Topography of Myanmar

The topography of Myanmar can roughly be divided into three parts; the western hilly ranges, the central plains and the eastern Hilly regions. The Himalayan Range has a link with Myanmar and is known as the Western Yoma that runs to the south. The Khakaborazi which is situated in the northernmost part of the Western Yoma is 19,296 feet high while the Saramayti is 12,553. The Western Yoma Range serves as a well that separates Myanmar from India.

The central plains consist of the broadest valley of the Ayeyawady. The first part of the River Ayeyawady is from the origin of river to Mandalay; the second part constitutes from Mandalay to Pyay and the third is the part from Pyay to the mouth of the river. The Central Valley Region consists of Sittaung valley and Chindwin valley. In the centre lies the small mountain, ranges such as Zeebyu Taungdan, Minwon Taungdan, Hmankin Taungdan and Gangaw Taungdan. There also lies the low range of Bago Yoma that slopes down from north to south.

The eastern mountain range is the Shan Plateau, which is average 3,000 to 4,000 feet above sea-level. Although it is called plateau, there exists mountains with high slopes. Unlike the plain, the plateau has high mountain ranges and the River Thanlwin flows through the Shan plateau to the northern Taninthayi coastal region. The rivers of Shweli, Myitnge, Zawgyi and Panlaung which have their sources at the Shan Plateau flow into the River Ayeyawady.