Popa Taungkalat Monastery
A breathtaking monastery perched atop a volcanic plug, revered as the spiritual home of Myanmar's 37 nats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Popa Taungkalat Monastery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking monastery perched atop a volcanic plug, revered as the spiritual home of Myanmar's 37 nats.
"The view from the top is lovely and worth the effort, despite the monkeys and dirt."
🐒 Secure Your Snacks!
Monkeys are very active and will try to snatch food. Keep all food, drinks, and sunglasses hidden.
👟 Barefoot Journey
You must remove your shoes to climb. Bring wet wipes or sanitizer for your feet afterwards.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Taung Kalat Monastery
Summit of the volcanic plug
A breathtaking monastery perched atop a sheer volcanic plug, reached by a long staircase.
The 777 Steps
Ascent to the monastery
The challenging but rewarding climb up hundreds of steps, lined with statues and offering panoramic views.
Nat Statues & Traditions
Along the staircase and monastery grounds
Encounter the 37 sacred nat spirits, central to Myanmar's animist traditions, guarding the path.
Panoramic Vistas
Top of Taung Kalat
Sweeping views of the surrounding lush greenery and volcanic landscape from the monastery's summit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Monkey Business & Barefoot Steps
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐒 Secure Your Snacks!
Monkeys are very active and will try to snatch food. Keep all food, drinks, and sunglasses hidden.
👟 Barefoot Journey
You must remove your shoes to climb. Bring wet wipes or sanitizer for your feet afterwards.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The climb can be strenuous, especially in the heat. Carry water, but keep it out of sight from the monkeys.
💰 Donations Appreciated
While there are many donation boxes, your contributions help maintain the site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐒 Secure Your Snacks!
Monkeys are very active and will try to snatch food. Keep all food, drinks, and sunglasses hidden.
👟 Barefoot Journey
You must remove your shoes to climb. Bring wet wipes or sanitizer for your feet afterwards.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The climb can be strenuous, especially in the heat. Carry water, but keep it out of sight from the monkeys.
💰 Donations Appreciated
While there are many donation boxes, your contributions help maintain the site.
📸 Capture the Views
The aerial shots and panoramic views are incredible. Don't forget your camera! 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the unique spiritual atmosphere and the dramatic setting of Popa Taungkalat Monastery atop its volcanic plug. The panoramic views from the summit are consistently praised as breathtaking and well worth the climb. However, many note the site's cleanliness issues, largely attributed to the abundant and sometimes aggressive monkeys, and the pervasive 'donation stations' which some find overly commercialized. +1
"Nice from far...but closer the place is really grubby and littered. You have to walk up barefoot and the stairs and area is dirty(despite cleaners trying to keep it clean for donations) from the troops of monkeys roaming around. Don't carry any visible food to attract these animals. There are also too many "donation stations" and boxes - the most commercial Monastery I have seen. Rather charge an entry fee and make the place better. However, the view from the top is lovely and worth the effort."
Vincent Oliver
"Not too crowded, but lots of monkeys. Though the stairs are not very clean, but it’s good to walk up here and immerse in this spiritual place and surrounding."
W. L
"Pretty & Divine place. One gets a scenic view of terrain around the hill. We need to climb the hill by vehicle.
The Pagoda is surrounded by many shops below.
We saw moderate crowd on Saturday morning. It did not take much time to visit this place.
Due to shortage of time to cover other places at Bagan, we could not remain at the top scenic view point for longer time. But it is worth staying a minimum half a day at Popa!"
Dhanasekaran Muthu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Popa Taungkalat Monastery from Bagan is by car or taxi, which takes about 1-1.5 hours. Some travelers also opt for organized tours.
While not extremely close, Popa Taungkalat Monastery is accessible from Mandalay, though it's a longer journey than from Bagan. It's often visited as a day trip from Bagan.
Public transport options are limited and can be time-consuming. Hiring a private car or joining a tour is generally recommended for convenience.
Most visitors travel to Mount Popa (which includes Popa Taungkalat Monastery) via private car or taxi from Bagan for a more comfortable and direct journey.
The drive from Bagan to Popa Taungkalat Monastery typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a formal entrance fee, donations are highly encouraged and expected to help maintain the monastery and its grounds.
The monastery is generally open from early morning until dusk. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the views.
No, advance ticket purchase is not required. Entry is typically based on donations, and you can pay upon arrival.
Visitors must remove their shoes before climbing the stairs. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for the religious site.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to comfortably climb the stairs, explore the monastery, and enjoy the scenic views. Some recommend half a day if you want to linger.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There are approximately 777 steps to reach the summit of Taung Kalat Monastery. Some sources mention 938 steps, but 777 is more commonly cited.
The stairs can be quite dirty due to the presence of many monkeys and foot traffic. It's advisable to bring wet wipes or sanitizer for your feet. +1
Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. You'll need to remove your shoes, so comfortable footwear that's easy to slip on and off is recommended.
Yes, the monastery is famous for its large population of monkeys. They are often bold and can be aggressive if they see food.
Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon offers cooler temperatures and potentially fewer crowds, allowing for a more peaceful experience and better light for photos.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire ascent offers stunning photo opportunities, especially the view from the top looking out over the landscape. The monastery itself against the sky is also iconic.
Drone usage might be restricted or require special permits. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area.
Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas and on the stairs. Be respectful and avoid taking photos of people without their permission, especially monks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and the monastery's scale. A zoom lens can be useful for capturing details of the monkeys or distant landscapes.
Shoot during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for dramatic lighting. Be mindful of the monkeys, as they can be a distraction and a hazard to your equipment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children are dressed modestly and wear shoes that are easy to remove for the barefoot climb. Bringing plenty of water and snacks (to be consumed discreetly) is a good idea. The stunning views from the top and the colorful nat statues can captivate younger imaginations, making it a memorable, albeit demanding, family outing.
🚶 Budget Travelers
+1Once at the site, be mindful of the numerous donation boxes. While contributions are appreciated, you can manage your spending by deciding how much you wish to donate. Bringing your own water and snacks can also save money compared to purchasing them at the site. The climb itself is free, offering a significant experience for minimal cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Popa Taungkalat
The blend of Buddhist devotion and ancient nat worship is a unique aspect of Myanmar's religious landscape, and Popa Taungkalat is a prime example of this syncretism. The numerous statues lining the staircase represent these nats, each with their own stories and significance. Visitors often describe a profound sense of spirituality and awe during their visit, even amidst the lively monkey population.
Understanding this cultural context enhances the visitor experience, transforming a climb up a steep staircase into a journey through Myanmar's rich spiritual heritage. It's a place where history, religion, and nature converge in a spectacular display.
Navigating the Monkey Encounters
Key advice from visitors includes keeping all food, drinks, and even sunglasses securely hidden. Avoid displaying anything that might attract their attention. While they can be entertaining to watch from a distance, direct interaction should be minimized. Some visitors recommend using antibacterial wet wipes for your feet after the climb, as the stairs can be dirty from the monkeys.
While the monkeys add a unique element to the visit, they also require vigilance. By taking precautions, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience, allowing you to focus on the spiritual and scenic aspects of Popa Taungkalat.
The Climb: A Test of Endurance and Spirit
As you ascend, the path is lined with statues of the 37 nats, offering a visual journey through local folklore and religious beliefs. The atmosphere is often described as spiritual, with many pilgrims making the climb with devotion. The effort is rewarded with increasingly spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
It's essential to wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove, as you'll need to go barefoot for the entire climb. Staying hydrated is also crucial. Many visitors find the climb to be a memorable part of their visit, a physical challenge intertwined with a spiritual and cultural immersion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit