Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, also known as the Golden Rock, is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the beautiful country of Myanmar.
This site is famous for a massive gold-plated rock precariously perched on the edge of a cliff. For thousands of years, the rock has remained in place, and even from a distance, it gives the impression that it could tumble down at any moment. This miraculous sight and the legend behind it have made it a popular destination for tourists.
The gold-plated rock defies the laws of gravity
According to information from Renown Travel, this giant Golden Rock is located in the northeastern mountains of Yangon, Myanmar. It rests on a steep cliff at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level. The rock, which stands about 7.5 meters tall and has a circumference of 15.2 meters, is topped by a small pagoda that rises over 7 meters, known as Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda or Kyaik Hti Yo. All of it is covered in shiny gold, providing a spectacular and rare sight.
This seemingly golden rock is actually a granite stone covered with a layer of gold leaf
The rock balances on the edge of a cliff and appears as if it could fall into the valley below at any moment. From certain angles, it seems to hover above the ground, with a very small contact area. Yet, for thousands of years, it has remained stable, defying storms and challenging the laws of physics.
The Legend of the Golden Rock
It is unclear when this rock first appeared, but locals tell the story that when the Buddha visited this area, he gifted a strand of his hair to a hermit named Taik Tha.
Before passing away, the hermit entrusted this strand of hair to King Tissa. Two deities, Zawgyi and Naga, helped the king discover the rock from the depths of the ocean. The rock was brought to Kyaikhtiyo Hill, where the Buddha’s hair was enshrined within it, and a small pagoda was built to worship the relic.
Visitors place money under the rock for good luck and peace
The enchanting night view
It is believed that due to the strand of the Buddha’s hair, the Golden Rock has been able to stand firm for many years, despite having only 78 cm² of contact with the mountain surface.
In fact, even scientists have yet to explain this strange phenomenon.
How to Witness the Golden Rock in Person?
The Golden Rock and Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda are located near the town of Kyaikto, about 80 km east of Bago and 160 km northeast of Yangon.
Reaching this site requires considerable effort and overcoming challenges during the journey.
The first leg of the trip involves taking a bus or taxi from Yangon or Bago to Kinpun village at the base of the mountain where the Golden Rock is located.
Visitors should bring plenty of water for the hike.
From Kinpun, visitors can ride in an open truck fitted with benches, traveling up winding roads on the mountains over 1,000 meters high. It is estimated that the journey to Ya Thay Taung takes about 30 minutes.
From there, it takes about an hour of walking to reach the Golden Rock, along a path lined with souvenir shops.
It is advisable for visitors to carry plenty of water for the hike. At the entrance of the temple area, everyone must remove their shoes and socks and continue barefoot. It’s recommended to bring a bag to carry your footwear.
If walking seems too strenuous, visitors can hire someone to carry them to Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda on a bamboo sedan chair.
