This full day excursion combines a scenic river gorge cruise with a visit to the picturesque village of Manchanbaw. From there we venture downstream by boat onto the Malikha River through forested hills and past white river beaches, where villagers may often be seen panning for gold. A picnic lunch is prepared in a spectacular riverside beach inside the gorge, before our return by vehicle to Malikha Lodge in time for sunset. The Malikha Cruise departs every Wednesday and Saturday and is available on a first come first serve basis.

This exciting half-day adventure starts off with a short trek up into the forested hills behind our lodge, with sweeping views back over the whole Putao Valley. Before long we descend into the Namlang Valley a few miles upstream from the lodge where our raft and river guide will be waiting. From there it is a leisurely 2-hour journey through the occasional gentle rapids back to the lodge on the clear and fast flowing waters of the Nam Lang River.

We offer a choice of two short elephant excursion either after breakfast or lunch once our two elephants have returned from a night of foraging in the jungle. Setting off from the Main Lodge, the elephants take you through the fast flowing clear waters of the Nam Lang River and up through the terraced rice fields to the village of Yegyawdi opposite our lodge, or downstream along the banks for the Nam Lang River, before a final river crossing brings you back to the lodge. By prior arrangement there is the opportunity to view the elephants being washed by the mahouts.

Visitors to Malikha Lodge will have the opportunity to experience and learn about life in the Putao Valley. Upon request, we can organize evening visits to the lodge of local hunters, dancers and our own elephant mahouts to gain a better insight into the local culture. On some of our locally guided day treks there is the opportunity to view some of the cottage industries within the Putao Valley and the opportunity to visit their homes and observe these handicrafts being produced at firsthand. For early birds there is also the chance visit the Putao market, to try a steaming bowl of Shan noodle soup in the early morning chill and to practice your haggling skills over spectacular Rawang village headman woven hats, colourful sarongs and fine baskets.