Myanmar and Mt Popa
 

Going to Myanmar in December and a visit to Mt Popa is part of our itinerary. Has anyone actually climbed all those steps and survived to tell the tale? and, if so, how long did it take you?

Yep, climbed them all. I think it took about an hour--maybe 1.5 hours because we stopped frequently and looked at the displays and other things on the way up. I felt it was interesting and worth the time. Beware of monkeys! They are a big pain at times but were not a bother as you get toward the top. I also remember that I got a bunch of small Kyat bills (100's I think--but I can't remember the exact amount) and gave one to each of the people who clean the steps--which is a necessary task. I was told by our guide that these people are very poor and this was their sole form of income...so a couple of dollars total from me made these people very appreciative. They are not begging, but rather providing a service. But don't feel any pressure to do this unless you want to.

After we finished and returned down, we drove to a beautiful resort nearby for lunch on a veranda overlooking the mountain.

I agree -- Mt Popa shouldn't take too long to climb or be too strenuous. However, for me, next time I'll opt to spend more time exploring the temples in Bagan -- especially those further out of the way where few tourists go. But you can't go wrong no matter what you choose. Have a great trip!

I opted not to climb up ALL those steps, but many in my group did. I found the steps I did climb (maybe 100?)rather unpleasant because of the monkeys and the excrement on the stairs, and what was at the top was not really worth the trip, IMO. I, too, would opt for spending the day elsewhere.

I agree that the lunch restaurant and view there were great.

Can I get advice on getting to My. Popa. How much should I pay? I am staying-in old Began. Should I hire a guide or just enjoy?

Any local driver in Bagan can take you to Mt. Popa. In Bagan, you might just want to hire a horsecart driver. He won't be a guide - though some are very knowledgeable.

Yes, my two friends and I climbed in January. I'd been walking hills at home planning the "attack of the steps". You walk up about a hundred before reaching the starting point where you take off your shoes in prep for the 777. It wasn't that hard and we are NOT young. There was a great feeling of camaraderie with those going up as well as smiles from those passing you on their way down. The monkeys are really only a factor at first. They do bare their scary teeth and jump around. They are avoidable. The area at the top isn't so fancy, but stepping in to see the Nats and listening to chanting is interesting as well as the view. I'm thinking the experience of the climb itself is the draw. We, too, ate lunch at the nearby fancy resort overlooking Mt. Popa. Great view as well as wonderful food. Knowing what I know, would I go there and make the climb? Most definitely! BTW: I'd had a hip replacement about 8 months before taking the trip so this was a special challenge. I gave my doctor a photo of Mt. Popa when I returned. He was impressed. It's not as hard as it looks.

What is the going rate $ for a horse cart driver to Popa and back to old Bagan?

No horsecart to Mt. Popa - you'll need a taxi for that. Horsecart around Bagan - maybe $20 a day.

cheers!

we climbed to the top of Mt Popa this past Dec 2012. No one has mentioned that this is done barefoot. Yes, it is. Although it is not a difficult climb at all, it is filled with vendors along the way and not particularly fabulous, even at the top. There are ramps along with steps so it is really not challenging. What is challenging is not to slip on the monkey pee, esp when u are barefoot. you can easily skip Mt Popa and do an extra day in Bagan to bike ride, take a hot air balloon ride ( a WOW) and to explore their museum. We had no time to do that and when (not if) I go back I plan to spend 3 days in Bagan.

Barefoot? Why? What happens if you don't want to go barefoot-does someone stop you from climbing? Can you wear small flip flops or sandals? My feet are very sensitive and I cannot walk barefoot on many surfaces without pain. A visit to mt. Popa is planned for my tor in Nov. 2014 but I may skip it because of the barefoot thing.

The climb is considered entering a temple, If you can't go barefoot, I'd skip Mt. Popa.

Can you wear socks? Is there someplace at the bottom to wash your feet after you come down? This just sounds so gross and an open invitation to all sorts of foot funguses and diseases. Yuck.

No, you cannot wear socks in temples. Whether there might be a special dispensation for Mt. Popa. I don't know, but I would doubt it. I always took wet wipes along and could wash my feet off as needed in Burma.

Take along a pumice with you too. Your bare feet will thank you for that and for the wipes. Just watch where you're walking/stepping.

I've already bought my supply of wet wipes! I know it sounds unhygienic but just as there are rules for no bare shoulders, etc. there are several places other than Mt. Popa where no shoes/socks are allowed. I think if you wipe/clean your feet right after you should be ok. What stands out with Mt. Popa is how you get to the top. It is considered the home of Nats/spirits and important to Myanmar/Burma.