around September-October as
locals celebrate Thadingyug and
Hpaung Daw U among other
festivals. The lake is famous not
only for the floating villages, but
also for its floating gardens and the
unique way local fishermen steer
their shallow boats using their
legs. The area is also famous for
silk weaving and the production of
the special lotus thread that is
specifically used for weaving the
Buddha robes (kya thingahn).
Pagodas &
Temples
Myanmar literally has hundreds of
temples and pagodas, as well as
monasteries that it is almost
impossible not to encounter one as
you move about. About 31 miles or
50 km away from Bagan is Mount
Popa, a popular pilgrimage site.
But the more popular destination
is the one that's close to Mount
Popa, called Taung Kalat or
pedestal hill. On its top is a
Buddhist monastery, which can be
reached by climbing 777 steps
carved on the side of the hill. From
up there you can have a good view
of the city of Bagan. This is a good
place to be in April during the
celebration of