Mindat, Chin State


Chin State is home to some of the highest mountains in Myanmar, as well as to the unique Chin people. Many different groups exist within the Chin, some of them don't even understand each other, as I learned from my chance guide, Timothy. Mindat, itself located above 1000 metres on top of a mountain, is one of the places from where treks can be organised to Khaw-nu-soum, known as Mount Victoria in English or Nat Ma Taung in Burmese. But trekking in this region is quite expensive, so I just hired a guy with a motorbike to take me across the valley to a village I spotted, so I can have a view of Mindat. But I've got more than I was expecting...

Taking a microbus from Mandalay




Mindat, first impressions






Some of them offering great views on the town and the surroundings, there are quite a few Buddhist sites in Mindat, in a place that used to be presominantly animist, ...



















...but what is striking is the number of Christian churches. It is the same in every tribal area of the world, where missionaries used to and still go to "save souls". 











Concrete is replacing the traditional wooden building techniques, although new wooden houses are still erected, as seen on the first photo right next to a ferro-cement structure.













I've spotted a village across the valley, and I imagined there must be a nice view from there on Mindat. Then I've met Timothy who offered to take me there on his bike.









We finally reached the village, called Is Khan, and met some of the locals. You can spot even in Mindat old ladies sporting facial tattoos, but it would be very inappropriate and irresponsible to make photos of them. But here, Timothy actually took me to a house where it is kind of expected in exchange of a little donation.







We also found a "hotel" little after the village where we had a beer. It's very basic but there is hot water - heated on open fire. A company organises trips here, but it can be reached independently too. When I asked what the name of the place was, after a little uncertainity and hesitation I was told it is Hotel Is Khan.









And the view of Mindat that I went for.







A nice place to have Chin dishes and sample the Chin wine in Mindat, with a great view on Is Khan and Mount Victoria if it is not in the clouds.




Basic (no hot water although there is good internet connection) but cheap (single room 10,000 MMK), Victoria Guest House is a great place to stay, offering magnificent views right from your bed.







Leaving Mindat, heading back to the plain of central Myanmar.


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