The Taung Kalat Temple is a Buddhist monastery built atop an extinct volcano plug – a volcanic landform created by magma seeping from a volcanic vent - near Mount Popa Volcano in Central Burma.

The Taung Kalat, a Mecca for tourists and Buddhist faith followers, is one of the most breathtaking sites in Burma.

Taung Kalat Temple near Mount Popa Volcano in Central Burma (Wikipedia/Ralf-André Lettau)

The monastery which is located at the summit has total 777 steps. The Buddhist solitary person U Khandi maintained the temple and the staircase at one point of time.

One can see the ancient city of Bagan and enjoy the panoramic view of Burma from top of the Taung Kalat.

The mountain erupted out of the ground in 442 B.C. and many legends are associated with this mountain.

The mountain is considered the home of Burma’s powerful Nats – spirits worshipped in Burma – and it is the most important Nat worship center.

Every year many followers visit the temple, especially on the full moon of Nayon that occurs in the month May or June and the full moon of Nadaw that occurs in the month of November or December.

Taung Kalat Temple near Mount Popa Volcano in Central Burma (Wikipedia/ Ralf-André Lettau)

Taung Kalat Temple near Mount Popa Volcano in Central Burma (Wikipedia/ YashiWong)