Alaungdaw Kathapa is located in Mingin township of Sagaing. It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1941 and opened as a national park in 1984. About 200 species call the park home, usually traveling in herds of up to a dozen individuals.
Elephant, tiger, leopard, gaur, banteng, sambur, barking deer, jungle goat, mountain goat, bear, wild boar, jungle cat and many kinds of birds inhabit Alungdaw Kathapa. Alaungdaw Kathapa is also home to one of the most spectacular pilgrimage sites in all of Myanmar.
Alaungdaw Kathapa Pagoda, the most famous in the region, is located in the centre of the Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park. It is where the body of Shin Maha Kathapa, one of the Buddha’s original followers, is enshrined. Every year Alaungdaw Kathapa Pagoda Festival is held there in February. The road to this natural treasure of Myanmar is not for the faint-hearted.
Only motorbikes, 4-wheel drives, and buses can make it there and only in January–March. When the dry season comes to an end and the rains really set in, the mountain road is impassable. How will you get there? By elephant, of course.
Practical info
What is found within the national park of Alaungdaw Kathapa in Myanmar?
There are nearly 200 species of wildlife living in Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park, ranging from tigers to mountain goats and various birds. Wild boars, jungle cats, barking deer, and elephants are just some of the animals that visitors can enjoy seeing. The park aids in the preservation of these species and plays a significant role in the region. Show more
What does the Alaungdaw Kathapa Pagoda signify in Myanmar?
The Alaungdaw Kathapa Pagoda is a vital pilgrimage site in Myanmar that honors one of Buddha's original disciples, Shin Maha Kathapa. The pagoda pays tribute to Kathapa’s body and is highly respected throughout the country. It is also an essential event in the cultural calendar, with an annual festival held in February to celebrate its significance. Show more
When is the optimal period to travel to Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park in Myanmar?
Visiting from January to April during the dry season is the best time to travel to the park. While the monsoon season, between May and September, can make the roads more treacherous and challenging to navigate, often, elephant trekking is the only option. This being said, exercising extreme caution during these months is highly recommended. Show more
During the rainy season, how can visitors access the park?
In the monsoon season (May to September), heavy rain can make the road leading to Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park treacherous and impassable. Visitors will need to hire elephants for trekking to access the park. Extra care is needed during this time, as the surroundings can become slippery and dangerous. Show more
Is it possible to go elephant trekking through Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park, and if so, how can arrangements be made for the same?
Yes, elephant trekking tours are available to explore the spectacular Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park. Visitors can make arrangements for this fantastic experience through the park's office. Take comfort in knowing it's the optimal way to traverse the park's uneven terrain, making it an enjoyable and comfortable experience for everyone. Show more
