Mount Popa

Fifty kilometres southeast of Bagan in Central Myanmar at the base of Mount Popa is a solitary peak with a temple/shrine topped by gold stupas.

There is a difference between the peak of Mount Popa itself and the temple/shrine on top of the cliff many pilgrims long for.

The Popa Taungkalat shrine is the favoured home of 37 Mahagiri Nats or animist spirit entities, statues of which can be found at its base. These spirits were once so important to the country's early kings that it was essential for them to consult the Nats before commencing their reign.

Popa means "flower" in Sanskrit and you will find bottled flowers that you can purchase as offerings at the temple.

Popa Taungkalat Shrine. To reach the top of the shrine, you must remove shoes and socks and climb the 777 steps to the summit. Along the way are a multitudes of monkeys expecting treats. Sometimes they can get a little aggressive (supposedly, the monkeys like to go after people's glasses) so it is recommended that you keep a tight grip on your possessions. And because of the monkeys, the ground is filthy. People clean it along the way and ask for a donation, but there are plenty of places they don't clean. It's wise to bring baby wipes or tissues to clean your feet when you leave because they will be dirty.

Popa Taungkalat Shrine. To reach the top of the shrine, you must remove shoes and socks and climb the 777 steps to the summit. Along the way are a multitudes of monkeys expecting treats. Sometimes they can get a little aggressive (supposedly, the monkeys like to go after people's glasses) so it is recommended that you keep a tight grip on your possessions. And because of the monkeys, the ground is filthy. People clean it along the way and ask for a donation, but there are plenty of places they don't clean. It's wise to bring baby wipes or tissues to clean your feet when you leave because they will be dirty.

Mount Popa Peak, +95 9 794 911949 (NP). The hike takes about 1 hr, and on a mist-less day (e.g. during wet season when the air is cleaned by the rain) you can easily spot Bagan. About 1 km before the peak, you will hit a small temple with pagoda. Take enough water and sunscreen for the top. Free, US$10 for a guide (do not trust the price Popa Mountain Resort quotes).

Mount Popa Peak, +95 9 794 911949 (NP). The hike takes about 1 hr, and on a mist-less day (e.g. during wet season when the air is cleaned by the rain) you can easily spot Bagan. About 1 km before the peak, you will hit a small temple with pagoda. Take enough water and sunscreen for the top. Free, US$10 for a guide (do not trust the price Popa Mountain Resort quotes).

Mount Popa, and especially the shrine, is primarily a pilgrimage destination for Myanmar people, so the souvenirs available typically are not very interesting for foreign tourists. Common things sold are religious items, traditional medicine, flower bulbs and flowers for the shrines. You can purchase sweets and liquor from stalls along the road to the mountain.

There are a few local food stalls available in the village at the base of the mountain as well as the pilgrim village at the foot of the shrine, and there are many fruit vendors. A more sophisticated menu is offered at Popa Mountain Resort that also caters for western tourists.

Not really an evening destination. However, the convenient location of the shrine allows for a great sunset experience.

Most of the following transport from Mount Popa is via Kyauk Padaung (300-500 kyat with local transport), except for local transport to Bagan.

• Bagan – One of the most famous attractions in Myanmar and probably Southeast Asia. 1½ hr, 1,000-1,500 kyat.
• Magway – A transport hub for trips to Mrauk U and Pyay. 2-3 hr.
• Mandalay – Famous for the U Bein Bridge, the Buddha face washing, as well as the nearby mountains by train. Buses from Kyauk Padaung go through Meiktila. 4-6 hr, 5-6,000 kyat.
• Yangon – A least one daily bus. 10½ hr, 24,000 kyat.
• Mrauk U (& Sittwe) – Mrauk U is famous for its ancient sights of the last great kingdom and its traditional, surrounding Chin Villages. There are direct buses from Kyauk Padaung, mostly coming from Mandalay, that go to Mrauk U. You can also take a bus to Magway and switch to the bus to Mrauk U (or Sittwe) near the bridge across the Irrawaddy river or in front of the K.H.M. Fashion store. 18-22 hr, 25-27,000 kyat.

In addition, the Bagan-Yangon overnight train also stops in Kyauk Padaung. Departing at 18:00 from Kyauk Padaung and arriving about 10:30 in Yangon the next day. Fares are: upper class sleeper: 16,500 kyat, upper class seat: 12,000 kyat, ordinary class seat: 4,500 kyat.

There might be a train to Pyay; ask at the Kyauk Padaung railway station.