
Tantkyi Mountain by Bike and Boat
Tantkyi Mountain
by Bike and Boat
Biking Irrawaddy’s western banks from Bagan and a new world us opening up. Void of western
influences, Tantkyiand its temple on the hill do not only offer stunning views over
the region – its religious importance is best observed when cycling with us.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Across the Ayeyarwaddy, a new world opens up – one that delves deep into the local atmosphere of the country’s pure side. When in need of a break from the Bagan temples and pagodas and wanting to see another side of Bagan, where one wades through a region where the sands of time have been standing still as soon one disembarks, Tantkyi fills that void perfectly.
Situated on the western side of the Ayeyarwaddy River, an important means of livelihood for the many local villages, the town and the pagoda bearing the same name have held up its way of living for centuries. From admiring the vistas to gaining a bird’s eye view from the top of new vantage points, it is you and your bicycle for the day in finding yourself time travelling in search for religious relics and authenticity around every corner.



TRAIL ITINERARY
08:00 - 17:00
An early morning departure commences right at your hotel’s doorstep; your biking guide for the day welcomes you to a morning of fun-filled pedalling exploration on the other side of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Depending on the location of your accommodation in either New or Old Bagan, the route brings us first for a couple of kilometres to the Ayeyar Jetty. From here, we cross the river to the western banks for the start of your cycling adventure back in time.
For the following hour, your trail leader navigates over local roads and passing local villages towards Tantkyi. Upon arrival at the disembarkation point, park your bike and switch over to a car to head up to the top of Tantkyi Mountain. On clear days, the view over the Bagan Plains and even Mount Popa are indescribable, easy being ticked off as a highlight of the day. On and around the mountain, there are a few Buddhist landmarks that will be included; a meditation cave, a monastery, and the well-known Tantkyi Taung Pagoda. The latter spiritual centre for the faithful has adorned the mountain since 1059 AD when King Anawrahta ordered the construction. Over time, expansion commenced, and the importance of this octagonal pagoda grew. Unique are the 32 elephant statues, each pointing in different directions at the base.
Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the monastery rest houses near the pagoda before descending back to the village and your bikes. The ride back to the Let Paung Chaung Jetty will be as enjoyable as the morning ride, filled with moments of amazing Myanmar. After crossing the river back towards Old Bagan, the final cycling kilometres to your hotel mark the end of an adventure day in Myanmar’s countryside.