Pindaya Caves of Myanmar: Shwe U Min

Pindaya Caves of Myanmar: Shwe U Min

We visited the Pindaya Caves – or the natural Shwe U Min Cave Pagoda of Pindaya – one of the most bizarre experiences of our trip to Myanmar

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

I didn't know about the Pindaya Caves or the natural Shwe-U-Min Cave Pagoda as it is officially called. But the idea of ​​going underground and escaping the devilish heat sounded very tempting.

Descending isn't quite the right word, as the winding network of natural caves and tunnels that make up the Shwe U Min Natural Cave Pagoda is actually high on a limestone ridge above the town of Pindaya and Pone Taloke Lake.

alt="The view from the top of Pindaya Caves">Atlas & BootsThe Pindaya Caves are located on a limestone ridge above the town of Pindaya and Pone Taloke Lake

The caves cut into the hillside and are accessed via a series of covered stairs. The stairs leading to the cave are just over 3 km south of the city center on Shwe U Min Pagoda Road. It can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot or a motorbike taxi will take you to the summit and back for around 2000K (1.5 USD).

At the entrance to the stairs is an impressive (and rather incongruous) sculpture of a giant spider. The sculpture wouldn't be out of place in an American theme park; instead, it guards the entrance to a Buddhist pilgrimage site!

alt="The spider at the entrance to the Pindaya Caves">Atlas & BootsA giant spider and a Buddhist monk guard the entrance

Nearby is a more fitting sculpture of a prince aiming a bow and arrow at the spider. According to legend, seven princesses who were bathing in the lake below were caught by a huge spider and trapped in the cave. Luckily, they were saved by the brave Prince Kummabhaya and his trusty longbow.

alt="Prince Kummabhaya and his trusty longbow at the entrance to the Pindaya Caves">Atlas & BootsThe seven princesses were rescued by Prince Kummabhaya and his trusty longbow

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

The number continues to rise as Buddhist organizations from around the world continue to donate to the already bursting collection. As you wander through the caves, you will see donations from all corners of the world.

The images of the Buddha bombard visitors and come in a variety of shapes and sizes and even materials, including images made of teak, marble, stone, lacquer, brick and cement.

Pilgrims from all over the world come in a steady stream throughout the year to install new statues. Visitors are likely to come across one or two devotees meditating in small meditation chambers in the cave walls.

alt=“Statues in the Pindaya Caves”>Atlas & BootsThe most recent count is 8,094 Buddha images

The oldest statues date from around 1750, with most statues estimated to date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Nowhere in Myanmar is there such a diversity of styles, not only in the images but also in the ornate thrones and retables - or altarpieces - that surround the Buddha statues.

We spent about an hour wandering around the complex in almost complete silence. There is an eerie atmosphere that invites whispers and silence - not unlike that of a grand old library. At times it felt like we had walked onto the open set of an Indiana Jones movie!

As we emerged into the afternoon sun again, our group gathered around the giant spider for a customary group photo. We all agreed that the caves were one of the most bizarre things we had ever seen - and not just in Myanmar.

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

• alt=“eine Pagode am Eingang der Pindaya-Höhlen“>
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• alt=“In den Pindaya-Höhlen“>
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• alt=“In den Pindaya-Höhlen“>
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• alt=“Das Labyrinth in den Pindaya-Höhlen“>
• alt=“Interessante Fakten über die Pindaya-Höhlen in Myanmar“>Der Höhlenkomplex in der Nähe von Pindaya ist mit über 8.000 Buddha-Statuen gefüllt
• alt=“Kia in den Pindaya-Höhlen“>
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• alt=“Unsere Gruppe in den Pindaya-Höhlen“>

Pindaya Caves: the essentials

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

Where: The tour began in Yangon, the country's largest metropolis, before heading north to Inle Lake, Pindaya and Mandalay, then to central Myanmar with Mount Popa and the Irrawaddy River before ending in Bagan. Accommodation included 10 nights in comfortable tourist class hotels, one night in a guest house and one night in a monastery (classified as homestay).

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

From May to September there are heavy rains with the southwest monsoon. During this time, roads may become impassable, particularly from July to September. From October the rains decrease.

How: We booked G Adventures' 13-day Myanmar bike tour, priced from €2,499 (US$2,730) per person. The price includes all accommodation, 12 breakfasts, four lunches, one dinner, bike rental (including helmets and water bottles), domestic flights, transportation, an amazing Chief Experience Officer throughout the trip, and additional support staff including experienced guides, mechanics, and drivers. For more information or to book, call 0344 272 2040 or visit gadventures.co.uk.

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

If you're considering a bike tour somewhere, check out our five tips for bike travelers.

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Lonely Planet Myanmar is a comprehensive travel guide to Myanmar, ideal for those who want to both explore the top attractions and take the road less traveled.

Disclosure: We traveled to Myanmar with support from G Adventures. All publications say this, but we really don't guarantee positive coverage. We say what we think – good and bad – so you can make informed decisions with honest advice.

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