Putao Myanmar

Putao is a town in Kachin State, Myanmar, serving as the principal town of Putao Township. It is renowned for its diverse bird species and rare orchids, particularly the "Black Orchid" found in the surrounding mountains. From Putao, Myanmar's highest peak, Hkakabo Razi, and other snow-capped mountains are visible.

Historically, the area was known as Hkamti Long, a princely Shan State settled by the Khamti Shan people, meaning "Great Place of Gold" in their language. Today, Rawang and Lisu communities, classified under Kachin nationalities, inhabit the region. Explorers discovered the Taron ethnic group in West-Putao's mountains, characterized by their short stature, now threatened with extinction.

During World War II, Fort Hertz was established near Putao in 1914 as a British military outpost. Due to its remote location, it remained under Allied control throughout the war and still has visible remains today.

Geographically, Putao lies on a plain at approximately 1,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by mountains. The climate is humid subtropical with heavy monsoon rains, averaging temperatures of 13.1°C in January and 26.6°C in August.

As a transportation hub for northern Myanmar, Putao receives seasonal commercial flights at its airport. Tourist attractions include the region's mountains, rare orchids, herbs, Burmese Cordyceps, and Kaungmhulon Buddhist pagoda.