Joe Louis rewards himself after a long climb
The path up Sagaing Hill can only be described as a climb. The stairs go up and up and up and don’t seem to end. Even as a person in good health, I found myself quickly getting tired after initially trying to sprint up. But unlike other stairways, the climb up the hill is its own adventure and not just a way to the top.
As you go up the hill, there are various temples and lookouts along the way. You can stop in monasteries, say a little prayer, and then continue along the ascent. I didn’t see too much value in going to the intermediary lookout spots because the higher viewpoints provided a much better vista. I joined others in the upward scale and we chatted as we came closer to what seemed to be the heavens.
At the top of the hill has a calm little cafe that sells food and drinks. It’s an excellent spot to take a break, reward oneself, and enjoy a gorgeous view of the Mandalay area. Keep in mind, there’s no elevator back down.
See what other blogs are saying about Sagaing Hill:
“Sagaing Hill is home to more than 600 monasteries and stupas and more than 6.000 monks and nuns. The steps up the hill are steep and it takes a while to get up there. On the way up you pass a few smaller stupas and temples and the views get better and better. Once up on the top you have sweeping views down to the river banks, Sagaing Bridge and the many temples crowding the numerous hills around it.”
–Escapology
