Mandalay Hill, Mandalay

3 more images

A 240 metre (760ft) high hill located in the northeastern part of the city. A nice and easy climb of half-hour with stops in small nats shrines, pagodas and a standing Buddha. The Main gate is guarded by two giant carved lion statues (The Chinthies). After the climb at the top of the mountain is located the Sutaungpyei (literally wish-fulfilling) Pagoda. The viewpoint offers a full panoramic view of the city and it´s surroundings. The Shan Hills to the east, the Mandalay Palace and the moat to the south and the Ayeyarwady to the west. If you don´t want to return walking there´s an elevator to the parking located halfway where it´s very easy to get a taxi.

1 more image

Described by Lonely Planet as an "easy" half hour climb to the top of this 230m hill, this was actually quite a hoof in an upward direction using the sheltered stairs/walkway. Its well worth the view of the surrounding countryside, the Palace and the city of Mandalay once you get there though.

If you'd rather not do the walk, you can get transport to a roughly halfway starting point, and there is an escalator option from the main entrance.

Close to the top, there's a large Buddha image, looking over the royal palace, and a shrine/reliquery with 3 bones of the Buddha housed inside.

The Hill is a popular setting for sunset - and there is a fairly large influx of tourists at this time. Its generally recommended that you see this site either early in the morning or at this time of day, to avoid the heat.

You must leave your shoes at the bottom - or have them out of sight in a bag. Leaving them behind is quite safe, as long as you descend to the same place.

4 more images

On your way you’ll meet numerous pagodas and religious shrines and food or souvenir vendors, generally the atmosphere is rather kitsch… From its top (I assume), and from several way-stations along the ascent, one has a magnificent panorama of the city (misty weather permitting), the old Royal Palace and Fortress, as well as the Ayeyarwady river and the distant Hills.

Approximately half-way up the hill the Shweyattaw Temple houses a large golden standing statue of the Buddha commissioned by King Mindon; it is in a dramatic pose with his right hand pointing toward the Royal Palace and the city below. His faithful disciple, Ananda, prays attentively at his right side. The story is told that when Gautama Buddha visited the hill he stretched out his hand to the plain below and prophesied that a great city and religious center would be founded at its base.

4 more images

Mandalay Hill (240 m high) is the dominant natural feature of Mandalay. At first you reach the base with its entrance stairway dominated by its magnificent guardian chinthe (half-lion, half-dragon) entry. From there its 1,729 steps of the covered staircase to the top, BUT I see no reason doing so because as we found out cars can reach at least half distance saving time and strength
Unfortunately we were lazy enough to make up to the top (shame on us) because I am sure you can enjoy better views over pagodas of Kyauktawgyi , Kuthodaw and Sandamuni at its base

2 more images

Actually we went part of the way with our local taxi/tuk tuk driver and then because his taxi couldn't make it went with the locals on a local van/truck. We parked next to two giant white Chinthas and then hopped into the back of the truck with about 8 other people to a hair raising ride up the hill!

At the top of the hill you have to pay a small fee to use your camera and video camera but, the view is pretty good of the Ayewaddy and pagaodas dotted throughout the countryside. The pagoda itself is a shimmering, mirror fantasy.

It seems that some Burmese families also visiting the pagoda and there were quite a few picnicking when we were there.

4 more images

If you came to see in Mandalay first time and nothing to do now , you`d better quickly visit local something worth seein`to kill your needless time , Mandalay Hill , for example...
If you travel in Mandalay city by yourselves , every sleepy local taxi driver will take you on this beautiful Hill with his pleasure , but what can you do there ?
Will try to help you to understand..

4 more images

Dominating the skyline of Mandalay is the impressive Manadalay Hill, which rises about 700 feet. It is dotted with shrines (both Buddhist and nat) and the views from the top are magnificent. Many people choose to visit, as I did, late in the afternoon for the sunset. Unfortunately, the day I was there it was quite hazy but impressive all the same.

There are several ways to ascend the hill, depending on how fit you are. you can climb up from the South side (nearest the Northeastern corner of the palace comples, or alternatively, you can get a taxi about halfway up on a road that leads from the West. In truth, it's not too difficult a climb and there are plenty of places to stop and sit along the way. you can also grab a drink from the many vendors there.

The hill was bombed extensively by Allied aircraft during the Second world War, as the Japanese were encamped there, and it's still possible to see the shrapnel holes in the temple at the summit (see photo).

In theory, there's a small camera fee, but I wasn't asked for it, and didn't see anywhere I was supposed to pay it.

A definite "must see" on any travellers itinerary.