# Dreamlike Mount Popa - Mystical Golden Temple in the Heart Of Myanmar - (All my own photos) After spending time at Inle Lake, we headed down to Mount Popa. This was actually a mistake, as we had planned to stay in Bagan, but the rooms were all full. It actually turned out to be really fortunate , as not one of the temples in Bagan can hold a candle to the beauty of the Golden Temple sitting astride the mountain top. ## The otherworldy Popa Taungkalat Monastery On the way up to the mountain retreat were we were staying, I first caught a glimpse of the Golden Temple sitting on top of an outcrop of rock on Mount Popa and had to catch my breath. ## Mount Popa at Sunset from a distance [![DJI_0195-Edit.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRk72G5tW4evUa8mnvpUj2aZLkBhEYqi2nSoWNKbk2GTk/DJI_0195-Edit.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRk72G5tW4evUa8mnvpUj2aZLkBhEYqi2nSoWNKbk2GTk/DJI_0195-Edit.jpg)^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** ## The Temple The sunset was reflecting light from the Golden Temple, and it felt like a first glimpse of Minas Tirith by Frodo as described in the Lord of the Rings. "Then turning south again he beheld Minas Tirith. Far away it seemed. and beautiful: white-walled, many-towered, proud and fair upon its mountain-seat; its battlements glittered with steel, and its turrets were bright with many banners.'' [![DJI_0212.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmbruVCh23SfByjgY3BgqTiBFPinxd66nJ7WMwVgZnof3Y/DJI_0212.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmbruVCh23SfByjgY3BgqTiBFPinxd66nJ7WMwVgZnof3Y/DJI_0212.jpg)^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** The temple has 777 steps, some of which are very steep and not for the faint hearted. [![Golden Temple_dsc489507.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaZNHZ2Vu3qBQ7g58obn1rNce3BjUVjdp1yYb8NAPei7Y/Golden%20Temple_dsc489507.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaZNHZ2Vu3qBQ7g58obn1rNce3BjUVjdp1yYb8NAPei7Y/Golden%20Temple_dsc489507.jpg) ^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** [![G2_dsc509124.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmNjLH72T6U8nt4MBAtvjcZNrFfnbDhiyicBhp6i4kPJaU/G2_dsc509124.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmNjLH72T6U8nt4MBAtvjcZNrFfnbDhiyicBhp6i4kPJaU/G2_dsc509124.jpg)^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** [![_DSC5008.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdyzHDmAVWxjmygfTTAQFqc4hv1fHf7LMPoaGo79Js6Cr/_DSC5008.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdyzHDmAVWxjmygfTTAQFqc4hv1fHf7LMPoaGo79Js6Cr/_DSC5008.jpg)^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** ## The details of the temple The temple has some beautiful details when you can tear yourself away from the stunning views. It is made in a typical fashion of the Buddhist Pagodas in Myanmar, with gold details and bright vivid colours. [![Golden Temple_dsc486502.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmbzF9dAgmrvR5dyT5HyUaUBimZ1jgsufuEMrSX4ug5uDB/Golden%20Temple_dsc486502.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmbzF9dAgmrvR5dyT5HyUaUBimZ1jgsufuEMrSX4ug5uDB/Golden%20Temple_dsc486502.jpg) )^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} [![G2golden temple 102.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRyrvoXsusn2CnKQn8xcvDkhb1dE2M5L67TRib4VqMV5w/G2golden%20temple%20102.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRyrvoXsusn2CnKQn8xcvDkhb1dE2M5L67TRib4VqMV5w/G2golden%20temple%20102.jpg))^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} [![G2_dsc498806.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmY7mxY4GMzm6Uxx3DAxEM5qtj14mBW1ezEAnUuVFA6cV2/G2_dsc498806.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmY7mxY4GMzm6Uxx3DAxEM5qtj14mBW1ezEAnUuVFA6cV2/G2_dsc498806.jpg))^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} [![G2_dsc496411.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmW2tragyKB6pWYBfqdAwfNoZCth8wap3RBV41h4QF8SMw/G2_dsc496411.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmW2tragyKB6pWYBfqdAwfNoZCth8wap3RBV41h4QF8SMw/G2_dsc496411.jpg))^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} [![G2_dsc499015.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYXyD2TJ6mDXBUWjUdqL3C6LnHqQMWrkKELTUyECigkFL/G2_dsc499015.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYXyD2TJ6mDXBUWjUdqL3C6LnHqQMWrkKELTUyECigkFL/G2_dsc499015.jpg))^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} [![Golden Temple_dsc490708.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmPaEesWW8vDRZP64QiLBvmqJyN44yFzqK5ViWcKHXfpae/Golden%20Temple_dsc490708.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmPaEesWW8vDRZP64QiLBvmqJyN44yFzqK5ViWcKHXfpae/Golden%20Temple_dsc490708.jpg))^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} ## The Views from the temple. The views from the temple are just breathtaking, with views onto the surrounding jungle, Mount Popa ( dormant volcano) and also the Nats / Pagodas that have sprung up around the holy site of Mount Popa. [![Golden Temple_dsc487705.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmf5cTHwjKugy9sLdsR1HSLuJrpeHKKbyHatDk5bZ3cX8c/Golden%20Temple_dsc487705.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmf5cTHwjKugy9sLdsR1HSLuJrpeHKKbyHatDk5bZ3cX8c/Golden%20Temple_dsc487705.jpg))^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} Numerous golden spires can be seen across the nearby landscape, with jungle and mountains stretching to the horizon. [![_DSC4955.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmcJBk3LjhrzraidPJn35BeLwCDxHmEMX8SssfY8sCsGXt/_DSC4955.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmcJBk3LjhrzraidPJn35BeLwCDxHmEMX8SssfY8sCsGXt/_DSC4955.jpg))^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} [![G2_dsc501317.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYH2xsppSrhEq1vVXSUZwD522t5FsyijPYvM3V6Tg6C4e/G2_dsc501317.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYH2xsppSrhEq1vVXSUZwD522t5FsyijPYvM3V6Tg6C4e/G2_dsc501317.jpg))^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} [![G2_dsc499916.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmV9evCbSU7Nmikpg99ADpsZ2sLzHMWAiNoqxqrrabQCg3/G2_dsc499916.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmV9evCbSU7Nmikpg99ADpsZ2sLzHMWAiNoqxqrrabQCg3/G2_dsc499916.jpg))^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} ## The People and animals around the temple. The temple is bustling with numerous hawkers, street traders, monks and tourists. If you have a lot of spare banknotes you will find yourself giving them out pretty quickly. [![Golden Temple_dsc485201.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaTqunxkfjBVCbWQrG9FH8eyUKMrPDSWUUt9nT5XA5FXv/Golden%20Temple_dsc485201.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaTqunxkfjBVCbWQrG9FH8eyUKMrPDSWUUt9nT5XA5FXv/Golden%20Temple_dsc485201.jpg))^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} Watch out for the macaques (monkeys) they may look cute but are very happy to steal any food from your hands and can be very aggressive. [![Golden Temple_dsc486803.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmfXJQggtxqpx5pYusfio5hCnH8Xiz6NnYo6j7dJkTC2h6/Golden%20Temple_dsc486803.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmfXJQggtxqpx5pYusfio5hCnH8Xiz6NnYo6j7dJkTC2h6/Golden%20Temple_dsc486803.jpg)^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** [![Golden Temple_dsc487004.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmSRJ1V73bMjfUr3yUE4CDjbccGKtHqqTBfFwMveqpiHrS/Golden%20Temple_dsc487004.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmSRJ1V73bMjfUr3yUE4CDjbccGKtHqqTBfFwMveqpiHrS/Golden%20Temple_dsc487004.jpg)^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** [![Golden Temple_dsc492510.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUrCUiRWSY72aRnasfc9XzRCejJerfG7KN7XSdFH2JreN/Golden%20Temple_dsc492510.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUrCUiRWSY72aRnasfc9XzRCejJerfG7KN7XSdFH2JreN/Golden%20Temple_dsc492510.jpg)^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** [![Golden Temple_dsc492711.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaLuyvWS2TWyG76iS2wLdEwog3YCU5PA2iV4jrKHatYr3/Golden%20Temple_dsc492711.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaLuyvWS2TWyG76iS2wLdEwog3YCU5PA2iV4jrKHatYr3/Golden%20Temple_dsc492711.jpg)^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** [![Golden Temple_dsc492812.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTgHDai16MZcpKkg2KWC2UhEKqoqbQcrjApT3rBWtsQWW/Golden%20Temple_dsc492812.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTgHDai16MZcpKkg2KWC2UhEKqoqbQcrjApT3rBWtsQWW/Golden%20Temple_dsc492812.jpg)^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** [![G2_dsc503420.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXWgmm26aagKP5wvADRnsEfYM3NGbkgp4hmLgJu3BvEzB/G2_dsc503420.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXWgmm26aagKP5wvADRnsEfYM3NGbkgp4hmLgJu3BvEzB/G2_dsc503420.jpg)^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** [![G2_dsc502218.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmPr7Q7krEDdcjcqzNeNoo5bRAFzoS1dkTfkBn8b92ZJ14/G2_dsc502218.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmPr7Q7krEDdcjcqzNeNoo5bRAFzoS1dkTfkBn8b92ZJ14/G2_dsc502218.jpg)^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** [![G2_dsc511729.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmQRTuoCvzzmhE7SKtidGhqhd8LXTRYAmfm1LXkE7oZLEJ/G2_dsc511729.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmQRTuoCvzzmhE7SKtidGhqhd8LXTRYAmfm1LXkE7oZLEJ/G2_dsc511729.jpg)^{*Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*} *** # Conclusion and advice- - The temple is stunning and located a day trip away from Bagan. (An area with thousands of temples). In my opinion this one temple beats any of the hundreds that I saw in Bagan, so well worth a visit. - The steps are steep so be ready for a climb. - Don't carry any food as the Macaques will attempt to steal it. - Carry a lot of spare change as there will be a lot of people asking for money. - Make sure your camera is charged, a zoom lens would also be handy. - For the location, head to Steemitworldmap ![Steemit Myanmar Travel Blog Mount Popa](https://steemitimages.com/DQmPu8Mztu3r8jAbZqzwCcS4jcr7VojNWK3F9NwXZ27hnRv/rjtyljzyulqonvp3q6w0.jpg)

Please check out the first parts of my travel blog in Myanmar.
Part 1
Part 2 - Craaazyy transport rules bikes and mopeds.
Part 3 Mad dogs, birds and automobiles.
Part 4 Inle lake fishermen real or fake all my original photos
Part 5 STUNNING INLE LAKE SUNSET - Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery Sunset - Filmed by DJI Phantom Pro Plus
Part 6 People and architecture of Inle Lake
[Part 7 - Stunning Shwe Indein Pagoda, ruined area.](https://steemit.com/travel/@damnthatbanana/myanmar-travel-blog-part-7-stunning-shwe-indein-pagoda-ruined-area) [Part 8 - Stunning Shwe Indein Pagoda, main area and local photo football.](https://steemit.com/myanmar/@damnthatbanana/myanmar-travel-blog-part-8-stunning-shwe-indein-pagoda-main-area-and-local-photo-football) ![DTB Header Smaller.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmerzrHXAHwFxsNNXRiDtaNme2p3bCWYrgbkrEomhYcwGP/DTB%20Header%20Smaller.jpg) [//]:# (!steemitworldmap 20.918713 lat 95.220866 long Dreamlike Mount Popa - Mystical Golden Temple in the Heart Of Myanmar - Popa Taungkalat Monastery d3scr)