If one flies from Myitkyina, the capital of the Kachin State, for about 220 miles north, one will come to a small town called Putao.The township has an area of 2,105.56 square miles and about 1,347,494 acres with a population of 59,565.
Putao Township's boundaries touch with Machambaw in the east, Sombrabum in the south, Ta Nai in the west and India in the north.
Putao is a horseshoe shaped township with a large area of fertile plain suitable for cultivation of various crops.It is surrounded by snowcapped ranges of beautiful mountains from north to south. It stands at a height of 4,600 feet above sea level.It is the nearest town to the base camp for climbing Mt. Khakhaborazi which is the highest in Myanmar and in South East Asia.
The national races, who live in the area are, Ra Wan, Lisu, Tai Hkamti, Jingh-paw, Myanmar, Chinese, Lahu, Kayin, Indian and Rakhine.
Myikyina, the capital of Kachin State is situated in the northernmost region of Myanmar and lies 779 km north of Mandalay.It is two and a half hour's flight from Yangon to Myitkyina via Mandalay.Myitkyina is proud of its confluence of the two tributaries Maikha and Mailikha known as the famous Myitsone, from which the River Ayeyarwaddy rises. 
It is the largest lake in Myanmar.It is 333 sq. km in area and is 45 km by car from the Hopin railway station.The famous Shwe Myint Zu Pagoda is situated in the middle of the lake. A bird watching tour is available as well because the world's rare birds such as Sarus crane, Pelican, Stork, etc also reside here. 
