Summiting To Sutaungpyei Pagoda On Mandalay Hill

The reward for the long hike up Mandalay Hill is the nice view from Sutaungpyei Pagoda. And prayers, devotional activities, if that's your thing. A lovely ending point for all.

Made it!

The beautiful wrap around hilltop veranda and a cluster of gold stupas. Blingy.

More bling inside at an altar.

A look at the main stupa and a water offering area.

Sunsetting over Mandalay Hill.

Finding L♥ve on Mandalay Hill

It's not all religious devotion going up Mandalay Hill. Some enterprising folks have carved out little shrines for mash photographs devoted to the Love emotion. Strictly homemade and folksy, these "shrines" are available for a small fee.

Grab your Love and get posing.

Heading Up Mandalay Hill

Mandalay got its name from its famous hill, known for centuries as a Buddhist pilgrimage location. It's a big lump in the northeastern part of town, looming over the Royal Palace and nearby temples. Various temples, shrines and pagodas can be found along the path to the top of the hill.

Main entrance, flanked by chinthes, lion figures.

The path to enlightenment. You thought it would look like something else? Not today. A pink shrine.

At one of the temple stops, a Shweyattaw Buddha, standing Buddha. So big, only a hint of him through the doorway.

The profane and divine, on proud display. Fair warning.

As you approach the summit, the lovely view starts to reveal itself.