The summit
A small golden pagoda.
kallerna — CC BY-SA 4.0 · kallerna — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Go-Myanmar — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Go-Myanmar — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Go-Myanmar — CC BY-SA 3.0
Mount Zwegabin is a limestone peak in Kayin State in south-east Myanmar and the highest point around the town of Hpa-An. It rises about 722 metres above sea level, so from a distance it looks like a sharp block of rock standing over a plain of rice fields. The mountain belongs to a range of isolated limestone hills, and its slopes are covered in rich forest where botanists found a flowering plant new to science, named after the mountain. Karen folklore tells of a brother and sister who suffered under their stepfather, were granted special powers and became the mountain's guardians. Visitors climb a long trail of stone stairs and earth through the forest, which takes about two hours. At the top are a small golden pagoda and an open terrace, with views of other limestone peaks rising from the plain and rivers shining in the sun. The finest views come at sunrise or sunset. Hpa-An is about 8 km away in a straight line. Start the climb early before the heat, carry plenty of water and wear shoes that grip on the steps. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to this area, and roads and flights may be cut, so read the current advice before you plan.
A small golden pagoda.
Limestone peaks over the plain.
A shaded trail.
South-east of Hpa-An, Kayin State, Myanmar
About two hours, and the way down is a little quicker.
Very early, to avoid the heat and catch the sunrise.