Each year, at the night on 31st December, the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is glowing from 9,000 bulbs and being fragrant from 9,000 roses that pilgrims offer.
Kyaikhtiyo pagoda is considered the jewel of the capital of Mon in southern Myanmar. This pagoda is famous for its “Golden Stone” or the Golden Rock. And it is seen as a miracle for Buddhists. You will take 1 hour away from the city of Yangon to come here, “The Golden Rock” is located on the top of mountain Kyaikhtiyo. Once you find yourself in a Burma tour, don’t miss your chance to marvel at the massive gilded rock as well as indulge in the vibrant festival.
Golden Rock History
The Golden rock in Kyaikhtiyo pagoda has a height of 5.5 meters. There are some old stories about the rock that it preserved the Buddha’s hair and placed on a large rock, the hair balances the rock lying above the cliff. The golden rock shaped like the head of a man. It is said that it is the head of a hermit who was responsible for bringing the Buddha’s hair and put it in his flounder before his death. He has left instructions to find the hair on the golden stone sitting on top of the pagoda, now known as the Golden Rock.
Tourists once witness the golden rock can never stop surprising that the rock seems to be in a balance on the cliff without falling down. Many Buddhists said: “This is the reason why many pilgrimages to the Kyaikhtiyo pagoda that will bring them good health and wealth like the rock”. During all the time getting to the pagoda, you will be watching a lot of beautiful natural scenery, some amusement parks, and some ruins of ancient temples remaining.
Golden Rock (Kyaikhtiyo) Pagoda Festival
The festival in Kyaikhtiyo pagoda is a special celebration of lighting festival taking place on the full Moon Day of Thadingyut. This time, locals gathering to offer 9000 candles and 9000 flowers to the Buddha. In the following morning of the festival, rice, desserts, and other titbits are offered. During the festival time, the way to the Golden Rock is always filled with visitors and pilgrims from all around the country.
How to Get to The Golden Rock Pagoda
There are two ways to be able to get to Kyaikhtiyo pagoda that is taking a ride along the winding road or walking along the 11km long road through the dense lush forest. On the road to Kyaikhtiyo, you will encounter a number of ancient temples and sacred temples of the local people. The last point of the trip, you will get the parking under the top, and then you can take another one hour to walk to reach the top. The weak people can hire porters carrying to the top by sitting on a fabric hammock.
Golden Rock Cable Car
For those visitors who don’t want to hike up to the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, Golden Rock Cable car is the best choice. Opening since 2018, Golden Rock caber car allows tourists to reach the magnificent pagoda in the most comfortable way and marvel at the incredible view at 1100 meters above the sea level along the cable trip. Tourist can buy the ticket directly at the Cable car station. The price for a round trip is 10000 Kyats each person ($6.55) and 7000 Kyats each person($4.6) for one way.
For more detailed information or book a tour to Golden Rock, please contact us directly to get the free quote or just tell us your interest and leave the rest to us. Besides, you can have a look in our ready-made trips in the package of Myanmar itinerary 5 days to choose your ideal itinerary.