Trekking And Rafting in Nam Lang River. One of the highlights of any visit to Myanmar is our exclusive three-day wilderness journey on the pristine western headwaters of the Ayeyarwaddy. Suitable for almost all age groups, the Nam Lang River combines the thrill of Class 3 and 4 whitewater through thickly forested canyons, with a closer insight into a people and way of life unchanged for centuries. This river journey is an incredible combination of white water, scenery, villages, and truly quiet and introspective evenings in our private camps.
| Difficulty: | 3 – 4 |
| From: | Wang Lai Dam to Mulashidi |
| Distance: | 60Km |
| River Days: | 1 Day trek 2 Days river |
| Grade: | 25 ft per mile |
| Best Season: | Nov, Dec, Feb, Marin |
| Min. Group: | 2 – 8 persons |
Day 1 Arrive at Putao Airport and transfer to Malikha Lodge
in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure on the grounds of our beautiful wilderness lodge, with time for a refreshing swim or spa treatment. Group dinner and drinks at the main lodge in front of our open fireplaces, and briefing from Malikha Lodge on the following day's adventure.
Day 2 Trek to Nam Lang Valley.
An hour's drive from Malikha Lodge we pass the village of Upper Sangaung which marks the beginning of the jungle. The road continues for a few more km, towards the pass leading into the Nam Lang Valley to the beginning of our trek. We trek at a moderate pace for five to six hours, four hours to the top of the pass, and another two down to our river camp. In traditional style the porters carry all the expedition food and equipment ahead, leaving us free to enjoy this scenic trek through untouched subtropical forest and giant bamboo. Our river camp lies close to the first river canyon, which is marked by a spectacular rattan and bamboo bridge across the river.
Day 3 First day rafting.
The following day, after breakfast everyone is fitted with their specialist rafting gear, while the trip leader and safety kayaker give an extensive lesson in river safety and paddling technique. We pass by the remote Lisu village of Nam Ze, at the foot of more snow-capped peaks. This is our last contact with “civilization” as we take an isolated loop into the lower canyons. Two hours below this village and we encounter some excellent technical rapids. From here we raft down to our final river beach camp at the beginning of the second canyon.
Day 4 Second day rafting.
After a hearty breakfast, we start the final and most challenging days of rafting. An hour later, we reach three exciting and technical rapids stacked in succession in a tight bedrock canyon. The trio of rapids ends with a bang in a series of drops between massive boulders. From here it is about three hours of rafting and leisurely cruising back to our home at Malikha Lodge, where a glass of champagne and a long hot shower awaits.
Day 5 Return to Mandalay/Yangon.
After a final leisurely breakfast at Malikha Lodge, check out and late morning transfer to Putao airport to connect with your flight back to Mandalay and the rest of your itinerary.
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Tour price: Contact us
Group size: 2 to 25 pax
Departure date based on your inquiry
SERVICE INCLUDED:
– 2 nights at Malikha Lodge
– 2 nights at camps
– Full board during your stay in Putao
– Guided activities and excursions and 3 days/2 nights river/trek
– All transportation in Putao
– Permission for Putao
NOT INCLUDED:
– Domestic flights to/from Putao
– Transfers in Yangon to/from the airport
– Visa fees
– Accommodation in Yangon
– Transfers in Yangon
– Drinks from our special reserve list
– Private laundry and beauty treatments
– Porter fees at the hotels
Personal Items to bring for Rafting and Trekking
Since all our rafting expeditions include at least one trekking day, clients will also need to bring items as prescribed on our trekking list.
As a general rule when packing for one of our wilderness expeditions please keep personal gear to a minimum. Clothing should be lightweight, dry quickly, and provide insulation even when wet. Synthetic fibers are preferable to cotton on the river for this reason. For any other personal items not included on our detailed equipment list below, please feel free to contact us directly.
1. For camping and traveling:
A sleeping bag. Your sleeping bag should be at least a three-season bag, either down or synthetic filled. If you do not have a sleeping bag we do have them for hire or purchase. A Therm-a-rest (inflatable sleeping mattress) is provided by Malikha Lodge for your comfort.
Lightweight pants and jacket. The brushed nylon pants and windbreakers made by a variety of companies are ideal for trekking and general travel wear.
Long-sleeved thermal, top, and bottoms (long underwear). These are synthetic clothing such as Patagonia Capaline which maintain their insulating value even when wet and are therefore ideal for wearing around the campsite and on the river. The zippered turtleneck is particularly handy, as it can be vented and keeps the sun off the back of your neck. Light and medium-weight weaves are the handiest.
Socks: Two pairs of polypropylene or polypro mix athletic socks.
Cotton underwear.
Lightweight long-sleeved shirt. These are particularly useful as sunscreen in camp. In addition temperatures in the shade remain cool throughout the season
Two cotton T-shirts.
A fleece jacket. Polypropylene is preferable.
A Gore-Tex or similar material raincoat and pants. This will keep you warm and dry in a variety of situations. A simple shell design is preferable, as they can be packed away into very small bundles.
Small Towel
Toiletries: keep it to a minimum. Bring plenty of moisturizing lotion.
Spare glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.
Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries.
Water bottle
Toilet paper and lighter – We do provide it on all trips, but also advise you to carry your supply for convenience. The lighter is for burning the toilet paper after you’ve used it.
Insect Repellent: Our Nam Lang river camp has screened areas where insects are not a problem, but trekking and rafting in the jungle bring plenty of DEET-based insect repellent against sandflies and mosquitoes.
Lightweight cotton gloves are also handy as additional insect protection
2. River Wear:
River sandals or wet suit booties are the preferred footwear on the river. Tevas, Alps, or other high-quality river sandals or booties should be brought from home. All rafters must have footwear that they can wear in the raft, which will not come off in the event of a swim, as this is considered standard safety equipment. One of the best options is simple wetsuit booties used for diving or windsurfing. These also offer additional protection from insect bites.
River shorts Good quality, such as Patagonia Baggies or Guide Shorts. These are by far the best all-around river wear, as they are durable, dry quickly, and provide the pockets you will need for little items you’ll want to keep close. Two pairs are enough.
Swimming costume – (or you can just get by with river shorts).
A sarong for women (a long piece of cloth wrapped around your waist) is another good option and can be purchased cheaply in Myanmar. This is invaluable for visiting villages and respecting local customs for dress. It can also be used to replace your towel for drying after washing.
A baseball-style cap and good sunglasses are equipped with a retaining device to keep them on your face where they belong.
Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater and waterproof) is essential
Lip Balm, SPF 15 minimum
3. Trekking:
A daypack. It should be a medium volume daypack without a frame, and again, the most important criteria are how well it fits and works.
Lightweight hiking boots or running shoes of good quality and preferably worn in are a must. For people who do not routinely walk in the mountains, light hiking boots are strongly recommended. Heavy mountaineering boots are not recommended.
For longer treks and Higher Altitude treks waterproof pants, gaiters, additional socks, and thermal hats and gloves are highly recommended.
4. Optional:
Camera and film. Also bring a good cleaning kit, as field conditions are harsher than in towns. Spare batteries are also handy. There will be waterproof Pelican Cases supplied on the rafting trips. Packets of silica gel will help reduce humidity in the camera case.
Small binoculars for wildlife viewing. If you’re an avid bird watcher you may want to bring a more substantial pair of binoculars with a waterproof case.
Pocketknife or multi-tool.
Fishing equipment.
Reading and writing material.
Personal first aid kit.
Personal linen, pillowcase, or under the sheet
5. Provided by us:
Malikha Lodge will provide the following equipment for all clients on our rafting and trekking expeditions:
All safety and trek/river gear (except clothing and personal items – see personal equipment above) On river trips we provide lifejackets, helmets, spray jackets, wet suits when required, dry bags, camera barrels, satellite phones, and comprehensive first aid kits.
Tented accommodation while on your trip.
Mattresses or thermo-rests to sleep on
Cooking equipment including all kitchen utensils, pots, pans, plates, and glassware
Directors Chairs – comfortable chairs, ideal around the campfire, which are made of canvas and folds away
