One of the highlights of any stay at The Lisu is a exclusive four-day wilderness journey on the pristine western headwaters of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Suitable for almost all age groups, the Nam Lang River combines the thrill of Class 3 and 4 whitewater through thickly forested canyons, with a closer insight into a people and way of life unchanged for centuries. The Nam Lang River is without a doubt one of the most exciting journeys you can undertake in Myanmar.
» Difficulty 3-4 » From Wanglai Dam to Mulashidi » Distance 60km » 2 days trek, 2 river days » Av. River Gradient 25 ft per mile » Best Season Late Oct - Early April » Minimum group size 2 » Maximum group size 12
Day 1 An hours drive from The Lisu we reach Upper Sangaung which marks the end of the road and the beginning of the trek into the Nam Lang Valley. We trek at a leisurely pace for five to six hours to our first jungle camp just over the pass. In traditional style the porters carry all the expedition food and equipment ahead, leaving us free to enjoy this scenic trek through untouched subtropical forest and giant bamboo.
Day 2 Three to four hours walk downhill through more jungle brings us down to the Nam Lang River and the starting point for our rafting journey. The first river canyon is marked by a rattan and bamboo bridge across the river, and our stunning riverside camp is just below the bridge. It is here that we say goodbye to our porters. The rest of the afternoon we can relax and swim in the canyon's beautiful swimming holes or explore the nearby Rawang Village of Wanglai Dam.
Day 3 After breakfast everyone is fitted with their specialist rafting gear, while the trip leader and safety kayaker give an extensive lesson in river safety and paddling technique. We pass by the remote Lisu village of Nam Ze, at the foot of more snowcapped peaks. This is our last contact with "civilization" as we take an isolated loop into the lower canyons. Two hours below this village and we encounter some excellent technical rapids. From here we raft down to our final river beach camp at the beginning of the second canyon.
Day 4 After a hearty breakfast we start the final and most challenging days rafting. An hour later, we reach three exciting and technical rapids stacked in succession in a tight bedrock canyon. The trio of rapids ends with a bang in a series of drops between massive boulders. From here it is about three hours rafting and leisurely cruising back to our home at The Lisu, where a glass of champagne and long hot shower awaits.
