Putao
Northern Myanmar is a magical kingdom. In the northern tip of Myanmar, set in a hill top near the Himalayas is a pretty and peaceful town 420m above sea level, Putao. There are still many kilometers of mountain ranges and jungle beyond, right up to the pointed crown of the country. Villages are scattered on these mountain-sides.

The area is unique in the diversity of flora and fauna. Mount Hkakabo Razi (nearly 5881 m ) and Mount Phungan ( over 3500 m ) are snow-capped peaks rarely conquered by men, and which fascinates climbers from all around the world. Hkakabo Razi national park is located in Naungmung township of Kachin State, the  northernmost state of Myanmar. It occupies on area of 1,472 square miles. The year of establishment is 1996. Forest include evergreen forests, hill pine forests, moist upper mixed deciduous forests. In addition to rare species such as Takin, Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Black Barking Deer, Phet Gyi ( Muntiaus putaoensis ), mammal species and insects such as butterflies are present.

The Khamti Shan, Lisu and Rawang nationalities who live in the area still uphold the traditional way of life of their ancestors. They are beautiful people with clean cut features and clear complexion, their gazes steady but friendly. The morning market is the most crowded time for this sleepy town, Meat, fowl and fresh vegetables and luscious fruits in season are sold there, together with herbs and roots collected from the forests.

Putao stands with the snowy mountains around it, which to the people must look as glorious as the abode of gods. The ice-capped mountains, purity of the air, and the clearness of the river’s waters and the simple and sincere nature of the people make Putao truly a unique place.