Kachin State
(MLCTS: kahkyin-pi-nai) |
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Capital
Region
Area
Population
Ethnicities
Religions
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Myitkyina
Northern
89,041 km²
1,200,000
Kachin, Bamar,
Shan, Naga,
Indians, Chinese
Christianity,
Buddhism,Islam,
Hinduism
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The northernmost state of Myanmar has borders with India and China to the north, Sagaing division to the west and Shan state to the south.
The state is mountainous with several highest peaks of the country. The country's highest peak Hkakaborazi at 5882 meters above sea level is located close to China (Tibet) border. The northernmost tip where the highest peaks are is under snow almost the whole year round. The largest natural lake Indawgyi is also in the state. The place is the head waters of the country's largest rivers: the Ayeyarwaddy and the Chindwin. The areas along the rivers form valleys amids high hills.
The Ayeyarwady is formed by Maykha and Malikha mountain streams; the confluence point being at about 46 km north of the capital Myitkyina.
Most of the people are Kachin. The groups of tribes include Atsi, Jingphaw, Lashi, Lisu, Lawngwaw, Rawang, Tibet, Shan and Bamar. Agriculture is the main economy, however it is confined mainly to the plains such as Patao, Myitkyina, Bhamaw, and Indawgyi plain. Shifting cultivation still prevails in the hills. Rice, wheat, maize, ground nut, sesame, pulses, chillies, onions, potatos, tobacco, sugar-cane, tea, mustard, and vegetable are grown. Fruits such as leeches, oranges, grapefruits, and pears are also products of Kachin state.
Forest products include teak and other hard woods, fire woods and charcoal, cane, bamboo, cutch and resin. The state is also famous for its jade. Important jade mines are found in Hpakant, Tawhmaw, Longkin and Mawhun. Kachin textiles, swords and knifes are very much valued throughout the country.
Transport and tourism
The roads system is in poor state. Mandalay to Myitkyina (779 km) is not recommended for foreigners. The road from Myitkyina to Potao is also not recommended. There is daily train between Mandalay and Myitkyina which takes somewhere between 24 and 30 hours to finish. The ride is not comfortable, but many foreign tourists have made it even though the railroad is known for some accidents in the recent past. Myitkyina to Bhamaw road (186 km) is possible to use during the dry season (October to June) though the road is also not so good. The road runs along Myanamr - China border, and there are several military check points.
The most popular route taken by foreign tourists to Kachin state is to take a flight or train to Myitkyina, then after a visit of Myitson (confluence point of the Ayeyarwaddy river) take a drive to Bhamaw. Spend a day or two there and continue in a passenger boat down the Ayeyarwady to Mandalay. The boat ride is the main highlight of the trip, which takes two days and a night sleep onboard the boat. The boat leaves Bhamaw in the morning and arrives Manalay next day evening. During the high waters (June to January) the boat runs three or four time a week up and down. It is either double decker or triple decker. It is possible to have a private cabin.
The trip further north to Patao needs special permit and you have to use the service of a travel agent. Up to now the travel is done by flight. Please check with local agent for the flight and airlines. Entering Hkakaborazi mountain national park is possible. It requires long, probably several months, preparation including securing the permit and travel documents.
Several guest houses are available in Myitkyina and Bhamaw. In Putao and other places tourists need to use government guest houses or home stay or camping.
1 = Kawng Lan Hpu
2 = Nong Mong
3 = Ma Chan Baw
4 = Putao (airport)
5 = Pang Saung (Sagaing division)
6 = Nan Yun (Sagaing division)
7 = Ta Nine
8 = Sumprabum
9 = Hpi Maw
10 = Chipwe
11 = Waing Maw
12 = Myitkyina (capital of Kachin state) - airport, train station
13 = Kamti or Hkamti (Sagaing division)
14 = Hpa Kan (mines)
15 = Mo Gaung
16 = Ho Pin
17 = Mo-Nyin
18 = Bhamo (Bhamaw)
19 = Katha (Sagaing division)
R1 = May-Kha river
R2 = Mali Kha river (Nam Kyu)
R3 = Ayeyarwaddy river
R4 = Tanai Kha river (headwater of Chindwin river) in Hu Gaung Valley
R5 = Thanlwin river
R6 = Mekong river
M = Khaka-bo-razi peak (5882 meters) - Khaka-bo-razi national park
L = Indawgyi Lake (wildlife sanctuary) - largest fresh water lake in Myanmar
N = Pi-Taung wildlife reserve
A = To Nam Khan, Muse, Lashio (northern Shan state)
B = To Moe Meik (Shan state), Mogok (Mandalay division)
C = To Shwe Bo, Monywa, Sagaing,
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Kachin State
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The
Union of Myanmar is the largest Peninsular country in the region of
South East Asia. It’s total area is 261,228 square miles. The
population at present is approximately 47 million. There are 125 ethic
nationalities living in Myanmar but the majority are Bamars, Shans,
Kayins, Kachins, Chins, Mons, Kayahs and Rakhines.
What
we behold now is Kachin State which is located in the extreme north of
Myanmar lie between the upper region of the Ayeyarwady and the Chindwin
river. Kachin State is featured basically with the plain mountain
ranges and a lot of summits, big tree forests, cool clear brooks all
silence. It’s approximate area is 34,379 square miles. Being on an
average of 3,000 ft above sea level, the eastern portion of Kachin
State possesses the couching of Inmaikha and the Malika, the two
tributaries to form the Ayeyawady river .
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The
largest natural lake in Myanmar named Inndawgyi, 40 miles long, 70
miles broad lie on the upper region of the Moekaung river in this lake.
Myitkyina is the capital of Kachin State. The Kachins, the Shans, Azis
, Mine Thars, Liphaws etc are the nationalities living in Kachin State.
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Kachins
who are one of the union nationalities have seven ethnic branches whose
traditional dances are different to each other. There are five dances
of Manaw dance performed auspicious occasions. Lawaw San Waysan dance
performed for the occasion of celebrating World victory and Sum wat,
Junpaw is a traditional dance performed by Lachees of Kachin
nationalities are famous.
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Shwe Myintzu Pagoda Festival
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Inndawgyi Shwe Myintzu Pagoda Festival annually held in Tabaung. 12th
Month of Myanmar Calendar is a seasonal festival of Myanmar which is
always bustling with life. Inndawgyi Region is surrounded by Mountain
ranges. The festival is held from 10th-15th Waxing of Tabaung, every year.
Visitors
from far and near come to visit the festival by car, boat and on foot.
Shwe Myintzu Pagoda is situated in Inndawgyi Lake. Pilgrims can pay
homage easily to the pagoda by road, during the festival period as the
festival is held during the ebb-tide of Tabaung when the water is at
low level. Outside festival time, Visitors have to use water transport
as the pagoda is surrounded by water.
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During
the festival days, Myanma Traditional Dramas are staged for the
entertainment of the public. The festival is crowded with visitors who
enjoy local made products and household goods.
Regional
visitors together with their families have to accommodate themselves in
make-shift sheds. Visitors from other regions are given free
accommodations arranged by Board of Trustees.
People
from all over the country has visited the festival and paid homage to
Shwe Myintzu Pagoda. Misty view of Inndawgyi Lake and Shwe Myintzu
Pagoda is an unforgettable experience for visitors to this place. So,
do come and enjoy Shwe Myintzu Pagoda Festival and relish the natural
beauty of Kachin State.
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The Golden Jubliee Celebration
of
The Rawan Literature and Culture Society
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In
the scenic plains of Putao; at midst snow cap mountains in the Kachin
State, is a village by the name of Tongtang which administratively is
in Putao Township.
It was in this village of Tongtang that the
golden jubilee celebrations of the Rawan Literature and culture society
were held in the year 2001. To these historic celebrations came Rawans,
Lisus, Jimphaws, and Taikhamtys, the various tribes of the Kachin
national group living in and around Putao Township to participate in
the vary activities of the joist occasion.
In the celebrations
grounds, known as “the Manaw Kwin” in the vernacular were replicas of
typical Rawan dwellings. And demonstrations of Rawan traditional
weaving and household utensil, hand-crafting were given for all
interested visitors to observe and appreciate.
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Among
the many Rawan artifacts on display were musical instruments of the
Rawan such as flat-gongs ranging from the smallest to the largest,
symbols and other instruments made of wood, among which were flutes of
four or five varieties.
Two-stringed instrument made of bamboo and
bugles buffalo hone were also on display attracting much public
interest. In addition to all, those were artifacts of wickerwork which
in the Rawan traditional are presented to the bride and groom as
wedding gifts as well as ancient Rawan weapons, leather shields and
handbags.
On display also were household utensils sculpted out of stone blocks,
bamboo containers for water and other drinks and Rawan ceremonial
dresses all of which were very interesting to study.
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Last
but not least were the Kachin national dances and national costumes
performed to Kachin national music giving the golden jubilee
celebrations of the Rawan literature, culture society, a befitting
honour.
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The Interesting Places of Kachin State
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Kachin
State in the northern part of Myanmar is the birthplace of Ayeyarwady
river. The State is well-known for its abundance of jade and gold and
also for having the highest mountain in South East Asia, Khakaborazi.
The city, Myitkyina is a highly region on the bank of Ayeyarwady river.
It is also a rail-way terminal city and many national races reside
there. You can see farmlands and gardens cultivated on the silt land
along the Ayeyarwady River.
Groups
of people panning and digging for gold can be found along the
Ayeyarwady River. 28 miles from Myitkyina, you will find the birthplace
of Ayeyarwady ( or ) confluence of MayKha and Malikha tributaries.
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Originating
from the snow mountains north, the water is clear and cool and anyone
who sees the pretty pebbles along the river cannot resist picking them
up.
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Because
of the beautiful views and sceneries at the confluence, Kachin State is
famous as a resort where one can relax and enjoy the environs.
Another
interesting place to visit in Kachin State is Inndawgyi in Moenyin
Township. It being the biggest lake in Myanmar and the Inndawgyi
wildlife sanctuary near by one places to be visited sanctuary.
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Shwe Myintzu Pagoda in Inndawgyi Lake is very well-known in Kachin State.
Putao is 218 miles from Myitkyina and people can get there only by air.
Many national races reside there. 7 miles away from Putao you will find
the Mulashidi suspension bridge which is built across the Mula Stream.
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Khakaborazi
Mountain in Kachin State in Myanmar is the highest and most beautiful
mountain in South East Asia.The region where tributaries of Ayeyarwady
River originate is unique and picturesque. It is a place where
mountaineers can enjoy their climbing.
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Environmental
conservation will one day be considered as an important matter for
development of the nation like political, social and economic affairs.
Myanmar
is a country, which possesses different geographical conditions such as
rivers and creeks, lakes and ponds, virgin sea beaches, greenish
mountain ranges, arid regions, plain regions and deltaic regions,
variety of natural resources and various kinds of birds and animals. In
Myanmar, there are rare species of animals and plants, which can not be
found in other regions.
Indawgyi
Lake, which is located at Moe Hnyin Township in Kachin State, has the
largest Wetland Ecosystem in South-East-Asia. Indawgyi Lake is a
natural Inland Lake.
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It
has 100 sq miles of shrouded area. Average depth of the lake is about
20ft and the deepest part is about 65 ft. The lake is 546 ft above sea
level. The lake is encircled with steep mountain ranges, which are 2000
ft to 4000 ft above sea level. The twelve creeks originated from these
mountains, flow into Indawgyi lake, from where they flow out as only
one creek. Indawgyi lake is a watershed area of Ayeyawaddy river.
As
the region is rich in bio-diversity, marine recourses such as rare
species of fish and aquatic plants can be observed. And you can also
study various kinds of birds, which are inhabited in water, migratory
birds, crane, pelican and stork, while going boating in the lake and
along Indawgyi creek.
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Natural
environmental and wildlife conservation Department under the Ministry
of Forestry is paying attention to long-term existence and pleasantness
of the lake, with the aims:
- to preserve the largest Inland water region, in South East Asia.
- to preserve local water birds, and migratory birds
- to preserve Indawgyi watershed area.
- to provide ecotourism industry
- to develop in scientific research works.
Barringtonia
acutangula, Nauclea parviflora and (oufupif) plants, which are grown
around the lake, are protecting the beauty and nature of the lake.
Environmental
conservation of rivers, coast lines and forest are being paid attention
to protect them, organized by Myanma Environmental conservation
committee. The result of today’s environmental conservation works will
surely provide for the future benefit. That’s why, everybody should
love and preserve natural environment.
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Exhibition Centre Intorducing Khakaborazi National Park
Kachin
State, located in the northernmost part of Myanmar is abundant in
natural resources. The 5,880 metre high Khakaborazi, the highest
mountain in Myanmar and its environs has been established as the
Khakaborazi National Park and facilities for eco-tourism has been
successfully implemented.
Therefore,
if you want to visit this wonderland you will have to step-into the
gateway of this park, Putao! There, you will discover an interesting
place, namely the Khakaborazi National Park Exhibition Centre where you
will be introduced to the over-all facts about this exceptional
nature-oriented, Eco-tourism Park.
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The
other attractions in the Kachin State are the beautiful, colourful and
rare-species of butterfly. That is why butterfly observers from the
international community come to Myanmar to study them with keen
interest.
The beautiful yellow
and black Papilionidae butterflies, the bright orange coloured Pieridae
and yellowish brown ones with black and white spots on their bodies,
the Nymphalid butterflies are all rare butterfly species, but commonly
found in Putao region.
At the
exhibition center, natural environment and wildlife conservation tasks,
as well as their objectives and successful achievements, measures for
improving and maintaining eco-tourism, significant natural environs of
Kachin State, wildlife sanctuaries and the various biodiversities of
this region are attractively showcased with the aids of photos,
pictures, captions and relevant maps.
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Although
rare around the world, you can find black orchids in Kachin State. The
black orchid, its botanical name, Paphiopedium Wardii is systematically
grown in a garden of the Khakaborazi National Park Exhibition Centre.
It is a kind of orchid enjoys earth and you will come to appreciate its
unique form after you get the chance to study it carefully. If you take
a closer look, you will find that the black orchid has a shape very
similar to a slipper and its colour is quite dull.
Other
rare species of orchid found in Kachin State such as Cymbidium, Pleione
maculata and Dendrobium nobile can be examined in the garden of the
exhibition center.
Moreover,
other diverse species of orchid are also planted in the garden. And
that is why, because of all these interesting subject matters, the
Khakaborazi National Park Exhibition Centre in Putao is a unique place
where one will be introduced to the natural environs and various
bio-diversities of the Kachin State, which is situated in the
northernmost part of the union of Myanmar.
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Beautiful Birthplace of the Ayeyawaddy
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There
is a unique and conspicuous place in Myintkyina, Kachin State, the
northernmost part of Myanmar. Exactly speaking, it is 28 miles far from
Myintkyina Township and it is termed as “Myit Hsone” where there is a
cluster of natural scenic beauty of Myanmar.
The
name “Myit Hsone” which means the confluence of two rivers was given to
that attractive place because Mya Kha and Maylikha Rivers originated
from snow-capped mountains in northernmost part of Myanmar get together
at that place.
Local
national give those two rivers pet names, Mya Kha as In Mai Kha and
Malikha as May Likha. These names are so cute and lovely that everyone
feels delightfulness whenever they hear such pleasant names.
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To reach the confluence, May Kha River flows 192 miles. As it passes through narrow basin, May Kha has strong current.
However,
136-mile long Maylikha River flows gently because it passes through the
wide basin. The confluence of these two rivers, Myit Hsone is about
300-yard wide in area.
The
environment of the confluence is pleasant because it is surrounded by
bluish mountain ranges. While you can taking a rest on silvery shore,
you can enjoy the sound of water flow as well as the chirping of birds
inhabited there.
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Moreover,
you can pay homage to a pagoda being revered by the confluence. It is
sure that the accompaniment of green and lush natural scenery beauty
and the respectful pagoda will make every visitor peaceful and calm. If
you wish to get to the shore, you need to walk down 60 degree from the
steep bank. Just beyond the rim of the shore, one can find colourful
pebbles of various sizes and shapes. As the various sizes pebbles are
lying on the grounds, while strolling along the beach, it is sure to
pick up pebbles one after another. It will be never ending.
Actually,
the confluence of May Kha and Malikha Rivers is the origin of the
famous Ayeyawaddy River which flows, through various regions of Myanmar
to reach the delta region near Kappali Sea.
By
flowing in its route, the Ayeyawaddy contributes towards the interest
of the national brethrens living in different states and Divisions and
it shapes the national solidarity of the country.
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The
significance and importance of the Ayeyawaddy River as the life blood
of the nation remind us to take consideration of its birthplace, Myit
Hsone or the confluence of May Kha and Malikha Rivers.
The confluence features not only one of the strategic places but also a cluster of natural scenic beauty of northern Myanmar.
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Ayeyarwady’s first defile
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The
Ayeyarwady River which is the life-blood of Myanmar, flows Across
Central Myanmar from North to South. The first defile is from Myitha
village to Myazeti village in Myitkyina Township in Kachin State and is
over 36 miles long. If you take a look from Hsinbo, it was as if a
mountain has blocked the entrance of the defile. As you enter the
defile, you can feel the strong water current flow and the river itself
is not smooth and calm anymore. It is for only about 300 yards to 10
yards.
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The
motorboat has to travel according to the twists and mountains were
blocking your way. Arriving at one place, one could see cliffs crossing
the defile as if it was in an attempt to stop the flow of current and
there you will see the first narrowest defile.
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The
first defile and its narrowest were only about 50 yards away. You will
also arrive at a place where a figure envisioned like an elephant
kneeling down, in reality, these were just position of rocks and cliffs
and caves in the defile. Moreover, you can also see people panning for
gold, using elephants to transport logs in that defile too. The 36 mile
long defile on the upstream of the Ayeyarwady is one of the loveliest
place in the 1,350 mile route of the Ayeyarwady River.
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The Beauty of the 2nd Defile of the River Ayeyarwaddy
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Bahmo’s
elevation is only about 364 feet above main sea-level and a boast of
many historical pagodas. The name Bahmo is derived from Shan word Mamaw
meaning place to make pots. We left this memorable town at about 9 a.m.
the next morning towards second defile.
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The
notable feature down stream after Bahmo was the presence of more boats
into the government owned in-land waterways. Bahmo is actually the
highest terminal of the Ayeyarwaddy for bigger boats. The catchment
basin above Bahmo has according to modern maps and area of about 18
thousand square miles. After about two hours downstream from Bahmo, we
passed Sinkhan village where it was believed the Lord Buddha existed as
a King during his many reincarnations. The Second defile was still
about an hour trip downstream from Sinkhan. So we looked at the second
picture before we entered it.
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We
found that it had been quite a few miles wide at the junction of the
Ayeyarwaddy and Tarpein rivers but it was narrow down to only about 100
yards at the beginning of the second defile. It extends to about 40
miles compared to the 36 miles of the first defile. NaungMon village is
situated at the other end. The peculiar feature of the second defile is
that the river here passes through the continuous rang of the
mountains. On the mountain side, a mixture of deciduous and ever-green
trees grows in abundant but the important aspect was the presence of
the famous Myanmar Teak trees. High cliffs of over 1,200 feet also
boarded the river. This special mountain called Nat Myathnar Taungdaw
is also believed to have been the abode of Lord Buddha when he was
reincarnicated as the King of Monkeys. A landmark within the second
defile is the rock-projection resembling the head of the parrot painted
for prominent by seamen. It is also a natural warning sign for river
crowds big and small to be careful when the water level rises up to the
beak. After about an hour, we emerged at Naung Mo Village then on to
the next big town Shwegu.
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Another
interesting fact is the research undertaken by whirl broadness. This
Bahmo- Ayeyarwaddy catchment basin is found to be very fertile to the
extent that rice has evolved into the present cultivated varieties in
this rarely area. So, now ends our presentation of the two defiles of
the Ayeyarwaddy in Kachin State which by itself has captivating
features from the snow clapped majestic Kharkavorazi mountain, Jade
rich area, the inhabitants and the rich culture.
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The Source of the River Ayeyarwaddy |
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The
mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, the most important in the Union of Myanmar as
its life-blood stream, had been in existence at least for (15) million
years, and there is indisputable evidence geologically, biologically,
and anthropologically, about its source in Northern Myanmar. From
there, till it flows into the Gulf of Mottama after traversing over
half of the country for about (1055)miles, this useful river also known
as the “ Elephant River” for its broad width and length is serving the
interests of the many ethnic Nationals of Myanmar in many ways.
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The
Kachin State, the northern-most in the Union of Myanmar, where the
Ayeyarwaddy has its source, has many interesting features geologically.
Its Northern boundary lies at the eastern end of the World’s largest
and the highest “Hindu Kush Himalayan” chain, at the same time joining
up with part of the Tibetan plateau and the Sino-Himalaya. |
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The
area where Hindu Kush Himalaya and Sino Himalayan meet, had been an
areamountain tops are always covered with snow and the (15,000) feet of
active Tectonic Process. As a result, the high mountain chain forms a
natural barrier, the most prominent being what is known as the “Putao
Knot” with a height of (10,000) feet and always snow-bound. It is here
that one of the sources of the Ayeyarwaddy named the “May-Li-Kha” takes
the form of a mountain stream. |
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A
notable feature of the “May-Li-Kha” river is that it makes a curve flow
around the Kaung -Mu-Lon” Pagoda, built by King Asoka in about “ 300”
BC, as if paying homage to it.
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On
the other hand, the other source of the Ayeyarwaddy - called the
“Maykha” has its beginning at the foot of the highest mountain in
Myanmar, the ( 5881) meters high “Khaka Borazi”. Actually, two mountain
streams called the “Adoon Wan” and “Sein Khoo Wan” join up to form the
“Maykha” river. Since the Maykha has to flow over very rough and steep
terrain, it naturally has a fast current. However, this natural
condition of the Maykha provides the current speed for the onward flow
of the Ayeyarwaddy.
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Another
noteworthy geographical significance is that-not only the original
source of the Ayeyarwaddy, but also the sources of the rivers
like.Brahmaputra, Nujung ( or ) upper part of Thanlwin., Mekong and
Yangtze, can be seen within the (20) square mile of “Languela” area
also known as the “World Sacred Water Tower”.
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The
triangular area between the two rivers called the “Sha Ngaw” range,
with its over (10,000) feet high mountains becomes the watershed for
both Maykha and Maylikha. Maylikha river, with its source in
Mali-khoo-khon-naw’ area has flowed very gently for over (150) miles,
till its junction with the Maykha river, which has its source in “
Adoon laung” area and flowed with very rapid speed for over (220) miles.
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The
exact place where the mighty Ayeyarwaddy was formed by these two rivers
is at ,Latitude 25 degrees 42 minutes North, and Longitude 97 degrees
30 minutes East, at a height of about (500) feet above sea level, and
about (29) miles from the Kachin State capital, Myitkyina.
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At
the confluence, the width of May Kha ( or ) “Inmaikha” is over 300
yards and May Li Kha is about (300) yards. Coming down the Ayeyarwaddy
from the confluence of the Maykha and Maylikha rivers, you pass a
picturesque place called “Karein-naw” or “Karein-Sarra"."Karein-naw"
meaning name of a person and “Sarra” meaning a rest area or resort.
This pleasant area is also a Welcoming Point for those approaching the
capital of Kachin State. From its beginning or its birth, the
Ayeyarwaddy or the Mighty River; thus provides the people of Myanmar
with wonderful scenery, many facilities and wealth, throughtout its
course into the sea, also leaving behind sweet and happy memories.....
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Tribal dances of Lajarpat and Khaku national races in Kachin State
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The golden jubilee of Rawan Literature and traditional cultural festival was held at Duthan Village in Putao Townghip
of Kachin State in northern Myanmar in 2001. Among the traditional
dances performed in the Manaw ground by the national races in Kachin
State included significant “Peacock dance” of Lajarpat tribes. It is a
dance of blessings for steadfastness and development of wealth already
in hand.
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Another
entertainment is Kabon dance of Khaku tribe in Lonsut ward in Putao
Township. Bamboo posts are beat in rhythm as musical instruments and
members of the dance troupe dance in unison according to the rhythm. It
is a traditional cultural dance to console a bereaved family for the
death of their parents and grandparents.
Now,
let’s enjoy the dances of respective tribes of Rawan national race
taking part in unison in the traditional cultural festival in the Manaw
ground.
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A Journey to Research Taron Race
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The
Union of Myanmar comprises 135 nationalities. Some of them are near
extinction. That’s why Yangon Anthropology Department took these
opportunities to learn the customs of the near extinct races of Myanmar.
The excursion group went to Kha Yaung Village, Naung Mon Township,
Putao District in the northernmost part of Myanmar. They put on record
the aspects related to Taron race and they also explained to MRTV-3 for
the purpose of the journey to the northern part of Myanmar.The
excursion group started their journey on 16th of March 2003 and they recounted their experiences on this journey.
Our research team includes altogether 6 persons. The team leader is Daw
Nyunt Nyunt Win (Lecturer) and the members are Daw Khin Moe Moe Kyu
(Lecturer), Daw Myat Sandi Aung (Assistant Lecturer), Daw Mya Thida
Aung (Assistant Lecturer), Daw Hla Hla Kyi (Tutor) and Daw Hlaing
Hlaing Oo (Tutor). We were supported and accompanied by officials of
Kachin State,” said Daw Mya Thida Aung.
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“Started
our journey on 16 March 2003, firstly from Putao to Salumdam by car.
It’s about 9miles away from Putao. For the whole journey to Kharoung we
had just to rely on our own feet. From Salundam to Naung Mon, we had to
walk 3 days. From Naung Mon to Pannedin, we had to walk four days. The
camps are built of logs and bamboos. We really exhausted while hiking
up and down the mountain all day longs,” Tutor Daw Hla Hla Kyi said.
From Pannendin to Karaung, we had to walk four days for about 55 miles.
In between, there are 9 camps. From the way of Tasunten to Karaung
Village is the most dangerous and difficult for our trip. Along the
way, we see bamboo houses and only when we arrived at Karaung village
we saw log houses nearly the whole village. The logs selected for posts
are just placed on stone plate and are not set in the ground,” said Daw
Hlaing Hlaing Oo, Tutor of Department of Anthropology.
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Assistant
Lecturer Myat Sandi Aung said “It was a great adventure, since the way
to get Kharong village, the place of Taron is really difficult one that
we’ve ever found. It took altogether 12 days to get there even we
passed over two camps the other used to be spent their nights. |
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We
had to hike all day long to get our village or camp for the day.
Although we could move quite easy in sunny days, we got great exhausts
and stress in the rainy days. The slippery stones threatened us by each
of our step in every second. Deadly ravines and roaring streams
welcomed us often. We had to be very cautious to cross so many bamboo,
log and rattan bridges. At the same moment, we became the victims of
terrible leech, very big sand flies and almost of the snakes. But as
soon as we arrived our target for the day and sitting around the
fireplace, we’d already forgot our pains and sufferings. And then, in
the next morning, we were always eager again to face every dangers and
challenges of the way. I feel it must be our strong desire driving us
to see our friends, the peace-loving Taron people.”
Taron nationals
belong to Rawang tribal group and originally came from the region of
Taron river basin in China. There are only 5 pure Tarons in Karaung
village, 4 of luamdum clan; they are siblings and one of Sondum clan.
Luamdum Darwi is the only pure Taron male. He is 45 years old and 4
feet 3 inches tall. Luamdum Nam-hsein is 60 years old and 4 feet 3
inches tall.
Luamdum Mar-hta is 50 years old and Luamdum Nwin is 43 years old. They
are spinsters and their heights are 4 feet 2 inches. Sondum Son-wan,
100 years olds now is of Sondum clan, and the only surviving pure Taron
today. Her height is 4 feet 5 inches,” said Daw Nyunt Nyunt Win.
Tarons eat rice. But it is not enough for their staple food. Therefore,
they eat alternatives: such as corn, beans, jute, maize, roots and U
Hlaing (a kind of edible plant in the area). Meat, fish and vegetable
are eaten as curry. They make their food by pounding and boiling,” said
Daw Khin Moe Moe Kyu.
The most extensive occupation is hillside agriculture, Taung-ya. The
second most important economic activity is hunting. So, they are famous
as great hunters. There are two reasons for hunting: to get meat for
the family’s needs and to gather horns, leather, fur and other parts of
animals for trade. They barter these pelts for other necessities from
the “outside world”. They practice this “barter system” even today,”
Daw Nyunt Nyunt Win said.
The six-member excursion group from Yangon Anthropology Department
includes only women. Even they are women; they walked on foot for 23
days. The entire research journey took 38 days.
Because of the goodwill endeavour of the excursion group, the custom
and socio-economic life of Taron race, who are near extinction could
have been revealed in time.
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Biological Expedition to Hponkan Razi Region
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Biological Expedition to Hponkan Razi Region
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( Yangon –Putao –Upper Shangaung )
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Hponkan Razi Mountain is situated in Putao District, northernmost part of Myanmar. |
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The
Ministry of Forestry designated the region around Hponkan Razi Mountain
as Hponkan Razi Wildlife Sanctuary to mark the Hponkan Razi Mountain |
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A Biological Team went to Hponkan Razi Region and took observation from the 18th of January to the 17th of February 2002. After making preparations, the excursion team left Yangon for Putao by air on the 18th of January.
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On arrival at Putao, the team members took preparatory measures for the trip until the 21st January.
The next morning, the team left Putao for Upper Shangaung Village by car.
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The
20-member team comprises staff of the Nature and Wildlife Division of
the Ministry of Forestry. Experts from Botany Department of Yangon
University and Myanmar Floriculturist Association, a foreign expert
from Wildlife Conservation Society, New York and staff of Myanmar
Wildlife Conservation Society.
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A
doctor from the Defence Services Medical Acadamy of the Ministry of
Defence accompanied the team to study diseases mostly breaking out in
the region and health of national races.
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On
the way, the team passed through Mame' Sheedi Village where they saw
very tame red serow. It is a six month old male serow. The team bought
it and made arrangement for donating it to Yangon Zoological Garden.
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The
team continued to travel to Upper Shangaung Village. The Village is
located at foot of a mountain and milling of rice by hydroelectric
power can be seen there. While living there, Dr. Nay Soe Maung gave
treatment to the local nationals and held educative talks on health.
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He was very pleased to do such a noble deed. The team made a night stop there.On 23rd January, they walked to Partit Camp situated at 3,000 ft above sea level, 7 miles far from the upper Shangaung Village.
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You can enjoy the other events of the trip in coming programmes.
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Biological Expedition to Hponkan Razi Region
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(Upper Shangaung - Awadam)
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A
biological expedition team to conduct studies in the environs of
Hponkan Razi left upper Shangaung village on foot for Partip camp on
the morning of 23rd January 2002. The camp is on a 3,000 ft high summit and 7 miles away from Hponkan Razi.
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On
the way to the camp, the excursion team members studied orchids and
other flowers and trees. They arrived Rattan camp after travelling for
one hour.
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Lt-Col
Dr. Nay Soe Maung gave medical treatments to the children of Rattan
camp. The team members left the camp and began to the climb up the
mountain at 10:30 a.m. The journey was delayed as the ridges were wet.
The forest became thicker and there were evergreen hard wood forests.
Soon after, they reached the summit of Partip mountain where they
stopped over for the night and discussed preparations for the journey
to continue.
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The
expedition team members studied ice-covered ridges and other ridges
nearby. They took documentary photographs and video filming of the
scenario on the morning of 24th January 2002 and then came
down from the summit. They arrived Awadam village after travelling for
8 hours during which they passed Wasardam village where U Thein Aung
and U Nay Myo of Forest Department studied the birds captured by the
villagers and then released them. The excursion team stopped over for
the night at the village.
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On the morning of 25th
January, 2002, the expedition team members left Awadam village for
Lonadam village about a mile away from Awadam. On their journey, they
passed over a 400 ft long rattan suspension bridge and then observed a
pleasant forest and later they arrived in Lonadam village and stopped
over for the night.
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During
their stay at the village, the team members visited the home of a
village hunter and studied the skulls of the animals he had shot. They
also had commemorative photographs and donated exercise books and
stationery for the primary school of the village. They also observed a
wedding reception of Leesu national race.
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On the morning of 26th
January 2002, the expedition team members left Awadam village on foot
for Zeeyadam village 7 miles from Awadam. We will present the
continuation of this programme later.
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Biological Expedition to Hponkan Razi Region
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(From Awadan Village -1 to Ziadan Village)
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On 26th
January, a biological expedition team to the environs of Hponkan Razi
region left Awadan village-1 for Ziadan village, about seven miles from
Awadan-1. On the way, the team passed Awadan village-2. The team
members U Thein Aung and U Nay Myo Shwe of the Forest Department
captured the birds by nets and later released them after studying. Then
they left for Ziadan village.
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Ziadan
village is in the north-western most part of Myanmar which is nearest
to the Hponkan Razi mountain, 3,300 ft above the sea level. There are
18 households in the village. Most of the villagers are Rawan, Lisu and
Lisu-Rawan national races. Their livelihood is cultivation and hunting.
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The
biological study team visited the house of a village hunter where they
observed skins and horns of animals. The hunter told them that he had
shot barking deers, bears, sambar, wild pigs, monkeys and jungle cats.
The team made an overnight stop at Ziadan village.
On 27th
January 2002, the expedition team went on a study tour of Ziadan
surrounding area. They observed five hydroelectric power rice-pounders
which the villagers used for their sustenance.
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The
study team provided medical treatment and lectured the villagers to
promote their knowledge. The team also entertained them by drawing
their portraits. The team visited a village hunter’s house and observed
the feathers of birds he had hunted and the tools he used.
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On 28th
January 2002, the study team left Ziadan for Wangmung camp-1, five
miles from Ziandan. It is the beginning of the journey in the forest
and after traveling two miles, they went down to the Wangmung stream.
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The
team members have to walk carefully on slippery rocks along the stream.
We will present the team’s journey to Wangmung camp-1 in the next
programme.
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Biological Expedition to Hponkan Razi Region
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(From Ziadan Village to Wangmung Camps 1 & 2)
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The
biological expedition team in Hponkan Razi environ proceeded to
WangMung Camp-1 about 5 miles from Ziadan village. The team’s journey
commenced in the forest and then went up the WangMung stream and later
continued to the snow-capped mountains.
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The exploration team’s journey is risky as the team members had to travel carefully on mossy rocks. |
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The
team could not make a good progress on the journey as they had to make
way for new route on the steep banks of Wangmung stream. The team
members studied flocks of birds flying over their heads and they also
observed a local villager netting fish at a place in Wangmung stream.
As
the team members arrived at Wangung Camp-1, it was already about 1 p.m.
The Wangmung Camp locates at a 3,700 ft high mountain ridge where they
observed and collected different species of orchids. They discussed
plans for the next journey and stopped over the night at the camp.
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On 29th
January 2002, the study team left Wangmaung Camp-1 for WangMaung
Camp-2. On their way the team members often crossed over the streams
and the creeks by makeshift log bridges made for emergency use. They
continued their journey on rocks and stones and passed large patches of
reeds.
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The
expedition team arrived Wangmaung Camp-2 at 1 p.m. The Camp locates at
a 4,780 ft high place where vegetation changed a little. The team
members stopped for the night at the camp.
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The
expedition team members climbed onto the 7,100 feet high mountain
ranges. Along the way they gathered orchids growing on trees and
branches. They also observed carcass of a small animal at a place where
the forest became dense and the slope became deep. Moreover, the team
members collected species of red Eugenia Vattang and other ten more
species of trees.
The
weather became cold when they closely saw the ice-capped mountain. The
team members then descended to Wangmung Camp-2 for the night. We will
continue to present the expedition team’s another journey in the next
programme.
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Biological Expedition to Hponkan Razi Region
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( Wangmung Camp -2 to Wangmung Camp-4 )
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The biological expedition team to the environ of Hponkan Razi region left Wangmung Camp-2 on the 31st
January 2002. The team members proceeded to the up stream of Wangmung
in a cold weather. They observed bamboos and trees thickly growing
along their way. They arrived at Wangmung Camp-3 at 1 p.m. and stopped
over for the night.
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On the following day, 1st
February 2002, they left the camp for their last camp of Wangmung
Camp-4. They went up the stream of Wangmung by walking on rocks and
steep cliffs with difficulty as they slowly approached the ice-capped
mountains.
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The
team members took a brief stopover on the way and then proceeded the
journey where they could see the snow-capped mountain clearly. The
expedition team was moving on a height of 5,000 ft. The team members
tracked around the 400 ft high bank of a waterfall on the way where the
situation of the forest type significantly changed..
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On
arrival at Wangmung Camp-4, they prepared for pitching a camp there.
The encampment locates at a height of 7,350 ft where only pines and
rhododendron are growing.
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After a stopover for the night at the camp, they climbed onto the snow capped mountains on the 2nd
February 2002. Due to severe cold, all of the trees have shed their
leaves and there were only dry branches on the trees. The ground was
covered with ice and no more orchids could be seen growing on the trees.
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During the expedition team’s encampment at Wangmung Camp-4 from the 2nd to 4th
February 2002, they put on record the findings on birds, mammals,
orchids and forests. The biological expedition team members descended
from the camp-4 and turned back on the 5th February 2002.
They set out their expedition with objectives to study the natural
forests and possibilities for long-term conservation of them in the
important catchment area of the Maykha and Maylikha River, the origin
of the Ayeyawady River, to observe mammals, orchids, birds, the
tradition of the national races and the socio-economy of the region, to
provide assistance to the eco-tourism of the significant region and to
help drawing a management plan of Hponkan Razi sanctuary based on their
findings. The expedition team returned to Ziadan village leaving
Wangmung Camp-4 and other camps behind.
On their arrival at Ziadan village on the 8th
February 2002, they held a dinner for those who assisted them on their
expedition. There was also a joyful entertainment with a variety of
dances performed by Rawan and Lisu national races.
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