Facts
- Elevation: 1,518 m (4,980 ft)
- Prominence: 1,324 m
- Ribu category:
Kurang Tinggi - Region:
Central Myanmar - Coordinates: 20.9208, 95.2542
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Loading... - Other names: ပုပ္ပားတောင်
- World Ribus ID: 68572
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Mount Popa is often visited not for its summit, but for the famous Taung Kalat, a sheer-sided volcanic plug (737 m elevation) topped by a monastery and accessed by 777 steps with a large monkey population. The plug is home to Myanmar’s most important Nat shrine, dedicated to 37 traditional spirits (Nats), with origins in pre-Buddhist animist belief. Pilgrims traditionally bring offerings and climb barefoot, especially during the annual Nat Festival in Nayon (May/June).
However, the true summit of Mount Popa lies around 5 kilometres away to the north-east, at the high point of the eroded main volcano. This summit can be reached via a gradual, forested trail from the Popa Mountain Resort, involving about 700 m of elevation gain and taking around 3 hours up and 2 back down. The path winds up through semi-evergreen forest, often mist-shrouded and rich in birdlife and orchids, before reaching a modest summit area marked by golden stupas that are a feature of many Burmese mountain peaks.
Despite being one of the most established hiking trails in Myanmar, the summit trail is rarely hiked by tourists who tend to focus on Taung Kalat. This makes the summit of Popa a peaceful and rewarding alternative for those interested in nature, solitude and local pilgrimage routes that pre-date the current infrastructure.
Practicalities
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- Getting there: Access begins at the Popa Mountain Resort (at around 800 m elevation), roughly 1 h by car from Bagan. From there, hikers proceed via dirt roads and switchbacks to the crater rim, then follow an obvious path to the true summit featuring golden stupas. The entire route is approx 5.5 km one way.
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- Permits: The mountain lies within Popa Mountain National Park (established in 1989). Standard entry fees to the park apply but no climbing permit or guide is required for the summit trail.
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- Water sources: Though the surrounding area is an oasis with over 200 springs and streams, none lie on the summit route itself. Carry sufficient water (at least 2 or 3 litres per person).
Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Mandalay) 
Location
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Origins and Meaning
The name “Popa” likely derives from the Pāli/Sanskrit puppa, meaning “flower”, referencing its lush volcanic soils and floral abundance. The Taung Kalat volcanic plug hosts a Nat shrine of 37 spirits, including legendary figures like Popa Medaw and Min Mahagiri, and is considered Myanmar’s most important Nat worship site. Popa is often called “Burma’s Mount Olympus.”