GC35EFT SPORE01: Paung-Laung Jungle creek (Traditional Cache) in Myanmar created by ViKoCZ

GC35EFT ▼

A cache by ViKoCZ Message this owner

Hidden : 12/3/2011

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Few days trek for those enjoying the real jungle.

Are you bored with Kalaw - Inle Lake trip? Do you want feel how deep the jungle really is? Prepared for seeing no turists but few local hunters and farmers? Well, it seems you might be looking for a trip to Paung-Laung creek. The trek will take 3 - 5 days, depending on your pace and ambition to see other surroundings.
	The best start is from Kalaw making round trip. Do not think there are any maps, signs nor serious roads. The orientation is quite easy at the beginning but later on there are not any obvious paths and you have to follow the creek and struggle through the jungle where possible. You will see panoramic mountain views, small bamboo hut villages and some hunters. Count with leeches and tics although it's not a big issue. If you are lucky, you might see some wild animals like squirrels, monkeys and deer or small bear or wild elephant if you are more lucky. Basically, you have two options how to get there - make the trip more adventurous and rely on your own or hire a guide in Kalaw.
To follow the first option you should have enough time, food and equipment to sleep in the jungle. Count with temperatures around 7 degrees of Celsius during the night in winter season and also dew is intense despite rainy season. Orientation is not easy especially along the creek itself as you have to go across the creek one time and next a hidden path takes you around an impervious part. There are lots of places to camp over the night and make fire so don't worry about this if you are equipped. Otherwise you can try relying on local villages and farmer's huts. Villages are not so close to the cache itself, but you can find a few farmers’ huts. You have to arrange it with locals! They built them for themselves while farming or hunting around seasonally.
	The safe option is to take a local guide in Kalaw to take you there. Kalaw is top trekking center in Myanmar so you have various choice of trekking guide services. Beware it is not easy to find one as this is not their regular destination and most of them don't know this area. You can find recommended guided services in guide book, internet discussions or just write me and I will go my best to help you.
Guided service will assure you a sleeping bag, blankets necessary for cold nights, navigation through the area, managing place to sleep and also food supply during the whole trip. Also you can learn some information about the surroundings, nature and local life as well as tailoring a trip upon your requirements.
	Cache itself is hidden at confluence of Paung-laung creek and a small creek with not much water during winter season. See spoiler photo for better orientation as GPS has not got the best reception there and also your battery can get flat after a few days walking with no electricity supply. The photo on the left has been taken from cache location. Please understand that this cache is not for everyone and do not overestimate your capability. Even though the terrain itself is not too demanding, the trek is long and hot weather together with considerable elevation can exhaust you soon. Do not hesitate to contact me before going there, I'll be glad to provide you with additional information to make your trip safe and enjoyable.
You can also visit Naung Ninn cave during the trek which is quite a nice place to oversleep. You can find more information at cache GC39M6Q located there.
Safe and happy hunting!!!