The Golden Rock

The Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo is one of the most extraordinary and sacred sites in Myanmar, a large granite boulder covered in gold leaf that perches, seemingly against all the laws of gravity, right on the very edge of a cliff, crowned by a small stupa. Believed to be held in place by a strand of the Buddha's hair, it is a major pilgrimage site, reached by an open truck up the mountain and a walk, and is especially moving at dawn and dusk as pilgrims pray and press gold leaf onto the rock.

History

In Mon the name means "pagoda upon a hermit's head". One legend says the rock balances on a strand of the Buddha's hair; another says a celestial king carried it here for a monk, choosing it for its likeness to the monk's head. The pagoda on top is 7.3 metres high, and it is the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country (Wikipedia, Kyaiktiyo Pagoda).

Highlights

• The Golden Rock - the gilded boulder perched on the cliff edge.
• The pilgrims - the devotees pressing gold leaf onto the rock.
• The mountain journey - the open-truck ride up the mountain.
• The dawn and dusk - the atmospheric light and prayer.

When to go

November to March, the cool dry season, for the best weather; the site is busiest and most atmospheric during the pilgrimage season around November to March, and dawn and dusk are the most moving times. The mountain can be cold and misty, so bring a layer.

Good to know

Getting there involves a long journey and a packed, bumpy ride in an open truck up the mountain, then a walk, so it takes commitment. Only men are permitted to cross the bridge and press gold leaf directly onto the rock; women view it from a distance. It can be crowded with pilgrims.

Nearby

The town of Kinpun at the base and the road toward Yangon are the gateway.

Key facts