Japha grew up in a Lisu minority village near Putao in family of 12. After his basic education in Putao he continued studies in a university in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state where he took every opportunity to travel around in Myanmar and developed passion for adventure sports.

From Myitkyina Japha was fortunate to further his education in Bangalore, India where he studied English and Theology. In 2011 Japha returned back to Putao to get married, and started his career as guide. During the past years he has been leading various treks, peak- and river expeditions. Japha is fluent in english, burmese, lisu and rawang languages. During his freetime he volunteers at Putao bible school teaching English to students.

Age: 34 yrs
Guiding: 7 yrs
Hobbies & interests: mountaineering, mountain biking, motorbiking, exploring