Mt.Popa

Fifty kilometers southeast of Bagan in Central Myanmar at the base of Mt. Popa is a solitary peak topped by gold stupas. Mount Popa is an extinct volcano on the slopes of which can be found the scred Popa Taungkalat monastery, perched dramatically atop a huge rocky outcrop. The monastery is entirely surrounded by sheer faces and offers stunning views of the surrounding plains and Mount Popa itself. To reach the top, you need to remove shoes and socks and climb the 777 steps to the summit. Along the way are a multitude of monkeys expecting treats. The Popa Taungkalat shrine is the favored home of 37 Mahagiri Nats or aminist 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 region.

Option (A) Sightseeing Mt.Popa-Bagan

After Morning Breakfast at Hotel, excursion to Mount Popa, famous for being home to 37 nats(spirits), which are represented by statues at the base of the volcanic outcrop. From here, you can climb up the 777 steps to the monastery at the top, where you will find a 360 degree panorama and labyrinth of shrines to explore. In the Afternoon, return to Bagan. On the way to Bagan, visit the village to discover the daily life of residents. Overnight at Hotel in Bagan.

Fruit of the Palms : On the way to or from Mt Popa stop by at one of the several toddy and jiggery (palm sugar) operations that are set up along the road. The operators will give you a basic demo of how the alcoholic drink and sweets are made from the sap of the toddy palm. After, it is possible to sample and buy these local products.

Option (B) : Sightseeing Mt.Popa- Sale

After Morning Breakfast at Hotel, excursion to Mount Popa, famous for being home to 37 nats(spirits), which are represented by statues at the base of the volcanic outcrop. From here, you can climb up the 777 steps to the monastery at the top, where you will find a 360 degree panorama and labyrinth of shrines to explore. Continue to Sale, it is a small town about 55km south of Bagan, down the Ayeyarwaddy River Worth a visit is Yoke Sone Monastery with its exceptional woodcarvings on the outside of the biding. Next visit to a number of other old monasteries and splendid colonial style houses. Return to Bagan and overnight at hotel in Bagan.

Festivals & Events : Mt Popa hosts two huge nat pwe (spirit festivals) yearly, one beginning on the full moon of Nayon (May/June) and another on the full moon of Nadaw (November/December). Before King Anawrahta’s time, thousands of animals were sacrificed to the nat during these festivals, but this practice has been prohibited since the Bagan era. Spirit possession and overall drunken ecstasy are still part of the celebration, however. There are several other minor festivals, including ones held on the full moons of Wagaung (July/August) and Tagu ( March/April), which celebrate the departure and return of the famous Taungbyone nat (Min Gyi and Min Lay).