Friday 10 November 2017

Fri 10th November: Bagan – Mt. Popa

Today’s ride took us through the picturesque countryside to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano rising 1,518m above sea level, and to our 3rd Regional Health Centre on the way. 

We started the day at 7am on back roads and very sandy tracks en route to an older style health centre located in a very remote village. Although very basic it was staffed by happy people and the neighbouring school was delightful too.

We passed through many small villages on the way where we were able to meet local people and be welcomed into their homes. We also saw lots of traditional foods being produced, especially peanuts and palm sugar snacks and drinks. The tracks were extremely sandy all day which led to very tiring cycling, and a few spills along the way. It was also very hot today which made for slow and dusty progress!

As we approached Mt. Popa the road became much more challenging with an 800m climb. We stopped for a very late lunch at 4pm at a local restaurant. Once recharged we climbed the 777 steps to the summit of the sacred volcano Popa-Taung Kalat, from where we enjoyed breath-taking views over the Myingyan Plain. 





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