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Dormant volcano in Myanmar
Photo: Ljuba brank, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
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To reach the top of the shrine, you must remove shoes and socks and climb the 777 steps to the summit. Take great care during the rainy season as the steps can be very slippery. 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.
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.
Hotel-restaurant featuring 28 rooms (standard & superior), all with AC, TV, minibar, private hot/cold shower bathroom, choice of double/twin bed. Room service possible. Breakfast from 7AM to 9PM; the restaurant offers a beautiful view of the premises & rural surroundings (including the 2 main spots of Popa, Mount Popa & Taung Kalat monastery). Wifi from the lobby area. Doctor on call. Massage on request. Mountain bike rental. Small museum, showcasing petrified forest & mammalian fossils, in collaboration with Mount Popa Global Geopark. Souvenir shop. Small playground area. Free parking.
This resort is on the side of Mount Popa, overlooking the surrounding area and the cliff with temple/shrine. A beautiful complex with an excellent restaurant featuring Burmese and European dishes. The bungalows are better than the dated rooms.
Built on a 7-acre garden overlooking Mount Popa and the surrounding mountain ranges. Has an excellent restaurant featuring Asian and European cuisines. Somewhat isolated so access to a car will be needed.
The common transport hub for Mount Popa is the nearby town Kyauk Padaung.
Read in the guideMost people are dropped off in the village at the base of Mount Popa at the junction near the highway. There are many shops, some accommodation and lots of transportation options up to the available here.
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Mandalay · International · MDL
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