Putao situated about 218 miles of north of Myitkyina and can reach only by air route. The city surrounded with snow peaked mountains and the weather is cold around the year. The area of Putao District is 11,916 sq miles and it is 1,342 feet above sea-level. Flora and Fauna can be seen in the forest around Putao. There are also many different ethnic minority tribes in Kachin state. Mostly Pawang, Lisu, Khamti Shan and Jingphaw nationals live in Putao and Bamar and Kachin nationals also live there.

This area is famous for its Nature of originated Flora, especially there are many various kinds of orchids and even the world rarest Black orchids can be found in this area. And for fauna, one of the rarest animal species, Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor), Red Panda (Ailurus Fulgens), Black Bears, Black Deer, are all endemic to this region.

Other terrestrial species of Monkeys, Boars, Mountain Goats can also seen on this region. Various kinds of Butterflies can be seen in this area on the month of January. The Butterflies including such as an endangered species can be found, among them are Kaiser, Apollo, Bhutan, Glory and Birdwings.

The trees such as different colors of Rhododendrons, Maple trees and various kinds of Bamboos are also seen in this area. The month of January and April is the best month to see the butterflies, flowers and orchids in the icy forest. see photos of Putao