The Temples of Bagan, Myanmar

It is estimated that there are over 2200 Buddhist temples, pagodas and stupas in this ancient city and they date back to the 11th and 12th centuries.  There temples are scattered over an area of 104 square kilometres (40 square miles).  Some of these temples are in a good state, while others are in disrepair.  Regardless of their state, they are all considered sacred, so before entering or stepping on to them we had to remove our shoes and our socks.  

It was impossible to visit all the temples, so our guide took us to some of the most important ones in Bagan.  While we were taken around the city by car, we also got to take a horse and cart ride through parts of the ancient city where we got to see more temples.  It was a fun ride and we stopped along the way to take photos and take in the amazing scenery. 

Tharaba City Gate

The Tharaba Gate marks the eastern entrance to the ancient city.  It is the only one left of the 12 gates of the walled city that was established in 849.   

Shwezigon Pagoda

This temple was built in the 11th century and is one of Bagan's oldest temples.  It is a stunning 160 feet (49 meters) high circular stupa that was built of stone bricks and covered in gold leaf.  Over the years this temple has been damaged by numerous earthquakes and has been restored.  This pagoda enshrines Buddha relics and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.  It is the most beautiful temple that we visited in Bagan.

 Gubyauk Gyi (Myinkaba) Temple and the Myazedi Pagoda

The Gubyauk Gyi Temple dates back to the 12th century and is known as a cave temple as it does not get much light inside.  The inner walls of painted frescoes are well preserved, but they were hard to photograph because of the lack of light.  Beside the Gubyauk Gyi Temple is the golden spire of the Myazedi Pagoda, another stunning golden stupa.

Manuha Guphaya

This temple was built in the 11th century and it is one of Bagan's oldest temples.  This temple has a large sitting Buddha and a large Buddha entering Nirvana.

Ananda Phaya

This Buddhist temple was built in the 11th century and is considered one of the most revered of all the temples in Bagan.  This temples houses four huge standing Buddhas, each one facing the cardinal directions of north, south, east and west.  This impressive temple has been fondly referred to as the "Westminster Abbey of Burma".  

Kyan Sit That Umin Temple

The Kyan Sit That Umin Temple was built in the 11th century and is a cave temple, built into a cliff face.  The temple itself has long dark corridors with ancient paintings, but unfortunately we were not allowed to take photographs inside.

Shwesandaw Pagoda

Shwesandaw Pagoda was built in the 11th century.  It is fondly referred to as the "sunset temple", as this is where many tourists and locals alike gather each evening to watch the spectacular sunset over Bagan.  It was a steep climb up, but the view was worth it!