Kakku

When counting the surrounding area, the number doubles to over 5,000 stupas. The reason for the dense proliferation remains a mystery, but the sight of the stupas, which date as far back as the 11th century, rising above the plains is quietly wondrous. Kakku is 26 miles south of Taunggyi. The drive there weaves through numerous Pa-O villages and beautiful landscapes as the town is bordered by the Khe Le mountains to the west and Naungmon to the east. For the Kakku Paya Pwe, or Harvest Festival in mid-March, thousands of Pa-O pilgrims come near and far to attend. Not many visitors detour this far in explorations of Myanmar, but the intrepid few are rewarded.