Mount Popa in Myanmar is a popular destination for visitors to the country. The beauty of the scenery has few equals. Moreover, there are also other attractions around this volcano.
Location
The volcano can be found in central Burma. It is about 30 miles or 50 km to the southeast of Bagon. This is at the Pegu Range. You can easily get there by taxi.
What to See
The best known feature of the area is the Popa Taungkalat monastery. The shrine is home to the Mahagiri Nats. There are 37 of these. You will see these figures at the foundation of the shrine.
During ancient times, kings would consult them when making important decisions. 777 steps have to be climbed to reach the peak. Expect to see some monkeys in the area as well.
Those that go to Taung Kalat will get to savor a lovely vista of the area. From the top you can see Bagan city. The Taung Ma-gyi peak is visible on the north. The area around the volcano has some 200 streams and hot springs. The entire area is filled with stunted trees and prickly bushes.
History
The volcano has an elevation of 1,518 m (4,980 ft). The volcano itself is made up of basaltic andesite lava flows and basalt. Scoriaceous material and pyroclastic deposits also comprise it. These materials are believed to have emanated from the strombolian eruptions.
Mount Popa in Myanmar has a 0.85 km (0.53 mi) deep and 1.6 km (0.99 mi) wide caldera. This was formed out of the collapse of the volcanic slopes. At the caldera breach on the north is a 3 km3 (0.72 cu mi) debris. It spans an area 27 km2 (10 sq mi).
Cost
The taxi ride (both ways) will cost about 25 USD. If the taxi meter is “broken”, you should negotiate the fare in advance. However, anything over 25 USD is very rarely asked for.
Other Info
The name of the place means “flower”. Not far from the area are shops that sell bottled flowers. You can buy one of these and offer them to the shrine. There is also a resort nearby bearing the name of the volcano. There are also 5 star hotels and restaurants in the vicinity.
Mount Popa in Myanmar is frequented by Burmese pilgrims. The peak time is during the season on the full moon of Nayon (May/June). Hikers also frequent the site in April when the Thingyan festival is held.
