Walking Martam's paddy terraces

Set out after breakfast with your host or a guide from the village. Paths follow the edges of terraces, cross small streams on stepping stones or log bridges, and link clusters of houses where people are working in kitchen gardens or tending cattle. The route can be as short or as long as you like; two to three hours is a good loop.

The terraces change through the year. In June and July families plant rice seedlings in flooded fields, often working together in groups. By August the valley is deep green. In October and November the rice turns gold and is cut by hand, threshed and dried in the sun in front of the houses. Ask before photographing people at work.

Walk only on bunds and paths, not across fields, and follow your guide where paths cross private land. In the monsoon, paths are muddy and leeches are active, so wear leech socks and shoes with grip. In the dry months, carry a hat and water.