Sharing a taxi to Mount Popa
On my last day here in Bagan, I still managed to organize a trip to Mount Popa by a shared taxi. I decided to team up with a German couple who share the same interest in going on this trip. They are sociable, youthful people, and we start to engage in pleasant conversation. Our driver is speeding – it must be acknowledged – along a well-maintained road. In order to reach our intended destination, we need to cover a distance of about 65 km.
A break at a local liquor distillery
After half an hour, we already stop at what looks like a food stall along the road. But it is a kind of mini-distillery where locals make sesame oil, palm wine, and whiskey. One of the workers provides a detailed explanation of how the distillation process works. Later on, they hope that we will make a purchase, but luckily, their sales tactics are not overly pushy. However, I am not interested in the local products, so I decide not to buy anything. I drank some lao khao when I was in Cambodia before. The alcohol content was incredibly high, and it seems dangerously unhealthy as well. It is best to avoid it.
Taung Kalat Hill was formed by hardened lava
An hour later, we reach our ultimate destination, Mount Popa national park. Actually, we visit Taung Kalat, a volcanic rock formation that reaches a height of approximately 650 meters. The cap formed during several eruptions of the Mount Popa volcano when the magma was unable to flow away. When the magma hardened, it formed what is now known as a lava neck. In present times, people commonly refer to this hill in general as Mount Popa. It is a remarkable and distinct structure that stands out even from a great distance.
Mount Popa houses 37 nat spirits
On top of the hill sits a renowned place of religious pilgrimage, serving as the residence for the 37 nats. They are a kind of individuals who have evolved into divine beings with a spiritual nature. The legends of the nats probably originate from the animist beliefs of the Burmese. Without a detailed explanation, you won’t truly gain knowledge. All I could figure out is that the Burmese somehow compare Mount Popa to Mount Olympus in Greece.
Not getting any wiser about the nats
The locals truly believe in the significance of these creatures, but to us from the Western culture, they are just another collection of images. I, too, had hoped to gain a deeper understanding of the creatures’ history and symbolism. But unfortunately, the place lacks any signs or information boards. Nevertheless, the spectacular location of the site on top of a solitary hill and the breathtaking, panoramic view of the area makes up for any lack of explanation. Moreover, the sculptures depicting the nats further enhance the attraction. They are beautifully ornamented, encouraging you to capture numerous pictures.
Flying back to the capital as the most favorable choice
In the early afternoon, we arrive back in Bagan. Yesterday I decided to fly back to the capital instead of undergoing the arduous 9-hour bus journey to Pyay – just a stopover, or embarking on a longer 15-hour ride to Yangon. My flight ticket has already been delivered to the hotel front desk. Currently, I have some free time on my hands with no specific tasks to attend to. Maybe that is a blessing because my body is still not in optimal condition.
Some more trips to plan in Myanmar
In terms of planned destinations, I only have the trip to the Golden Rock Pagoda ahead of me. It will take me 3 days to reach this place of worship. This means I will have to fill up a couple more days. But that will not pose any problems; Myanmar has so much to offer. I am also considering visiting the coastline to end my trip in Myanmar, just to relax a bit by the sea.
