Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Two more covered stairways lead north from the lift pavilion. One descends gently
back to Pindaya, while the other climbs to a second
cave pavilion
containing a monu-
mental 40ft-high, gilded Shan-style sitting buddha. The steps continue along the ridge to
a third chamber with a large
reclining buddha
and more shrines and pagodas along the
hilltop.
Other Religious Monuments
Downhill from the main cave on the dirt path to Pone Taloke Lake, the gorgeous
Hsin
Khaung Taung Kyaung
(Shwe U Min Pagoda Rd; daylight hours)
was constructed
from carved teak panels in the late 19th century. The steps to the main cave start just bey-
ond the
kyaung
(monastery) - the path is lined with ancient crumbling
zedi
.
At the north end of Pone Taloke Lake, the
Kan Tu Kyaung
(Zaw Ti Kar Yone St; day-
light hours)
features some heavily restored stupas and a fine teak
kyaung
with a
large collection of antique buddha images on ornate plinths.
Trekking
A couple of local guides lead treks in the hill country surrounding Pindaya. Most conduct
overnight treks to
Yazagyi
, an attractive and modern Palaung village located in hilly tea-
plantation country about five hours' walk east of Pindaya. Some choose to extend this to
two nights with a visit to
Kan Hla Kone
, a remote Danu village. It's also possible to trek
from Pindaya to Kalaw, a trip of about three days. Overnight treks start at about $20 per
day per person (in groups of two or more), and guides with experience in these areas in-
clude U Myint Thoung at Old Home Tour Information Centre (
Click here
)
and
Sai Win
can be contacted at Golden Cave Hotel.
Festivals & Events
The main annual
paya pwe
(pagoda festival) at Shwe Oo Min takes place on the full
moon of Tabaung (February/March). Expect all the usual singing, dancing and hand-op-
erated fairground rides.
Sleeping
Golden Cave Hotel
HOTEL $