"Mingalaba!" the smiling waving children of Kinpun welcome us.

We board industrial sized trucks whose benches hold over thirty people. These monsters carry us, the Burmese and a Japanese tourist capturing video to the summit.

Others complete an important Burmese pilgrimage to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. Hiking the trail three times brings wealth and recognition.

Families rest under blankets and tarps, successful.

Gleaming golden rock reputably sits atop Buddha's hair. With help, the supernatural king brought the rock from the ocean floor to the peak.

Male devotees affix golden leafs.

People lay clay pots on the stairs.

Guitarists sing to the mountains.

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Thanks for reading! 

In case you're wondering why we opted for the truck ride, we didn't know about the pilgrimage initially plus by the time we arrived and were ready to go it was afternoon and a balmy 34 Celsius (a lovely SE Asian winter), not ideal 3 hour hike weather, but hats off to everyone who accomplished it.