Kachin State

Kachin State is an administrative territory in northern Myanmar that covers mountainous terrain with dense forests and deep river valleys. The capital Myitkyina sits at the confluence of two rivers and serves as a gateway to the surrounding regions.

This territory became an established administrative unit after independence from British colonial rule in 1948. Since then, territorial conflicts and political tensions have shaped the region through decades of change.

Local communities live in scattered villages and larger towns, where many people still follow farming traditions passed down through generations. Travelers visiting the markets often find handwoven textiles and carved wooden crafts made by artisans in the surrounding hills.

Visitors should check the current security situation and access permissions for different areas before traveling. The best months to visit fall during the drier season when roads and trails are easier to navigate.

The border region with China and India includes the highest peak in Myanmar and a large natural lake that serves as a haven for migratory birds. Travelers find here one of the most remote and least visited regions in Southeast Asia.

Location: Myanmar

Inception: 1948

Capital city: Myitkyina

Elevation above the sea: 275 m

Shares border with: Arunachal Pradesh, Shan State, Yunnan, Sagaing Region, Tibet Autonomous Region

Website: https://kachinstate.gov.mm

GPS coordinates: 26.00000,97.50000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:39