Kyaiktiyo Pagoda | Buddhist Pilgrimage Site | Mon State | Myanmar | Burma

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda | Buddhist Pilgrimage Site | Mon State | Myanmar | Burma

The Golden Rock or Kyaiktiyo, situated 160 km from Yangon, is a small stupa on a large boulder of about 25 feet high which seems falling down any moment. Legend has it that the boulder keeps its balance due to a Buddha hair. This magnificent structure of the Golden Rock is not only fascinating but it also generates a magnificent energy.

It is one of the most sacred sites in Burma with endless stream of pilgrims come to admire the sight and add squares of gold leaf to its surface. The beauty is to observe the pilgrims praying, lighting candles and putting thin gold leaves on the boulder, which however is only permitted for males.

The views from the Golden Rock are spectacular and many visitors stay to watch the picturesque sunset. Located southeast of Yangon, Kyaiktiyo or ‘Golden Rock’ Pagoda is one of the most famous and treasured landmarks of Myanmar. An enormous gold leaf covered rock is poised precariously at the edge of a steep cliff. A hair of a Buddha is said to be enshrined on the pagoda on top of the rock. It is approached by either hiking uphill 10 km or by steep roads (passengers sitting in the loading area of open mini-trucks). The final stage is a 45- 60-minute walk (500 m difference in altitude). Sedan chairs are for rent for the wearier traveller for the last 4 km.