Kalaw – Shan State

Kalaw is a small hill town located in Shan State. It offers a cool escape from the tropical heat of the lowlands. This quiet town is not crowded with tourists, and its natural beauty remains mostly untouched.

During colonial times, the British used Kalaw as a retreat from the hot weather. You can still see old British colonial buildings and train tracks from that period. The surrounding hills are home to several ethnic groups, including the Palaung and Danu people. There are also many people of Indian and Nepalese origin who came to Myanmar for work. Because of this, Kalaw has a rich and interesting cultural mix.

Trekking and Outdoor Activities

This old British hill station is a popular starting point for trekking in Myanmar. The town itself is small and you can walk around it in about half an hour.

There are many trekking routes around Kalaw that take you through the beautiful Shan Hills. You can choose from different difficulty levels, and treks can last from just one day to several days.

The most popular long trek is the hike from Kalaw to Inle Lake. It usually takes about two days, with one overnight stop at a local home or monastery along the way.