The Majestic Taung Kalat: A Spiritual Summit
Discover the breathtaking views and spiritual significance of Taung Kalat, a mountain peak that offers a remarkable adventure in Myanmar.
A brief summary to Taung Kalat
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Nestled in the heart of Myanmar, Taung Kalat is a stunning mountain peak that rises dramatically above the surrounding landscape, offering visitors a breathtaking view of the majestic Bagan plain. Known for its spiritual significance, this site is home to a centuries-old monastery that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. The journey to the summit involves a steep ascent of over 700 steps, but the effort is truly rewarded as you reach the top, where you can enjoy panoramic views that stretch for miles. The vibrant colors of the surrounding flora and the serene atmosphere create an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits. As you make your way up, you will encounter various shrines and statues that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region. Local vendors often offer refreshments along the path, providing a perfect opportunity to take a break and soak in the ambiance. The best time to visit Taung Kalat is during sunrise or sunset, when the sky transforms into a canvas of colors, making for stunning photographs. It’s also advisable to dress modestly, as this is a sacred site, and to stay hydrated during your climb. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, an adventure lover, or simply in search of stunning vistas, Taung Kalat offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Myanmar’s natural beauty and cultural depth.
Local tips
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best views and fewer crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the ascent involves over 700 steps.
- Bring water and snacks to stay energized during your climb.
- Respect the local customs by dressing modestly while visiting the monastery.
- Keep your camera ready for stunning photo opportunities along the way.
Getting There
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Horse Cart
From anywhere in Bagan, find a horse cart station. Most hotels and guesthouses can arrange a horse cart for you. Tell the driver you want to go to Taung Kalat. The journey will take about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. The driver will take you through the scenic countryside, and you will see many pagodas along the way. Ensure you have the exact location and name written down in Burmese (တောင်ကလတ်) to show the driver if needed.
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Bicycle
Rent a bicycle from your hotel or a nearby rental shop in Bagan. Head east towards Nyaung U and follow the signs pointing to Mount Popa. As you cycle, enjoy the beautiful landscape. After about 30 minutes, you’ll reach the base of Mount Popa. From there, you can either hike up the hill to Taung Kalat or take a local taxi or motorbike taxi to the foot of the mountain if you prefer not to cycle all the way.
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Walking
If you’re feeling adventurous and fit, you can walk from Bagan to Taung Kalat. The distance is approximately 12 kilometers. Start by heading east towards Nyaung U. You’ll need to set aside around 3 hours for this trek. Make sure to carry water and wear comfortable shoes. Follow the main road that leads to Mount Popa, and you’ll eventually find signs directing you to Taung Kalat.
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Motorbike Taxi
In Bagan, you can easily find a motorbike taxi. Approach any motorbike driver and ask them to take you to Taung Kalat. The ride will be quick, taking about 20-30 minutes. Ensure you agree on the fare before starting your journey. It's advisable to wear a helmet and follow safety precautions while riding.
Attractions Nearby to Taung Kalat
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Nat Temple (Popa Summit), ပုပ္ပါးတောင်ကလပ်
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Mt Popa Main summit
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Mount Poppa ( ပုပ္ပါးတောင် )
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Mt Popa
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Popa Langur
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Thaman Pagoda
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Thambula Temple
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Nayathihapatae Pagoda (Tayote Pyae)
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Ko Mouk Pond Viewing Mounds
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Dhammayazaka Pagoda
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Bagan Viewing Tower (Bagan Nan Myint Tower)
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Pyathetgyi Pagoda
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Anyathiyan Culture PaleolithicSite
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East OteinTaung mound viewing sunset
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Kyaukgu Umin
Landmarks nearby to Taung Kalat
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ကုလားတဲ Village
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Mya Kan Reservoir (ျမကန္ဆည္)
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Lemyethna Temple
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ပုဂံမြို့အဝင်မုခ်ဦး
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Sin Phyu Shin Temple
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ဆွေတော်မျိုးတော် (Sunrise Hill Bagan)
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Utrecht Pagoda
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Bagan Stupas And Temples
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One Bagan Tours
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Temple No.1063 ဘုရားအမှတ်(၁၀၆၃) အမိုးဖွင့်ဘုရား
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Temple
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Sunrise Spot
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Lay Myet Hna Temple
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Golden Myanmar Guest House
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Weather Spoon's Restaurant and Bar