Myitkyina, the northernmost terminus of the railway, offers a prime Northern sight at Myitsone, the beautiful confluence of the Maykha and Malikha Rivers, from where the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar’s largest, begins its long, majestic journey across the country. Along the railway, near Hopin, lies Myanmar’s largest lake, Indawgyi Lake. During the pagoda festival in March, tens of thousands of people gather along the lakeshore, creating a temporary town that gives the impression of stepping into a magical world. A flight of about 30 minutes from Myitkyina brings you to Putao, known as “Myanmar’s Switzerland,” where the magnificent ridges of the Myanmar Alps offer stunning views. This northern region is also famous as a major source for Myanmar’s prominent gemstones; its rubies, sapphires, and jade are known worldwide. In this region of high mountains and magnificent wilderness, the farthest north features the majestic sight of Hkakabo Razi (5,881 meters ) , the highest peak in Southeast Asia (first summited by a Japanese mountaineer). This area has become a premier destination for serious mountaineering in Myanmar.

Myitkyina is located in Kachin State, the northernmost region of Myanmar, about 780 kilometers north of Mandalay. It takes about two and a half hours to arrive by plane from Yangon, or a long train journey of 24 to 26 hours from Mandalay. Myitkyina is renowned for the scenic confluence of the two rivers, the Maykha and Malikha, at the famous Myitson, which is a major tourist attraction.

Located about a 50-minute flight north of Myitkyina, Putao serves as the starting point for climbs to Myanmar’s highest peak, Hkakabo Razi (5,881 m). Known as the “Switzerland of Myanmar,” it is a scenic and idyllic paradise where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. The best season to visit is from November to February.

Indawgyi Lake, with an area of 333 square kilometers, is the largest lake in Myanmar. It is located 170 kilometers by road from Myitkyina. The annual Shwe Myitzu Pagoda Festival held every March attracts tens of thousands of visitors, temporarily transforming the area into a bustling town.