MYANMAR ~ Mount Popa - Popa Mountain National Park ~

... Spectacular view of a magnificent landmark on top of a huge volcanic outcrop... famous for its panoramic view of the tropical region... the monastery is a popular pilgrimage site for the Myanmar people... visitors ascend up a winding covered staircase of 777 steps encircling the mountain, observed by the curious monkeys with constant threat of attack (they make food in your bags or pockets their target)....  Thanks Wai Zin Paing!!【ツ】

Southwest of Mount Popa is Taung Kalat (pedestal hill), a sheer-sided volcanic plug, which rises ± 700m above sea level. A Buddhist monastery is located at the summit of Taung Kalat.

Mount Popa is considered to be the home of Myanmars most important nats (spirits). Nats have been worshipped on the mountain for at least a thousand years. The Nats are spirits who have been worshipped for many centuries. They were probably worshipped before the arrival of Buddhism. Since then Buddhism and Nat worshipping have gradually merged over the centuries. A shrine in the Popa Taungkalat monastery contains statues of the 37 most important Nats, all wearing very colorful clothing. Most of them were humans who suffered a violent death.

Popa Mountain National Park is a national park located in Kyaukpadaung Township in Mandalay Division. It occupies an area of 129 square kilometres (49.63 sq mi) established in 1989 and surrounds Mount Popa. Although the region is very dry, the mountain and surrounding area are green and look like an oasis in the desert. As the volcanic soil is fertile and there are many streams in the area the mountain and National Park contain many beautiful flowers and other vegetation.

Stamps:

The 2nd TELSOM-ATRC Leaders Retreat (Issued 01-10-2012)2012

The 64th Anniversary of Independence
(04-01-2012)