Mount Popa is a volcano located 50 km southeast of Bagan in central Burma (Myanmar), stretch 1518 meters above sea level.
Formed by a powerful earthquake in 442 BC the great peak rose from out of the barren Myingyan plains, it can be seen from the Irrawaddy River as far away as 60 km in clear weather.
The name Popa is believed to come from the Pali / Sanskrit word puppa meaning flower.
Mount Popa is also known as an extinct volcano and the adobe of the 37 spirits, as well as the nearby stunningly picturesque Popa Taungkalat monastery atop an outcrop. The Mount Popa itself is considered to be sacred, a sort of Mt. Olympus.
Mount Popa, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Often known as Myanmar’s Mt Olympus, Mt Popa is just a short trip from Bagan. Mt Popa, meaning ‘flower’ in Sanskrit, is an extinct volcano set amid beautiful hills. It is the most significant place for Nat spirit worship and has been for over 700 years.