Pindaya caves from Myanmar: Shwe u min

Pindaya caves from Myanmar: Shwe u min

We visited the Pindaya caves-or the natural Shwe U MIN cave pagoda from Pindaya-one of the most bizarre experiences of our trip to Myanmar

After a long, hot tomorrow in the saddle in Myanmar, our group of nine cyclists arrived in the city of Pindaya. We had covered about 40 km (25 miles) by Myanmar's Shan state and were looking forward to a break from the intense sun.

I didn't know anything about the Pindaya caves or the natural SHWE-U-Min cave pagoda, as it is officially called. But the idea of ​​climbing underground and escaping the devilish heat sounded very tempting.

The right word is not completely descending, since the winding network of natural caves and tunnels, from which the Shwe U Min Natural Cave Pagoda consists, is actually located high on a limestone ridge above the city of Pindaya and the Pone Taloke Lake.

Alt = "The view from the top of the Pindaya caves"Atlas & BootsThe Pindaya caves are located on a limestone back above the city of Pindaya and the Pone Taloke-Lake

The caves are cut into the slope and are accessible over a number of covered stairs. The stairs that lead to the cave are just more than 3 km south of the city center on the Shwe U min Pagoda Road. It can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot or a motorcycle taxi brings you to the summit and back for around 2000 K (1.5 USD).

At the entrance of the stairs there is an impressive (and rather inappropriate) sculpture of a huge spider. The sculpture would not be out of place in an American theme park; Instead, it guards the entrance to a Buddhist place of pilgrimage!

Alt = "The spider at the entrance to the Pindaya caves"Atlas & BootsA huge spider and a Buddhist monk guard the entrance

Nearby is a more suitable sculpture by a prince who aims at the spider with a arrow and bow. According to legend, seven princesses who bathed down in the lake were caught by a huge spider and caught in the cave. Fortunately, they were saved by the brave Prince Kummabhaya and his loyal long arch.

Alt = "Prince Kummabhaya and his loyal long bow at the entrance to the Pindaya caves"Atlas & BootsThe seven princesses were saved by Prince Kummabhaya and his loyal long arch

The cave complex is filled with over 8,000 Buddha statues (often referred to as "pictures"), many of which have been donated by pilgrims over the centuries. The last count is 8,094.

The number continues to increase because Buddhist organizations from all over the world are still donating for the already bursting collection. As you hike through the caves, you will see donations from all corners of the world.

The pictures of the Buddha bomb the visitors and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and even from materials, including pictures made of teak, marble, stone, paint, brick and cement.

Pilgrims from all over the world come in a steady stream all year round to install new statues. Visitors will probably come across one or the other submissive, which meditates in small meditation chambers in the cave walls.

old = "statues in the Pindaya caves"Atlas & BootsThe latest count is 8,094 Buddha pictures

The oldest statues date from around 1750, with most of the statues that date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Nowhere in Myanmar there is such a variety of style, not only in the pictures, but also in the decorated thrones and retaes - or altarpieces - which surround the Buddhatatues.

We spent about an hour about wandering through the complex in almost complete silence. There is an uncanny atmosphere that invites you to whisper and silence - not unlike that of a great old library. Sometimes it felt like we slipped on the open set of an Indiana Jones film!

When we appeared again in the afternoon sun, our group gathered around the giant spider for a usual group photo. We all agreed that the caves were one of the most bizarre things we had ever seen - not only in Myanmar.

Myanmar is indeed a country of contrast. Where else can you find an underground complex with over 8,000 golden Buddhas, which are guarded by a huge spider?

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Pindaya caves: the essentials

What: We visited the Shwe U Min Natural Cave Pagoda near Pindaya in Myanmar as part of a 13-day bike tour through Myanmar (Burma).

Where: The tour began in Yangon, the country's largest metropolis before led north to the Inle Lake, Pindaya and Mandalay, then to Central Myanmar with Mount Popa and the Irrawaddy River before it ended in Bagan. The accommodation comprised 10 nights in comfortable tourist class hotels, one night in a guest house and one night in a monastery (classified as a host family).

When: The best time to travel for Myanmar is from October to March when the monsoon has subsided and the temperatures are pleasant. It gets very hot in the country from April to May. The central regions in which Bagan and Mandalay are located can reach temperatures of over 40 ° C - not ideal for cycling!

From May to September, the Southwest Monsun will lead to heavy rains. During this time, streets can become impassable, especially from July to September. The rains will decrease from October.

Like: We booked the 13-day Myanmar bike tour from G Adventures at a price from € 2,499 ($ ​​2,730) per person. The price includes all accommodations, 12 breakfasts, four lunches, dinner, bike rental (including helmets and water bottles), domestic flights, transport, a fantastic chief experience officer throughout the trip and additional helpers, including experienced tour guide, mechanic and driver. For more information or bookings, call 0344 272 2040 or visit gadventures.co.uk.

Note that the prices do not include international flights and there are no direct flights from the United Kingdom. However, several airlines offer one-stop flights from London Heathrow via Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Bangkok. Book via skyscanner.net.

If you are considering a bike tour somewhere, read our five tips for cycling.

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Lonely Planet Myanmar is a comprehensive travel guide for Myanmar, ideal for those who want to explore the most important sights and take the less busy road.

Disclosure: We traveled to Myanmar with the support of G Adventures. All publications say that, but we really don't guarantee positive reporting. We say what we think - good and bad - so that you can make well -founded decisions with honest advice.

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