If you want to experience the authentic life of Myanmar’s less-touristy regions, the best way is to embark on a trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake. This three-day journey covers about 60 km (37 miles) through picturesque hills, rice fields, and traditional villages inhabited by the Shan, Danu, Pa-O, and Taungyoe peoples. It’s a journey back in time—many villages feel as if life has stood still for decades. Residents live in simple bamboo houses, often without electricity or running water, and daily life revolves around farming and local traditions.
During the trek, you’ll stay overnight in local family homes or monasteries, offering a chance to experience genuine hospitality and witness the importance of religion in daily life. Evenings are spent chatting over tea, while mornings begin with birdsong and the sounds of work in the fields.[1][2][6]
Upon reaching Inle Lake, you’ll take an hour-long boat ride to Nyaung Shwe. Along the way, you can observe the famous Intha fishermen, who row their narrow boats with one leg—a technique that has become a symbol of the region. You’ll also pass floating gardens, where tomatoes and other vegetables are grown on rafts made of algae and bamboo, as well as traditional floating markets.
One of the most fascinating stops is meeting the women of the Padaung (Kayan) tribe, known for wearing brass neck rings. While they often pose for tourist photos nowadays, they still preserve their traditional crafts, embroidering and weaving scarves. Instead of paying for photos, it’s more meaningful to support them by purchasing local handicrafts.
Along the route, you’ll find plenty of craft workshops—see how Burmese cheroot cigars, lotus-fiber textiles, or silver jewelry are made. While some spots are commercial, they provide insight into local techniques and traditions.
Be sure to visit Shwe Inn Thein Paya—a complex of over 1,000 stupas from the 17th–18th centuries, set on a hill above the lake. This is a pilgrimage site and the scene of local festivals, where history and daily life intertwine.
Accommodation by Inle Lake costs around $12 USD for a single room, and hiring a boat is about 15,000 kyats for 4–5 people. Trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake is not just an adventure, but also a humbling lesson—offering a unique perspective on Myanmar that goes far beyond the usual tourist trail.
Leave a Reply