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Popa Taungkalat
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Popa Taungkalat is a Buddhist monastery and temple complex located atop a sheer volcanic plug in central Myanmar. Rising 737 meters above sea level, this geological formation was created by volcanic activity and is situated near Mount Popa, an extinct volcano. To reach the summit, visitors must ascend a covered stairway consisting of exactly 777 steps. The site is widely recognized as the spiritual home of the 37 Nats, or indigenous Burmese spirits, whose shrines are found at the base. The architecture at the top features several golden stupas and shrines that offer panoramic views of the surrounding Myingyan Plain. It serves as a major pilgrimage site, particularly during the full moon festivals of Nayon and Nadaw.
- Location: Myanmar (Burma)
- Top sights: Poppa Taung Kalap · Pagoda · ပန်းပဲမောင်တင့်တယ် (အိမ်တွင်းမင်းမဟာဂီရိ) နတ်နန်း
- Nearby: Pakokku (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 7 | 1 | 9 | 16 | 48 | 69 | 71 | 64 | 53 | 62 | 10 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Popa Taungkalat Monastery sits spectacularly atop a volcanic plug and is reached by a staircase of 777 steps. Visitors may enter the monastery but must cover shoulders and knees.
Typical hours
The monastery and grounds are typically open from morning until evening. The best time to climb is early morning when it is cool and visibility is clear.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, including from the monastery overlooking the surrounding plain. Drones are prohibited for safety and out of respect for the sacred site.
Time needed
Climbing the 777 steps takes about 30-45 minutes depending on fitness. Allow two to three hours total to explore the grounds and enjoy the views.
Combine with
At the mountain's base is Popa Mountain Resort with hot springs and hiking trails. The city of Bagan is also about one hour away by car, offering countless temples.
Getting there
Popa Taungkalat is about 50 kilometers southeast of Bagan and reachable by taxi or rental car. The road is well-maintained, but the last few kilometers are on a winding mountain road.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy footwear for the climb, as the steps can be uneven. Bring plenty of water and start the ascent before 9 AM to avoid the worst heat.
Geography
Facts
- The summit is reached by climbing exactly 777 steps.
- The volcanic plug rises 737 meters (2,417 feet) above sea level.
- It is a major center for the worship of the 37 Nats, or spirits.
- The formation was created by volcanic activity approximately 250,000 years ago.
- The temple complex at the top features 5 main golden stupas.
- Mount Popa, located nearby, is an extinct volcano standing 1,518 meters high.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Popa Taungkalat (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How many steps do you have to climb?
There are 777 steps to reach the top of the volcanic plug.
Are there monkeys on the way up?
Yes, there are many wild macaques that often steal food from tourists.
Do you have to go up barefoot?
Yes, as in almost all temples in Myanmar, you must leave your shoes at the base.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Early morning is cooler, making the climb much easier.
Is the climb suitable for children?
The climb is steep and tiring in the heat, but manageable for older children.
Popa Taungkalat: where is it located?
Popa Taungkalat is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Popa Taungkalat: what is there to see?
Highlights include Poppa Taung Kalap, Pagoda, ပန်းပဲမောင်တင့်တယ် (အိမ်တွင်းမင်းမဟာဂီရိ) နတ်နန်း.
Popa Taungkalat: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Popa Taungkalat: why is it worth visiting?
Popa Taungkalat is a Buddhist monastery and temple complex located atop a sheer volcanic plug in central Myanmar.
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