Mount Victoria (Nat Ma Taung in Burmese, or Khonuamthung in the local Chin language) is set in the stunning and little-visited Nat Ma Taung National Park, home to a variety of rare and beautiful flora and fauna and ethnic tribes known for their tattoo-faced womenfolk. The national park's biodiversity has led to it being awarded ASEAN Heritage Park status and of Outstanding Universal Value by UNESCO.


Standing at 3,053 metres (10,016 feet), Mount Victoria is the tallest peak in mountainous Chin State and the third highest in Myanmar overall (the others are in northern Kachin State). There are great views all the way up the simple ascent; in November, December and February colourful rhododendrons are in bloom; and at the twin peaks of Mount Victoria you will find 360 degree panoramas of the surrounding mountains (plus a pagoda and Buddha, for good measure).

CLIMBING MOUNT VICTORIA

The trail head from which the hike begins is a 45 minute drive uphill from the small town of Kanpetlet, where accommodation can be found; the hike itself takes around five hours to the summit and back to the trail head.

Although the walk is not technically challenging (it follows a rough road between villages, which could be driven in a 4×4 vehicle), it is a good idea to pack water and some snacks. In hot season the days can get very hot indeed; Mount Victoria is best climbed between November and February for the cool, clear air at that time of year.

With an upswing of local tourism, the main path leading up the mountain can become congested with motorbike taxis and other vehicles during peak season. It also not uncommon to find the stunning summit littered with rubbish. 

Check out our YouTube videos of hiking up Mount Victoria and a 360 degree view from the summit of Mount Victoria.

For a wider selection of photos from Mount Victoria.





OTHER HIKES AND BIRDWATCHING

Mount Victoria can easily be climbed in one day, but there are longer, quieter and more remote hiking options in the area, including a direct route through the mountains and tribal villages from Kanpetlet to the nearby town of Mindat (two days, two nights) and a longer circular route to the west and north from Kanpetlet, which begins with the road to the summit of Mount Victoria (five days, four nights). For both of these hikes, you will need a guide and porter, and accommodation is at very simple village homestays.

Nat Ma Taung national park is also a great place to visit for keen ornithologists; the area is home to a number of species, including the endemic (and endangered) White-browed Nuthatch, as well as larger birds of prey.



Our Trip Plan


DAY 1:
Arrival Yangon by morning.
Welcoming at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing the highlights of Yangon. Shwedagon Pagoda and National Museum will give a brief image of Myanmar.
Overnight at Yangon.

DAY 2:
Yangon to Bagan by morning flight. Welcoming at Bagan Airport and transfer to hotel. On the way to hotel sightseeing at Nyaung-Oo Market, Shwe-zi-gon Pagoda, an exquisite feature of Myanmar stupa built on sandstones; Kyan-sit-thar U-min, a tunnel with fine intricate paintings; Wet-kyi-in Gu-byuk-kyi Temple with ancient mural paintings of Jartaka scenes. Check in and refreshment at hotel. Continue sightseeing Archeological Museum; Ananda Temple, a temple of massive and finest brick works. That-byin-nyu Temple, rising to a height of 201 feet above the ground overlooking other monuments around; Bu-pa-ya close to Ayeyarwaddy river and a fine place to enjoy sunset view.
Overnight at Bagan.

DAY 3:
After Breakfast, set out from Bagan to Kan-pet-Let (Nat-Ma-Taung National Park) by car. It is 4WD air-con Toyota Station Wagon. This 157 km route from Bagan to Kanpetlet, by crossing River Irrawaddy at Chauk town and climbing up the Chin Hills, will take about 6~7 hours’ driving. Kan-pet-Let is 6,500 feet above sea level. Suggestible to leave Bagan at 07:00, lunch at Saw Town, to arrive Kanpetlet in the late afternoon. Evening stroll at Kanpetlet, peaceful but remote town of Southern Chin tribes.
Overnight at Kanpetlet.

DAY 4:
Early morning, proceed to base camp (also called 10th Mile Camp) of Natmataung (Mount Victoria) by car. And proceed on foot by the trekking route of 2 hours toward the Peak (3200 meters above sea level). Gradient is kind and scenes are exhilarating, nevertheless it is all the way climbing up for 2 hours at easy pace. Trekking and sightseeing the village life of Chin tribes. Return back to Kanpetlet by car.
Overnight at Kanpetlet.

DAY 5:
After breakfast, to take the car trip to Min-dat via Saw. Kan-pet-let to Mindat is winding hillside road of 27 Km, it takes about 3 hours to drive.
Overnight at Mindat.

DAY 6:
Trekking and sightseeing the village life of Chin tribes. Pan-Auh Village, 15 minutes drive from town, should be visited to observe the tribal beliefs, rituals and livelihood.
Overnight at Mindat.

DAY 7:
Mindat to Bagan by car. Arrival Bagan at late afternoon. Transfer to hotel and refreshment.
Overnight at Bagan.

DAY 8:
Bagan to Yangon by morning flight. Welcoming at airport and transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing for the afternoon at Yangon: Su-le Pagoda, visit the down town (Old Colonial Buildings). In the evening, visit Karaweik Palace Hall at Kandawgyi Garden and visit around Kandawgyi Garden. After then strolling around China Town.
Overnight at Yangon.

DAY 9:
Yangon sightseeing. Visit Bogyoke Aung San Market. Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure evening flight.