On the western side of the Southeast Asian peninsula, there lies an enchanting land with silver beaches washed by the surf of the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, in the north the Himalaya pushes chains and knots of mountains into the country, some rising to 2700m. (8870') with peaks usually higher than 3300m (10800'). The Khakabo Razi, the highest peak, a majestic 5881m (19296') is to be found here. The peak had not been climbed until 1996 when the Myanmar flag was planted on the summit. Close to the south is the Gamland Razi at 5834.5m (19142').There are other peaks which reach over 5200m (17000'). This is snow-land which reaches down to 2165m (6500') in the winter. The lower ranges are clad in various types of evergreen and coniferous forests. There are pleasant Alpine meadows and valleys where swift streams of clean water flow. The stream beds are pebbly and the banks are strewn with rocks of all sizes and colors.

The climate here is different from most of the rest of the country since it lies in the temperate zone and is at a considerable altitude. It can get fairly cold in winter though its interior location surrounded by mountains makes it quite warm in summer with a high of 26¼. Above 2700m(8900'), the temperature falls to freezing point. Rainfall is fairly heavy with Sumprabhum getting an annual fall of 348cm (135.7") and Putao 400cm (156").

Indawgyi, the country's largest lake, larger than the well-known Inle lake is in this area. It is 25.6 km (15.8 mi) long and 9.6 km (6mi) wide. It is a lake of tectonic origin and is believed to have been formed by an earthquake which submerged a village. There is a pagoda on an island in the lake. It is interesting that the water level subsides for the period of the pagoda festival, exposing a causeway from the main land to the island.

The source of the Ayeyarwady, the country's artery, is also situated here. The mighty river originates as the confluence of two rivers, the Nmai Kha and the Mali Kha. The confluence occurs about 48 km (30 mi) above Myitkyina. The Mali Kha contributes a smaller volume of water than the Nmai Kha so that the latter stream may be considered as the true upper Ayeyarwady. Nmai Kha's source is the snowcapped Tila massif, north of Putao.

The Ayeyawady is unique in Southeast Asia as being a river which has its basin wholly within one country and wholly within the monsoon climatic region.

The Uru is a major chaung (creek) which sources in this region to feed the Chindwin River, the main tributary of the Ayeyawady, flowing into the big river 64 km (40 mi) above Bagan.

This northern land is jade land, the land of jadeite, the true jade and the only gem-quality stone which has the title 'Imperial" in its name: Imperial jade. Jade was esteemed by emperors and is valued at the present day by ordinary people for bringing prosperity and happiness.

The geology favours the occurence of large tracts of ores which yield the world famous "pigeon blood" ruby, sapphire, and such precious stones as peridot, spinel, toumaline and assorted Mogok stones. Annual and midyear Gems, Jade and Pearl Emporiums are held where 300-400 foreign customers come to bid for jade, rubies, sapphires and pearls.

The rare takin is found on ridges 2400-300% (8000-10000') high. The takin has a body length of about 200cm (8011) and weighs 315kg (700 lbs). Its thick brownish fur is oily and leaves a reddish-brown stain on the fingers. In winter it grazes in the foothills, in summer it moves up to the timber line. It lives on grass, small plants and bamboo shoots. The red panda is found above 1800m (1600'), the goral or mountain goat above 900m (3000'), and the tailed deer on heights between 900m to 2700m (90001). The black bear roams widely.

Many national races live harmoniously in this northernmost Kachin State. They are Kachin, Jinghpaw, Maui, Rawan, Lashi, Lisu, Shan. Khamti-Shan and other races. Kachins number 270000, Shan 280000, Lisu 67000 and Rawan 46600 according to the 1997 count.

The Bala Min Htin bridge is being built at Waingmaw (Myitkyina). It will be the northernmost of six bridges to span the Ayeyawady.

The Ayeyawady, which in places is over half a mile wide, flows through hills and plains until at Sinbo, 88km (55 mi) south of Myitkyina, it enters the first defile by a mouth only 45m (150') wide. The water rushes with eddies and whirlpools making navigation difficult. The cliffs flanking the river arc about 180m (600') high but are backed by mountains of over 900m (3000'). The river emerges from the 64km (40 mi) long defile at Thahpanbin and immediately broadens out on an alluvial plain. It then swerves west to reach the town of Bhamo. It next enters the second defile which is 90m (300') wide at it narrowest. The second defile is shorter than the first but is flanked by scenic cliffs.