Do you fancy an adventurous journey? Here are all the tips to reach the Golden Rock: one of the main pilgrimage destinations in all of Myanmar.
Myanmar, land of golden temples and legends.
One of all concerns the famous and spectacular Golden Rock located on the Mount Kyaiktiyo. Let's face it: who wouldn't be curious to go see a big boulder covered with gold leaves hovering on top of a mountain?
How to get to the Golden Rock
We find ourselves little more than 200 kilometers east of Yangoon. So to reach this legendary place it was necessary to make a detour.
The starting village from which to reach the top is Kin Pun. You can reach it by taking a taxi from Yangoon and then taking a day trip. Or spend the night in one of the many accommodations that the town offers, so as not to spend a sleepless night and leave rested for the visit to the Golden Rock.
Another solution is the night bus. We opted for the latter possibility and waited for dawn in a local village in the company of two Vietnamese boys.
An adventurous journey
But the adventure does not end there, far from it! In fact, to get to the legendary boulder it is necessary to get on one of the many trucks that leave from Kin Pun station.
You can easily buy the ticket on the spot and then, with a little patience, leave for the pilgrimage site.
The trucks leave once they are full, and don't worry about pushing a little, it's perfectly normal given the turnout. However, it seems that the availability of vehicles is almost infinite so you will surely get on board!
The journey, which climbs up a winding road and with breathtaking views of the mountain slopes, takes about 45 minutes. Once at the top, walk barefoot for about twenty minutes until you finally reach the Golden Rock.
Golden Rock: pilgrimage destination
Mount Kyaiktiyo with its Golden Rock is one of the main pilgrimage destinations in all of Myanmar, so I would say that it is a place not to be missed.
The period from November to March represents the main pilgrimage season.
So if you happen to be in these months, get ready for a myriad of people. It is certainly a bit overcrowded but I assure you that the atmosphere that reigns among all the pilgrims who pray and sing will make you feel in a magical world.
There are even people camping out and feasting all over the area surrounding the Golden Rock.
But why Golden Rock?
This rock owes its name thanks to the thousands of golden leaves that are affixed by the people who visit it.
Unfortunately, only men are allowed to have the privilege of touching it and praying in its shadow, women are not allowed to go near it, much less touch it.
The legend of the Buddha
Legend has it that the boulder remains in balance thanks to a hair of the Buddha located right on its top inside a small stupa. This is enough for the fervent faithful to flock to thousands throughout the year and especially during the "season".
Tourists must register at the entrance, where officials keep backpacks and suitcases there and issue their pass. The human river that flows towards the Golden Rock will drag you to the destination among scents, sounds, looks and smiles. And that's only half the battle!
The return to Kin Pun
To return to Kin Pun and continue your journey you will obviously have to go down to the valley, then take the path of the outward journey in the opposite direction to get to the bus "terminal" and there you will be able to get on one of the trucks that will launch boldly along the steep downhill dirt road leading to the town station.
An adventure!
