Putao Trekking House — Hotel in Putao District

This is a difficult review to write. On one hand you have to be aware that since 2016 foreigners are not allowed to move substancially out of Putao. Only Burmese can get closer to the snow covered mountains. In four days I only had one day on which you could see the high mountains in teh distance which was a terrific, magnificient view. ||||And the Trekking house is ridiciously overprized. 70 USD for a room while you can get a better room in every city in Myanmar for 30 USD. In a local guesthouse in Putao you also can get a clean room for 18 USD. It is freezing cold in the nights and mornings and there is no heating in the Trekking house only from time to time a fire in the fireplace of the Lobby. But once I was told that if there were only three people in the Lobby that would not not be enough to light a fire and that the firewood is all wet. For an absolute crappy Chinese moped they charge 15.000 Kyat a day. There is no WiFi. The food is average. Very bad value and I witnessed Chinese guests from Mandaly complaining quite furoiusly that there was not enough hot water.||||On the other hand the owner, 72 years old U Tin Win, is a very interesting knowledgable guy to talk to. He has Nepali roots, is a former gem trader an knows a lot about the region and the country. And just going about in the villaged around Putao can be really great. Simpe life, no concrete houses, kids without smart phones playing; mountain people mostly from the Lissu tribe. There is no ATM machine in Putao yet, in 4 days I only met 2 Western...

Quaint little "trekking house" just minutes away from the Putao Airport by car. The room itself is chillier (colder) than the air (weather) outside. The walls are thin and you can hear voices from your neighbors whether you like it or not. There is no heating system (no heater) in the rooms (highly recommended to install a small heating fan for the future guests), so for people who can't stand the cold had to "feel" the cold (no choice). Breakfast corner is a smaller corner of local Myanmar food and cakes, tea, coffee, Chinese tea, toast, juice, etc. The hotel food and tour are expensive (I guess it goes for every hotel out there). If you have enough time, it's better to book with some outside touring agencies than being ripped off by the hotel. There are only two restaurants in town and the market is nearby, both of which are just minutes away from the "trekking house" on foot. For now, this Putao Trekking House is the only accommodation which is close to town, which is why it seems that the rooms are always occupied (with guests). There is also a morning market where the locals sell their produce (and other stuff as well) but that market is scattered around 9 am. Overall, one time is enough for me to visit Putao, but can reconsider when the "trekking house" installs some heating fans for cold...

The manager meets you at the airport and continues to meet all your needs. They have comfortable 4 room units (2 up 2 down). The downstairs rooms are a bit dark but they have double beds and are very quiet. Upstairs you might be disturbed by bats on the roof. All rooms have a porch or balcony to sit on and overlook the citrus trees planted in the garden. Food is good especially if you ask for the local foods that are brought in fresh from the market. They arrange wonderful walks and treks for those with limited stays and if you have time they arrange expeditions to base camps at hkakaborazi and other mountain peaks of the eastern Himalayas; home to many unique sights such as cultural and biodiversity. Trekking staff are well trained with many years...