The covered stairways
Four ways to the top.
Myrmux — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Gerd Eichmann — CC BY-SA 4.0 · calflier001 — CC BY-SA 2.0 · calflier001 — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0
Mandalay Hill is a 240-metre hill north-east of central Mandalay, and the city takes its name from it. It is known for its many pagodas and monasteries, and Buddhists in the country have made the climb for nearly two centuries. At the top stands the Sutaungpyei Pagoda, whose name means wish-fulfilling. Four covered stairways climb to it from the south, south-east, west and north, with stone seats along the whole way. Many people consider the climb a meritorious deed, and two large white lion figures guard the main southern approach. The walk up from the south takes about an hour, with many stops at small shrines and stalls. A road also leads close to the summit, followed by an escalator and a lift. From the terrace at the top you see the city, the old palace and its moat, the river and the plain, finest at sunset. Mandalay Palace is about 3 km away in a straight line, and Kuthodaw Pagoda under 2 km. Visitors go barefoot on the stairways. The 2025 earthquake damaged many buildings around Mandalay, so check what is open before you go. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to this area, so read the current advice before you plan.
Four ways to the top.
Over the city.
At the southern gate.
North-east of central Mandalay, Myanmar
Yes, a road reaches near the top, then an escalator.
Before sunset, when the ground is cooler.
