Beautiful flowery meadows await you at the top of Mt Victoria
Whilst a minimum of 3-4 nights will be required to do it justice, the long and bumpy journey west into Chin State will provide a glimpse of Myanmar untouched. Not for those seeking creature comforts, this sparsely populated region, is one of the most remote and least developed areas in the country. Up until 2013, strict travel restrictions have meant that it was not possible to travel to the region without prior permission from the government. Now that these regulations have started to ease, destinations such as Mount Victoria (Nat Ma Taung), Kanpetlet and Mindat have slowly started to make their way onto the well-informed traveller’s radar.
For most, the trek to the summit of Mount Victoria is regarded as a major highlight. The seven-hour drive by open-air jeep from Bagan to Kanpetlet will provide plenty of opportunity to brush shoulders with locals as you stop off at small markets and villages en route. It will then be necessary to stay overnight in Kanpetlet, before driving to Mount Victoria’s base early the following morning. The mountain itself will take approximately three hours to ascend, with the windy tracks leading you up through ancient forests, patches of wild flowers and natural wildlife habitats. Occasionally the natural growth will make way for partial views across the surrounding area, providing a gentle reminder of the region’s vast and remote nature. Once the meadow-like summit has been reached, one can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic of the Chin State’s wild and wonderful landscape.
Please note that a trip to Chin State is not going to suit everyone. Accommodation here is very basic and quality food options are limited.
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