Mt Popa

Mt Popa is a solitary peak topped by gold stupas. Fifty kilometers southeast of Bagan in Central Myanmar. It is the base of a volcano-top monastery surrounded by forest. The Popa Taungkalat shrine is the home of 37 Mahagiri Nats or aminist spirit entities. SAt the base you will see their statues.

Climbing Mt Popa Peak – a 45 min hike up to the peak will reward you with a spectacular view. If the weather is clear you might even spot the temples of Bagan. The many golden stupas along the way and on top of the crater rim confirm Mt Popa’s spiritual importance. The views from the top are fantastic. From the temple there are mammoth views back towards the Myingyan Plain and beyond.

You could see slow walking hermit monks wearing tall, peaked hats but their visits are not common. There are a variety of hiking trails through the Popa Mountain Park. They lead to the rim of the volcano crater, and to viewpoints and waterfalls.

The height of Mount Popa is enough to capture the moisture of passing clouds. This causes rain to drop on the plateau. So there are a profusion of trees, flowering plants and herbs, all nourished by the rich volcanic soil.

Mount Popa is an extinct volcano. Popa city is also very pleasant place. There are many local species flora and fauna which you might not expect to see.

This is a temple so the shoes leave your shoes at the very beginning of the climb, your feet will get very dirty. Metal steps all the way up, covered from the sun with vendors on most landings.