- First-day trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake
- Second-day hiking from Kalaw to Inle Lake
- Third-day trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake
We woke up after a good night sleep and ready for the last 16 kilometres of our 3-day hike from Kalaw to Inle Lake. We had pancakes for breakfast which made everyone on in a good mood despite the early hour. We set out into a mist of fog for only a half day trekking.
We passed by villages, paid the entry fee for Inle Lake, and started our slow descent to Inle Lake. The last section was very muddy but soon we were able to see Inle Lake from the distance. After another 30 minutes or so, we finally arrived at the last village where we had a fresh and tasty lunch.
The walking part of this trip was coming to an end with the awaited boat ride to Inle Lake. After another delicious and copious meal, we jumped on a longboat to take a ride from the southern floating farms to the northern town of Nyaungshwe.
The longboat was very narrow, so we all sat in single file, all facing in the same direction. We had the feeling it would capsize at any moment. We puttered down the canal and went onto Inle Lake. We cruised past a number of older rich tourists making the same journey as us and it felt a bit like being in a procession. Having spent three days trekking through small local villages, this was quite a contrast. It felt weird.
Inle Lake is overcrowded and touristic. 20 years ago only three hotels around the lake were accommodation the rare backpacker. Today over 20 high-class resort hotels dotted the lake. The water level is dropping every year, and the water is getting dirtier. We hope things will improve or you will see a KFC in the middle of the lake in no time.
We agreed to pay an extra 3000 kyats to visit workshops during the afternoon before being drop at our hotels and being rewarded by a hot shower. Our first stop was a silver making factory. Surprisingly, though tourist attractions, we did not feel pressured to buy any products; we were only given a brief tour and description of the products no high-pressure sales pitches. Nevertheless, Kro and Lisa couldn't resist the jewels attraction and bought earrings and a necklace. Girls and jewellery! Not a cheap combination.
Next up was the lotus fibre weavers who extracted the delicate fibres from the lotus stem to make a thread. Using traditional methods, a simple scarf will require over 4000 lotus. Even though the plants grow in abundance in Inle Lake, the task was excruciating explaining the high price of the garments.
The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda was up next. Not much to say about that pagoda. It's on the lake, it's nice but we have seen so many already.
We stopped at a shop with 'Long Neck Women' also known as The Paduang. This made us all fell a bit uncomfortable as they were displayed for the sole purpose of tourists. The three women - which have been there for years now - aren't from the Inle Lake area. We didn't like that kind of exhibition but before leaving Kro spoke with them. Only one, the youngest, could speak a decent English.
These women were coming from the mountains of Myanmar’s Kayah State. They were sitting all day weaving, waiting for tourists to take the perfect self and hoping to make sales. Not sure who gets most of the money though... They started wearing rings of bronze coils around their neck around the age of 10 and added more as they grew older. The Paduang can stop whenever they want but feel more beautiful the more rings they have. The tradition slowly disappeared and is frowned upon by the Burmese government. The tradition would most likely disappear if it wasn't for the tourist.
By the time evening rolled around we were heading to the hotel, the Inle resort which was right on the Inle Lake. The lighting was wonderful. The sunset was terrific. Best way to finish our three days trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake.