Nats in Popa

Having been reunited with the ring, we set off for a morning stroll around New Bagan. Apparently in 1995 the government decided they didn't want locals living in the archeological region of Old Bagan, and moved them a few miles down the road to New Bagan.
Visiting Bagan House laquerware workshop we marvelled at the skills employed to make the highly decorative products and bought some coasters (lightweight) to take home.





Lacquerware guitar at the San Carlo Italian /Chinese restaurant .

After lunch at San Carlo's we took a taxi ride to our next location, Mount Popa village.
We arrived to discover that the village was hosting a big Nat festival - Nats are pre-Bhuddists spirits which are still worshiped, and this festival is apparently the biggest one in Myanmar.
The knees-up goes on for a couple of days coinciding with the full moon today.
We went up to the Popa Resort hotel (by motorbike taxi!) for dinner with the group from Bikeworld- great views at sunset down on to the famous Popa temple.


After dinner we popped in at the Nat festival but had trouble finding the beer tent do didn't stay too long.
Next morning we took a 4hr hike up the mountain and were back at the Resort for lunch.


And had a great view down onto the temple.


Planning to have another gander around the festival later- that beer tent must be hiding somewhere !

Location:Popa Mountain