October 30, 2013
Kanpalet and Nat Ma Taung (Google Earth)
IMG guide Jenni Fogle reports by sat phone that the team traveled west by jeep into Chin State from Bagan (near Mandalay), and now have reached the village of Kanpalet in the hillcounty. They have a couple days to explore this area, which is inhabited by the tribes of Dai, Upu, and Ya clans. This is a very remote and rugged area….truly a step back in time. The people all do intricate facial tattooing and are known for their weaving skills.
Tomorrow the team will head for Mt. Victoria in Nat Ma Taung National Park and then on to the town of Mindat.  At over 10,000 feet elevation, Mt Victoria is one of the most prominent mountains in southeast Asia. The lower elevations are tropical forest, while the upper parts are an alpine “sky island†with many rare plant and animal species.
Sounds wild!
Eric Simonson