Mount Popa
Mount Popa is a sacred volcano in Myanmar, revered as the abode of powerful Nats (spirits) and known for its breathtaking views and the impressive Popa Taungkalat Monastery perched atop its summit.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mount Popa in Myanmar is during the dry season, which typically extends from November to February. During this time, the weather is generally cooler and more pleasant, with lower chances of rainfall.
The dry season provides comfortable temperatures for exploring the area and hiking up to the summit of Mount Popa. Additionally, the clear skies during this season offer excellent visibility and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. It's important to note that the dry season coincides with the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and services.
How to Get There
Mount Popa is a popular tourist destination in Myanmar, known for its panoramic views and the Popa Taungkalat monastery situated atop. Here is how you can reach Mount Popa from some major cities in Myanmar:
From Yangon: The easiest way to reach Mount Popa from Yangon is by domestic flight. You can take a flight from Yangon to Bagan (Nyaung-U Airport) which takes about an hour. After reaching Bagan, hire a taxi or join a group tour to Mount Popa, which is approximately 50 km away and takes about 1.5 hours by road.
From Mandalay: You can take a bus from Mandalay to Bagan, which typically takes around 5 hours. From Bagan, you can hire a taxi or join a group tour to Mount Popa.
From Bagan: Mount Popa is just 50 km from Bagan, and many tourists visit Mount Popa as a day trip from Bagan. There are regular buses, taxis, and group tours available for this trip.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Mount Popa, Myanmar
Top 5 Attractions in Mount Popa
Mount Popa, an extinct volcano in Myanmar, is known for its natural beauty and religious significance. Here are some top attractions in and around Mount Popa:
Popa Taungkalat Monastery: This is the most famous attraction at Mount Popa. It's a Buddhist monastery perched on top of a volcanic plug, reached by climbing 777 steps. The monastery is home to 37 Nats, or spirits, which are important in Burmese culture. From the top, you'll have a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Mount Popa National Park: Known for its rich biodiversity, this national park is a haven for nature lovers. It's a great place to explore hiking trails, encounter various species of flora and fauna, and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Popa Mountain Resort: If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the view, this resort is the perfect spot. The resort overlooks the Taungkalat Monastery and offers a beautiful view of the landscape.
Palm Sugar Workshops: On the way to Mount Popa, you'll find several local workshops where palm sugar is produced. It's interesting to see the process and you can also taste and buy the freshly made palm sugar.
Local Villages: Exploring the local villages around Mount Popa can give you a glimpse of rural life in Myanmar, their traditions and the warm hospitality of the villagers.
Top 8 Activities to do in Mount Popa
Mount Popa in Myanmar is a great destination that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual significance. Here are some top activities to engage in when visiting Mount Popa:
Climbing Popa Taungkalat: Conquer the 777 steps to reach the top of Popa Taungkalat. This is a must-do activity for the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and to visit the monastery at the top.
Explore Mount Popa National Park: Enjoy a trek through the dense forests of Mount Popa National Park, where you can spot various species of birds and butterflies, and experience the diverse flora of the region.
Visit Palm Sugar Workshops: On your way to Mount Popa, you can stop at small workshops where local artisans produce palm sugar. Here, you can learn about the traditional method of making palm sugar and even taste this local sweetener.
Photography: The view from the top of Mount Popa, as well as the many scenic spots along the journey, offer excellent opportunities for photography. Capture the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and local life.
Visit Local Villages: Take time to explore the local villages around Mount Popa. This offers a unique chance to understand the rural life of Myanmar and interact with local villagers.
Relax at Popa Mountain Resort: If you're looking for some downtime, unwind at the Popa Mountain Resort. Enjoy the stunning views, have a meal at the restaurant, or take a dip in their pool.
Learning About the Nats: The Nats are spirits worshiped in Burmese culture, and 37 of the most important ones are believed to reside at Popa Taungkalat. Learning about these spirits and their stories can be a fascinating cultural experience.
Sunrise or Sunset Viewing: For a memorable experience, try to catch a sunrise or sunset over Mount Popa. The views are breathtaking and provide an excellent opportunity for photography.
Best Shopping
Mount Popa itself is a small, primarily religious destination and as such, doesn't offer much in terms of shopping. However, on your way to Mount Popa, especially from Bagan, you may find small local shops selling handicrafts, local produce, and religious items. Some popular items to look for include:
Lacquerware: Bagan is known for its traditional lacquerware, which is used to make everything from bowls and trays to boxes and furniture. The craftsmanship is excellent and each piece is unique.
Palm Sugar: You'll likely pass by local workshops that produce palm sugar. It's a natural sweetener that's used widely in Myanmar, and you can buy it directly from the producers.
Handwoven Items: Myanmar is known for its handwoven textiles. Look for the Longyi, a traditional Burmese sarong worn by both men and women. You can also find hand-woven bags, scarves, and other clothing items.
Puppets and Wood Carvings: Traditional Burmese puppets and wood carvings make for great souvenirs or gifts. These are handmade and usually depict characters from Burmese folklore and mythology.
Sand Paintings: Sand paintings are a specialty of Bagan and they depict religious and historical scenes. These unique pieces of art are created using colored sand and can be a great memento of your visit.
Jewelry: Myanmar is also known for its gemstones, especially rubies and jade. However, be cautious when buying jewelry or gemstones, to ensure that you're getting a genuine product and that the gems have been sourced ethically.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Mount Popa is a rural and relatively quiet region in Myanmar, known more for its natural beauty and religious significance than for its nightlife and entertainment. It's a place of tranquility and calm, where most of the activities are based around daytime exploration of the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you're staying in one of the resorts or hotels in the area, such as the Popa Mountain Resort, they may offer some form of evening entertainment, such as local dance or music performances, or a quiet bar where you can relax.
The nearby city of Bagan is a more likely place to find a variety of evening activities, although it is still quite modest compared to more cosmopolitan cities. Some hotels and restaurants in Bagan offer traditional puppet shows and cultural performances. There are also a few bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a quiet drink or a meal.
It's important to note that Myanmar is a culturally conservative country, and nightlife tends to be low-key. The focus is more on enjoying the country's rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage rather than late-night partying. It's also recommended to respect local customs and laws while engaging in any kind of activities or entertainment.
Accommodations
When visiting Mount Popa, you have a couple of options in terms of where to stay. The decision depends on your interests, budget, and the kind of experience you're seeking. Here are some suggestions:
Near Mount Popa: There are a few resorts and lodges near Mount Popa that offer comfortable accommodations with views of the mountain. For example, Popa Mountain Resort is a popular choice due to its hilltop location and views of Mount Popa. Staying near Mount Popa offers easy access to the mountain and a peaceful, nature-centric experience.
Bagan: Many visitors choose to stay in Bagan, which is about 50 km away, and make a day trip to Mount Popa. Bagan is a famous archaeological site with thousands of ancient temples and pagodas, and it offers a wider range of accommodations and other amenities. You'll find everything from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts here.
Nyaung U: This is the busiest and most developed area around Bagan, with a range of accommodations, restaurants, and shops. It's also the location of the Bagan airport, making it a convenient base for exploring the region.
New Bagan and Old Bagan: These areas offer a quieter atmosphere and are closer to many of the temples and archaeological sites in Bagan. They have a range of accommodations, though fewer amenities compared to Nyaung U.
Itinerary
One Day: Bagan to Mount Popa Day Trip
Morning:
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Bagan.
Around 8 AM, set off on a journey to Mount Popa. It's approximately a 1.5-hour drive.
On your way, you can stop at local palm sugar workshops. Witness the traditional method of making palm sugar, a popular sweetener in Myanmar. You can taste the fresh sugar and buy some to take home.
Continue your journey towards Mount Popa, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.
Late Morning - Afternoon:
Arrive at Mount Popa around 10:30 AM.
Begin your climb up the 777 steps to the Popa Taungkalat monastery. Remember to remove your shoes and socks before starting the climb as it is a sign of respect. You may also wish to hire a local guide to provide context and insights about the monastery and its importance in Burmese culture.
Spend time exploring the monastery, observing the shrines dedicated to the 37 Nats (spirits worshipped in Myanmar), and soaking in the panoramic views of the region.
After descending, have a picnic lunch at the base of the mountain or head to a local restaurant. Try out some local dishes such as Mohinga or Shan Noodles.
Afternoon - Evening:
After lunch, you might choose to explore the surrounding area a bit more. Visit the Mount Popa National Park, known for its rich biodiversity.
Around 3 PM, begin your journey back to Bagan.
On the way, stop at some local villages if time permits. This provides a glimpse into local life and traditions.
Evening:
Arrive back in Bagan around 5 PM.
End your day with a relaxing evening at your hotel, or you can choose to watch the sunset from one of the ancient temples or pagodas in Bagan.
