Mt. Popa Travel Guide

With its abundant vegetation, Mount Popa is a real oasis nestled in the heart of the Mandalay region. At 1,518 meters above sea level, the mountain is located in the Pegu range and offers breathtaking views over the plains and their waterways.

General Information

Also called Taung Kalat, Mount Popa is a dormant volcanic vent. It is said to be home to Burmese guardian spirits and welcomes many pilgrims from all over the country. At the top is a golden Buddhist monastery, accessible by a staircase of 777 steps. Mount Popa is the ideal destination to discover the spiritual and cultural heritage of ancient Burma.

Get to Popa Mountain

From Bagan, the only way to get to Mount Popa is by bus, taxi, or private car with a driver. The journey takes only 1h30 drive. The bus here is very affordable and gets you to Mount Popa very fast. Renting a private car with a driver is a better option that allows you to travel in complete freedom and to stop at other villages or sites along the way. Please contact us for more details.

To conquer Mount Popa, you need to climb 777 steps of the staircase, which takes about 25 minutes, and you have to climb barefoot. An ideal course for sports enthusiasts!

Accommodation

Most visitors take a day trip to Mount Popa from Bagan. This is why we advise you to spend the night at the hotel in Bagan. If not, Popa Mountain Resort is a better alternative option. Popa Mountain Resort is situated on the volcanic peak of Mount Popa, 48 km from the ancient city of Bagan. It offers a serene and relaxing escape from the dry heat of Bagan and the relentless hunt for temples.

Must-Visit Attractions in Mt. Popa

Mount Popa Peak

To enjoy a spectacular view at the top of this mountain requires a 45-minute hike, which is doable and gives you great views of the peaceful site. You can also spot the temples of Bagan from here if the weather is clear enough. The dense vegetation on the flanks of this volcano is a paradise for botanists and bird watchers. Along the way, you can notice the golden stupas that express the spiritual importance of Mount Popa.

Popa Taung Kalat Shrine

This shrine is also known as Taungkalat Monastery and offers stunning views of Mount Popa. This 20-minute climb is an impressive rock with a picturesque complex of monasteries, shrines, and stupas. Offering stunning views, the shrine has great religious value for locals and is one of the main attractions of this peak. Beware of the monkeys stealing from tourists, especially their glasses. If you are lucky, you might see the slow-walking hermit monks, called yeti, who wear big hats and visit this place from time to time.

Tips When Travel to Mt. Popa

• According to Burmese superstition, on Mount Popa, you should not wear red, black, or green clothes, or bring meat, especially pork, as this may offend the residents.
• As mentioned, watch out for macaques! These little inhabitants may seem curious and friendly from afar, but given the chance, they’ll steal anything they can get their hands on, from food to a purse, or even a camera!
  

  Macaques at Mount Popa

The aridity of the volcanic rocks has favored the development of beautiful biodiversity. Mt. Popa is a great place to visit and especially for a hike. Contact us for more information and prepare your first trip to Myanmar today!