Mount Popa & Salay - Bagan - Myanmar

1 day

Duration

7/10

physicality

Bagan

location

2, 3, 4, 5, 6

group-size

Year-round

dates

Mount Popa & Salay – Bagan Tour

Mount Popa is an extinct volcano which is believed to be home to the ‘nats’, ancient Burmese animist spirits. Climb to the top for stunning views of the surrounding countryside before continuing to the village of Salay, an important Buddhist center.

ARRIVAL LOCATION

Mount Popa

DEPARTURE LOCATION

Mount Popa

INCLUDED

Private transfers
Professional guide	Meals (Lunch)
Boat cruises	Entrance fees

NOT INCLUDED

Internal and external flights

Personal expenses

Visa fee

Travel insurance

Fifty kilometers southeast of Bagan in Central Myanmar at the base of Mount Popa is a solitary peak topped by gold stupas. The Popa Taungkalat shrine is the favored home of 37 Mahagiri Nats or animist 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 reign. 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. Sometimes they can get a little aggressive so it’s recommended that you keep a tight grip on your possessions.
Popa means “flower” in Sanskrit and you will find bottled flowers that you can purchase as offerings at the temple.

Our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Bagan and take an excursion to Mount Popa and Salay.

Begin with a drive south, parallel to the Irrawaddy River, en route to Salay. After one hour you will make a stop in Chauk which has a colorful morning market to explore. Few tourists visit this market and it is a great place for local interaction and photos.

Continue to Salay (30 minutes) an important center of Buddhism in Myanmar with many active monasteries. Salay, many years ago, created its own unique style of Bagan-era architecture. While visiting Salay you will learn more about monastic life, Burmese Buddhism and this unique architectural style as you visit several sights including Salay is Yoke Sone Kyaung monastery, one of the oldest wooden halls in the area.

You then head east toward Mount Popa, an extinct volcano standing 1518 meters high. Arriving at midday, you will first go to Popa Mountain resort for lunch with fabulous views over the surrounding area.

Mount Popa has played an important role in Myanmar culture, religion and history since earliest times. Its shrine is dedicated to the worship of the 37 Nats, the Burmese ancient animist spirits. Learn about nats and nat worship as you climb the stairs to the top with your local guide. The view over the Myingyan Plain from the top of the volcanic peak is impressive. Transfer back to Bagan late this afternoon