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All Myanmar (Burma) Kakku Pagodas

Kakku Pagodas

This unique temple complex remains off the typical tourist trail.

Myanmar (Burma)

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MarkTimeTravel
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Kakku Pagodas.   MarkTimeTravel / Atlas Obscura User
Kakku Pagodas.   MarkTimeTravel / Atlas Obscura User
Kakku Pagodas.   MarkTimeTravel / Atlas Obscura User
Kakku Pagodas.   MarkTimeTravel / Atlas Obscura User
Kakku Pagodas.   MarkTimeTravel / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Kakku Pagoda offers a unique alternative to the plentiful temples spread throughout Southeast Asia. Visiting this extraordinary site takes time and effort.

While most of Kakku’s stupas were built in the 17th and 18th centuries, the largest is believed to have been built in the 12th century during the reign of Alaungsithu, King of Bagan, as part of expanding religious sites across his empire. Since then, two main architectural designs have created a distinct forest of 2,478 needle stick pagodas that reach out to take the shape of Buddha’s footprint.

From the main stupa, where wisps of omnipresent incense smoke perfume the musty air, visitors can walk through the small channels within rows of smaller stupas, each breathtaking in their nuanced designs, many featuring stucco reliefs in differing forms of veneration. While the renovation is ongoing, plenty of the stupas suffer from varying degrees of weathering and damage from the odd earthquake that blights many temple complexes within Myanmar.

Due to its remoteness and location within Shan State, visitors are few, although the authorities have created a reflecting pool for photographic delights. Thankfully, unlike at other more famous temples, there isn’t the need to wait for hours to get that cover shot.

Related Tags

Temples Buddhism Archaeology

Know Before You Go

Tours are available from the Inle area. If traveling independently, admission to the site is US $3 and a compulsory, but knowledgeable, Pa-O guide costs $5 payable at the tourism office in Taunggyi. From there a taxi will take you and your guide on a bumpy two-hour ride to Kakku Pagodas complex.  

Nearby, a café will refuel you after the long journey and offers local delights and trinkets.

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Added By

MarkTimeTravel

Edited By

MrCarl, CDVV86

  • MrCarl
  • CDVV86

Published

May 2, 2019

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Sources
  • https://www.renown-travel.com/burma/inlelake/kakkupagodas.html
  • https://www.thewholeworldisaplayground.com/how-to-visit-kakku-myanmar/
  • https://myanmartravelinformation.com/around-inle/kakku-pagodas.html
  • https://www.gandawunshwebagan.com/shan-state/kakku.html
  • https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mwe+Taw+Kakku+Pagodas+Complex/@20.445521,97.1337657,17z/data=!4m15!1m9!2m8!1sKakku+Pagoda+!3m6!1sKakku+Pagoda+!2sMyanmar+(Burma)!3s0x305652a7714e2907:0xba7b0ee41c622b11!4m2!1d95.955974!2d21.916221!3m4!1s0x30ce591f75020d7d:0x950776caceed201b!8m2!3d20.4444684!4d97.1368399
Kakku Pagodas
Unnamed Road
Myanmar (Burma)
20.446208, 97.136961

Nearby Places

Floating Gardens of Inle Lake

Taunggyi, Myanmar (Burma)

miles away

Shwe Indein Pagoda

Taunggyi, Myanmar (Burma)

miles away

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar (Burma)

Asia

Places 33
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Floating Gardens of Inle Lake

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Taunggyi, Myanmar (Burma)

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar (Burma)

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