heron and rare Blyth’s Kingfisher again, Black-throated and Red-throated Thrushes, Golden Bush Robin, Blue-fronted Redstart, Black-throated Tit, Red-faced Liocichla, Red-billed Scimitar Babbler, White-hooded Babbler, Blue-winged Minla, Rufous-vented Yuhina and other birds.
Big Tree Camp
Rare Long-billed Wren Babbler, Rufous-throated Partridge, Long-tailed Thrush, Rufous-breasted Bush Robin, Yellow-cheeked and Yellow-browed Tits, Grey-hooded Warbler, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Slender-billed Scimitar, Pygmy Wren, Golden and Black-headed Shrike Babblers, Cutia, Red-tailed and Chestnut-tailed Minlas, Streak-throated Barwing, Rufous-backed Sibia and other birds.
Kaun Taut Myit Camp
Himalayan specialities Ward’s Trogon and Fire-tailed Myzornis together with Hill Partridge, Crimson-breasted and Darjeeling Woodpeckers, Chestnut and Rufous-tailed Thrushes, White-tailed Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Black-faced and Chestnut-crowned Warblers, Striated and Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrushes, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, White-browed and Rufous-winged Fulvettas, Black-headed Sibia, Blyth’s Tragopan and Sclater’s Monal, together with Temminck’s Tragopan, Hill Partridge, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Spotted Nutcracker, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Winter Wren, Rufous-vented and Coal Tits, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Green Shrike Babbler, Streak-throated and Brown-headed Fulvettas, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Red Crossbill, Grey-headed Bullfinch and other birds.
Yangon
Little Grebe, Bronze-winged and Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Lesser Whistling Duck, Common Moorhen, Oriental Darter, Little cormorant, Coppersmith Barbet, Mynas, Bee-eaters, Bulbuls, Tailorbird, Prinia and others.
Domestic Flights
Current season air fares between Putao and Yangon, Mandalay and Myitkyinar are US$245, US$150 and US$100 per person each way and subject to changes by airlines for the following seasons. We can arrange your flights on request.
Pre and post expedition travel services
Hotels, airport transfers and other excursions before or after your arrival in Putao for our Myanmar Himalaya Tours. We can arrange these services on request.
Travel Insurance
It is client’s responsibility to ensure that they take a suitable travel insurance that covers for their activity and the destination.
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