Myanmar: Mandalay – Mandalay Hill
1700 barefoot steps lead up the 240m/745ft high hill overlooking the entire Mandalay beneath with the palace and the moat and many pagodas and temples. It’s a not a difficult climb, although it’s long and barefoot going isn’t easy at times as you need to dodge rocky ground and occasional and periodic dog and cat poop. Along the way are several dozen sitting Buddhas and one unique standing one with an outstretched hand pointing toward Mandalay (like a Lenin statue). On top of the hill is Sutaungpyei (“wish-fulfilling”) Pagoda where you can get panoramic views, ring the bell, kick the drums, see the sunset, and get all your wishes come true (except the one about the need to descend this hill down barefoot again).
