Short Hikes Around Pinlaung: Amazing Vistas of Myanmar

Pinlaung is Myanmar’s undiscovered gem, even though it is just a little south of the now quite touristy and somewhat overrated Kalaw-Inle Lake trek. It is also on the road and rail line between Kalaw and Loikaw, an up and coming destination. Pinlaung, the principal town of the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone, offers several hikes, which this miniguide focuses on, but there are many other stunning attractions in the broader area. The town itself is at an elevation of 1500 metres / 5000 feet, surrounded by amazing looking hills and mountains. The highest, Loi Maung Mountain, is 1850 metres / 6100 feet; you can see two of the lakes in the Inle Lake-Loikaw valley from here. This peak can also be reached by motorbike or car, so the option to summit it exists for those as well who are not up for a strenious climb. There are also much easier hikes, and the town itself is very attractive, with its little lake, the impressive Mway Daw Pagoda, the main street and market. Learn about this stunning place only very few visit, or know about at all.