Golden Rock enshrining a Buddha hair relic

The Golden Rock with the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda situated close to Kyaikto town, about 80 kilometers East of Bago and 160 kilometers North East of Yangon, is one of the most important religious sites in Myanmar, seemingly defying the law of gravity.

The huge Golden Rock in the mountains North-East of Yangon is about 7½ meters high, hanging over a steep cliff provides for an amazing sight. There is a golden pagoda called the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda or Kyaik Hti Yo Pagoda on top of it where the Buddha’s hair relic is enshrined. The rock that appears to be gold is actually a granite boulder that is covered with gold leaf applied to the rock by Buddhist devotees.

The Golden Rock with the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for Buddhists in Burma. Every day many people come to the rock and pay their respect. Devotee pilgrims apply gold leaf to the rock.

The rock balances on the edge of a cliff and it appears like it can fall down in the valley below it at any moment. Despite a famous attraction, it is surprisingly not as touristy as the other destinations in the country – Bagan, Mandalay or Yangon.

Getting there requires lots of effort, without an expensive, privately run tour or a taxi is pretty complicated, the bus schedules are not clear and the level of English among the Burmese is very low. It may take considerable time and part of the journey can be uncomfortable. Having said that, the whole journey would be a great adventure, definitely worth the effort and it will leave some priceless memories.

Contact Us to add this excursion to your Myanmar travel trip.