Kalaw to Inle lake VS Inle lake to Kalaw

Quite a few people are bounding this question around so here is our “two-penn’orth.” …

Kalaw to Inle lake or Visa Versa in Reverse 

Price

Let us start with the biggy for budget backpackers; the PRICE!

We spent time running around and getting quotes in both Kalaw and in Inle lake for similar treks.  Bearing in mind you get the same food and accommodation aaand ‘bathrooms’ either way.  Places in Inle Lake consistently quoted more per comparative trek. As most people do do the trek from Kalaw, there are also less people in Inle Lake to team up with for a bargain.  It is just hard to get a good price once you’re in Inle Lake Kalaw to Inle lake or Visa Versa in Reverse

So, you really do get much better deals in Kalaw; in fact we rocked up early morning and joined a group embarking on the 3 day 2 night trek for the lowest possible price we have heard of 38,000 Kyat (36 USD / 25 USD).  Many place were willing to do this same trek for 40,000 Kyat.  It really is a bargain trek; For information, check out our full guide to doing this trek >>>

Challenge and Views

As for physical challenge and views; the trek from Kalaw to Inle lake undulates, but is generally heading down towards the lake and of course offers the satisfaction of finishing at the rather impressive lake itself on the third day.  If you trek from Inle Lake to Kalaw it will be a greater physically challenge, which some may like, but trust me, it is challenge enough the classic way round.    

Of course both ways are beautiful, but it is arguably more beautiful and impressive to walk into views from a height and descend through them

 Kalaw to Inle lake or Visa Versa in Reverse

Tourist Factor

Although Inle Lake to Kalaw is more popular you are still unlikely to see other groups trekking this way.  We trekked in low season and didn’t see anyone else, arguably you might see more groups in high season.  From what we learned from our guide, the countryside is of course massive and the guides all take different routes.  How ever you do it, you certainly wont feel like a trail of lemmings.

 Kalaw to Inle lake or Visa Versa in Reverse

Our Honest Thoughts

We have heard of some lovely experiences about trekking from Inle Lake to Kalaw, but for us, it was an easy decision to do it the classic way round as it’s cheaper, better views and has the satisfaction of finishing at the lake.  We decide that if we wanted to be extra adventurous with this one, we would trek it again independently…

Kalaw to Inle lake VS Inle lake to Kalaw

SO, Check out our epic guide on the Budget Backpackers Adventure Guide to Trekking Kalaw to Inle Lake >>>

Not Convinced it’s an EPIC must do in Myanmar, then check out our Photo Journey Here >>>

Kalaw to Inle lake VS Inle lake to Kalaw