Mountain Poup
Popa is an ancient extinct volcano in Myanmar with a height of 1,518 meters. The mountains are sacred to Buddhists, as they claim to be inhabited by nath spirits, which are commonly worshipped in Myanmar.
Pope Mountain is based on basalt, andesite, and pyroclastic lava flows. During one of the eruptions, the northwestern slope of the volcano's crater was destroyed, and together with the lava, it covered an area of 27 km2 with fragments. Not far from the mountain there is a volcanic plug (Taung Kalat) with a height of 737 meters, on top of which a Buddhist monastery was built. At one time, the Buddhist hermit U Khandi laid a 777-step ladder to the top of Taung Kalata. There is a stunning panoramic view from the top of Taung Kalat. You can see the ancient city of Bagan. Behind him to the north, the massive single conical peak of Taung Ma-gyi rises like Mount Fuji in Japan.
It is believed that the mountain is a dwelling for the Nats, a temple was built for them on Pope Mountain, where 37 Nats are represented. Nevertheless, there are actually 4 natas living here, so when hiking on the mountain, you should exclude the red, black or green color of clothes and not take meat with you, as this may offend the spirits. Many pilgrims visit Mount Pope every year, especially during the festive season on the full moon of Nayon (May/June) and the full moon of Nadava (November/December). Locals go on a massive hike in December, as well as in April, when the New Year is celebrated in Myanmar called the Tinjan Festival. Before the reign of King Anawrahta, thousands of animals were sacrificed during festivals.
There are more than 200 springs around Mount Pope, which makes this area resemble an oasis in the desert of the central part of Myanmar. The surrounding landscape is characterized by thorny bushes and stunted trees, rather than the lush forests and rivers known to Burma. Many trees, flowering plants and herbs grow due to the fertile soil of volcanic ash. Nearby there is a reservoir that provides enough water for orchards where jackfruit, banana, mango and papaya are grown, as well as flowering trees. Macaques are often found among the fauna, which have become a striking attraction of Taung Kalat.
