12 Sky-High Sanctuaries: Remote Monasteries with Unbelievable Views
10. Popa Taung Kalat, Myanmar: Volcanic Pedestal of Spirits and Stupas
Rising dramatically 737 meters from the plains surrounding the extinct volcano Mount Popa, Taung Kalat is a sheer-sided volcanic plug crowned by a picturesque Buddhist monastery. This "Pedestal Hill" is a revered home for Myanmar’s traditional "nats" (spirits), creating a unique fusion of Buddhist practice and ancient animist beliefs. The climb up 777 steps, often shared with lively monkeys, leads to gilded stupas, intricate shrines, and truly breathtaking 360-degree views over the Myingyan Plain, offering a vivid encounter with Myanmar's spiritual landscape.
